Back Pain Treatment Aftercare
Recovery takes time. Expect at least 3 to 4 months for healing, with full recovery potentially lasting up to a year, depending on the procedure. If you’re young and healthy, you might be off work for 4 to 6 weeks, but older patients or those with more extensive surgeries may need longer.
Wound Care: Follow your doctor’s advice on caring for your incision. Typically, keep it dry for the first week and check with your doctor about when you can shower.
Avoid Tobacco: Smoking slows healing, especially after surgery.
Activity Adjustments:
- Limit sitting to 20-30 minutes at a time.
- Sleep in positions that don’t cause pain; ask your doctor for guidance based on your condition.
- Use a back brace as directed but remove it briefly when sitting on the bed.
- Avoid bending at the waist; squat to pick things up, and don’t lift anything over 10 pounds.
Walking and Movement: Start with short walks in the first two weeks and gradually increase your distance. You may use the stairs once a day if comfortable. Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor or therapist.
Pain Management: Stick to your prescribed pain medications and take them proactively to manage discomfort.
When to Contact Your Doctor: Reach out if you experience:
- Fever over 38.3°C
- Increased pain or unusual drainage from your incision
- Numbness in your limbs
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling
- Worsening back pain that doesn’t improve with rest and medication
By following these guidelines and focusing on your recovery, you can enhance your healing journey and return to the activities you love.
Results of Back Pain Treatment
You will build strong muscles that properly support your back, leading to less or no back pain and a reduced risk of complications, such as leg weakness and bladder or bowel issues.
Combining procedures with medications and rehabilitation helps maintain these positive results over the long term.
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