If your doctor recommends spine or neck surgery, you can expect to feel much better and live with less pain after your procedure. You will, however, need to give your body time to heal once the surgery is done. Pain and stiffness are common after back and neck surgeries, but there are ways to minimize discomfort and promote successful healing.
Stay on Schedule
Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on your post-operative medications strictly. This is particularly true of pain medications. It is far better to stay ahead of the pain than it is to wait for the pain medication to work. Take prescriptions for pain and other medications as directed even if you're feeling good. Follow your physical therapy regimen diligently as well. Although these exercises may seem difficult at first, they are a crucial tool for restoring mobility.
Have the Right Tools …show more content…
You will need shoes with rubber soles to prevent a fall. Opt for slip-ons to avoid bending over to tie shoelaces. A toilet seat riser will make using the facilities easier and a bath mat will keep you from slipping in the shower. You may also wish to consider using a shower seat to make bathing easier. Place a long-handled brush in the shower so you can clean your body without bending and twisting. Keep a grabber handy, too, so you can easily reach over your head or pick things up off the floor without stretching or bending.
Eat Well
Your body will need certain vitamins and minerals in order to heal, so make sure you provide them. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium and protein. These nutrients will help heal the collagen in your body as well as your muscles. Magnesium also helps your body use calcium more efficiently, which is important for healing bones. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated as you heal, and avoid foods high in sugar as they can depress your immune system.
Stay in
Stay on Schedule
Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on your post-operative medications strictly. This is particularly true of pain medications. It is far better to stay ahead of the pain than it is to wait for the pain medication to work. Take prescriptions for pain and other medications as directed even if you're feeling good. Follow your physical therapy regimen diligently as well. Although these exercises may seem difficult at first, they are a crucial tool for restoring mobility.
Have the Right Tools …show more content…
You will need shoes with rubber soles to prevent a fall. Opt for slip-ons to avoid bending over to tie shoelaces. A toilet seat riser will make using the facilities easier and a bath mat will keep you from slipping in the shower. You may also wish to consider using a shower seat to make bathing easier. Place a long-handled brush in the shower so you can clean your body without bending and twisting. Keep a grabber handy, too, so you can easily reach over your head or pick things up off the floor without stretching or bending.
Eat Well
Your body will need certain vitamins and minerals in order to heal, so make sure you provide them. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium and protein. These nutrients will help heal the collagen in your body as well as your muscles. Magnesium also helps your body use calcium more efficiently, which is important for healing bones. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated as you heal, and avoid foods high in sugar as they can depress your immune system.
Stay in