Back or neck pain and other painful complications affecting your back can make your life challenging. Even though there are several conservative options to manage the condition, sometimes spine surgery becomes the only option to give you relief effectively. But you should not worry as your surgery can be less complicated. Jocelyn Idema, DO, a Pittsburgh board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, can offer you minimally invasive spine surgery to effectively improve your condition with minimal risk of complications and faster recovery. But you can improve your recovery more by taking the necessary steps. The following tips can help you.
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Take Good Care of Your Body
Your body requires strength as it heals itself after back surgery. Besides, better health will only increase your chances of a smooth procedure and recovery. You should always take care of your body whether going for surgery or not, and you should only improve it when you are booked for the procedure. Even as you prepare for the treatment, you can consult your surgeon on how you can care for your body to withstand the treatment. After your treatment, you will also have to up your game and take good care of your body. This includes eating a balanced and healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Prepare for Your Discharge
Depending on the depth of your surgery, you might spend a few days at the clinic under your provider’s watch. But eventually, you will be discharged to go home. You can make some arrangements about who will take and drive you home from the hospital, particularly a close friend or relative. While your provider will have prepared you for the first four significant elements of your recovery, be keen to follow the instructions carefully. Ensure you consult your doctor about anything before you go home to ensure you do everything right once you are discharged.
Make Your Home Safe
This is something you should do before your surgery. Depending on the severity of your condition, you might not be able to do everything, and you might require to ask for a hand from your close friend or relative. Your mobility will be limited as you recover, and it would be best if you had everything you need, particularly the necessities at easy reach, mainly at the waist level. Also, secure the bedroom and bathroom by installing lights, using a non-skid mat, installing a toilet seat raiser, and other relevant adjustments. Remember to keep a phone near your bed.
Manage Your Pain
Your provider will give you some prescriptions to help you manage pain during your recovery. Ensure you take the medications accurately as instructed. You can also try other pain-relieving techniques such as ice, movement, relaxation, and distraction. Should your pain become unbearable even after these attempts, please contact your doctor immediately for intervention.
Seek Follow-up Appointments
Depending on your treatment, it would be necessary to attend rehab or physical therapy to help you recover. It is also essential to go for follow-up appointments with your doctor to discuss your recovery and address your unique needs. The visits are essential as your provider will assess your progress and offer advice accordingly.
If you have a back issue, reach out to Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center to learn your treatment options. Dr. Idema is an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery and will help you through treatment and recovery when surgery is your option.
