After Your Spine Surgery
Pain Management
The pain you feel before your surgery is different from the pain you will feel after surgery.
These tips will help you deal with pain as you recover:
- Set realistic expectations about pain while you are healing
- Healing can take several months or up to a year for full recovery
- Narcotic medications alone cannot relieve all pain
Non-Narcotic Approaches to Decrease Pain
- Aromatherapy
- Activities such as coloring, puzzles, hobbies and word searches
- Cold therapy
- Guided imagery
- Meditation
- Therapeutic breathing
You just had major surgery and will need rest periods.
Preventing Blood Clots
One of the risks after surgery is developing a blood clot. To prevent this, you will need to walk so that blood flow increases in your legs. You may also be prescribed blood-thinning medication after surgery.
Your care team in the hospital will discuss your discharge instructions, including:
- Medication(s) to stop
- Medication(s) to start
- When to call the care team with possible problems
Preventing Post-Surgery Infection
To prevent pneumonia after your surgery, you will need to do the following:
- Use an incentive spirometer (10 times each hour)
- Cough and take deep breaths
- Get up and move
Cleanliness
If you must touch your incision, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after with soap and water.
Activity
- Continue walking a few times each day, according to your physician orders.
- Continue with PT and OT if they have been ordered.
Physician Instructions
Your physician's instruction for your surgery and recovery may differ from this information based on your health condition(s). Always follow all instructions from your physician.