Spine injuries and conditions can be terrifying and for good reason. They can, after all, put you at risk for other health problems, mainly if it involves the spinal cord. Fortunately, there are surgical procedures that can treat and address these conditions. However, the treatment process does not end with surgery – it includes comprehensive care, therapy, and other recovery factors.
Here’s why it’s critical that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions:
To Facilitate A Safe And Speedy Recovery
After your spine surgery, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions about what you should and shouldn’t do in terms of activity and wound care. It’s essential you follow the instructions very carefully to ensure your safe and timely recovery.
One of the most important instructions is for you to rest for quite some time. Your condition and the surgical procedure may leave you feeling weak and numb. The surgery may also possibly cause some side effects, primarily if your doctor used general anesthesia. Considering these factors, you must heed their directions to rest, stay in bed, and refrain from strenuous activities. Otherwise, you could expose yourself to injuries.
Another common instruction from providers for post-op care is to ask someone you trust to monitor and help you. You shouldn’t exert yourself after your surgery, which means you must have someone assist you when getting around your home. In addition, you need somebody to monitor you in case complications arise or you injure yourself.
To Prevent Infection And Reduce Scarring
Spinal surgeries require stitches to close the surgical site wound. The same is true even for minimally invasive spine surgeries. Your orthopedic surgeon will give you direct instructions on cleaning, maintaining, and redressing the wound. Your practitioner will also advise you to monitor the surgery site closely for any signs of unusual appearance or activity.
Wound care is an essential aspect of your recovery. You must take it seriously or you could risk developing an infection. Surgical sites need to be clean and dry to ensure that no bacteria gets in. Irritation and inflammation might occur if you don’t clean the region properly, leading to several potential complications.
One more reason why your doctor will ask you to refrain from doing activities is to help your wound heal fast and well. If you aggravate the injured area, you may tear your stitches by accident. That may cause scarring and bleeding, but you can prevent this by not moving around too much unless necessary.
To Avoid Re-Injury
Your spine is always at a higher risk of reinjury if your condition isn’t fully healed. To avoid this, heed your provider’s instructions about rest and activity restrictions until you are fully healed.
In some cases, an orthopedic specialist may require you to wear an assistive device like a brace to help support your back. Understandably, you may feel restless and fidgety from being inactive and being required to wear a brace. However, appliances may be necessary to recover fast and avoid worsening your condition. Rushing your recovery period may only result in you getting hurt.
The rest period typically doesn’t last for too long. Your doctor may advise you to return to low-level activities to help you become stronger. They may also recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility, and prevent future injury. The one thing you won’t be allowed to do is participate in strenuous activities for several months.
To Look Out For Post-Op Complications
Surgical procedures, especially the risky ones, require a period of post-op monitoring. Observation and rehabilitation allow you and your healthcare provider to keep an eye on possible complications.
Although rare, some surgeries fail and require a follow-up procedure. You need to follow your doctor’s instructions to monitor both your condition and stability. They’ll also tell you what to do should complications arise, and you need to remember those for your safety.
Always keep in mind that the treatment process does not end once the surgery is over. Your total recovery will also hinge on what you do afterward, especially with post-op care. It may be tempting to skip some reminders from your doctor, but remember that they are for your safety.
Spine Surgery In Westlake And Avon, OH
Surgeries are no light matter, even minimally invasive ones. No matter what kind of surgical procedure you undergo, it’s always best to follow your provider’s instructions for post-op care. That way, you can have a safe and speedy recovery, and you can prevent other complications from arising.
If you’re looking for a clinic that offers spine surgery in Westlake and Avon, look no further than Orthopaedic Associates. We have board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who can give you the comprehensive care you deserve, from diagnosis to recovery. Our associates in orthopedics also specialize in sports and trauma medicine. If you want to know more about our services, you may call our friendly staff at (440) 892-1440. If you want to schedule a consultation, you may use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
