7 Dangerous Mistakes After Back Surgery
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Spinal Surgery Aftermath: Avoiding Complications
Undergoing spinal surgery isn't a decision anyone takes lightly.
It is often the last resort when severe ailments such as
or
spinal stenosis
threaten to cause unrelenting pain, disability, or more dire consequences.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LS)
refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, specifically in the lumbar region.
The lumbar region of the spine consists of five vertebrae, labeled L1 to L5.
In between these vertebrae are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility.
The spinal canal is the hollow space within the vertebrae that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots.
When this space narrows, it can compress the nerves and the spinal cord itself, leading to pain in the lower back, leg pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking.
The complexity of spinal surgery necessitates a deep commitment
to a disciplined and patient recovery process.
Types of Spinal Surgeries
There are various types of lower back surgeries, including laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion, each designed to resolve specific issues.
1. Laminectomy:
This is a surgical procedure often referred to as
decompression surgery.
In this procedure, a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
This pressure is often caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or tumors.
Removing part or all of the lamina allows the surgeon to access the affected area and alleviate the pressure, reducing pain and improving function.
2. Discectomy:
A discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a disc (or part of a disc) in the spine that is putting pressure on a nerve and causing pain.
This pressure can be due to a disc herniation (also known as a slipped or ruptured disc), where the soft inner material of the disc protrudes through the outer layer.
The procedure can be performed as an open surgery or minimally invasive surgery, depending on the specific situation and the surgeon's recommendation.
3. Spinal Fusion:
Spinal fusion is a surgery designed to eliminate motion between two or more vertebrae, thereby reducing pain caused by movement.
This is achieved by fusing the problematic vertebrae together, often with the help of a bone graft and sometimes hardware such as screws and rods.
Over time, the fused vertebrae heal into a single, solid bone.
This procedure is commonly performed for conditions like
Spondylolisthesis
-- a condition where a vertebra in the spine slips out of its correct position and slides over the vertebra below it
Degenerative disc disease
-- Degenerative disk disease is a condition typically associated with aging, where the spinal discs — the soft, cushion-like pads between the bones of the spine — wear down, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes impaired movement.
Recurrent disc herniation
Yet, all these procedures share one commonality: the aftermath is just as crucial as the surgery itself.
A well-guided, conscientious recovery can make the difference between a successful surgical outcome and one riddled with complications.
In this article, we'll spotlight seven dangerous mistakes that hold the potential to derail your recovery after lower back surgery.
My goal is to equip you with knowledge, enabling you to sidestep these hazards, and successfully navigate your path to recovery.
The Importance of a Proper Recovery Process After Spinal Surgery
The recovery process can vary depending on the type of surgery.
For instance, a discectomy might have a quicker recovery time compared to a spinal fusion.
However, regardless of the procedure, all recovery plans generally involve a combination of
Rest
Pain management
Monitoring for signs of complications
Gradually increasing physical activity
Neglecting any aspect of this process could lead to setbacks such as prolonged pain, slower healing, and in some cases, can even undermine the success of the surgery itself.
It's important to take this process seriously and to remain patient and diligent throughout.
Let’s dive into the mistakes that can put you in danger.
7 Dangerous Mistakes That Can Derail Your Recovery After Back Surgery
Mistake # 1: Not Wearing Your Prescribed Back Brace
A back brace is not merely a piece of medical equipment; it's a supportive partner in your healing journey.
Due to the injury and the surgery, the stabilizing muscles of your spine, like the multifidus, might be impaired.
Until these muscles and other stabilizers can resume their functions, the brace provides
Necessary support
Maintains spinal alignment
Protects against unwanted movements that could disrupt recovery
Failing to wear the brace as directed can lead to complications such as
Poor wound healing
Re-injury
Non-union in spinal fusion surgeries
Click Here for an example of a post-surgical back brace
Remember, the brace is an essential part of your recovery, not an optional accessory.
Mistake # 2: Bending, Lifting, and Twisting (BLT)
After surgery, especially if it involves spinal fusion, your spine needs time to heal and stabilize.
The fusion needs adequate time to solidify - this is the primary role of the surgical hardware installed during the operation.
Bending, lifting, and twisting movements can place significant strain on your healing spine, potentially threatening the stability of the fusion.
These movements can increase pressure on the discs, potentially leading to disc herniation, or cause misalignment, which could lead to further complications.
Especially in the early stages of recovery, it's crucial to avoid activities that involve BLT.
Your medical team will provide guidelines on when and how you can safely reintroduce these movements into your daily routine.
So, how can you perform your daily activities...
without being able to bend, twist, and lift?
1. Use assistive devices:
Tools like reachers or grabbers can help you pick up objects without bending over.
Using a long-handled shoehorn can help you put on shoes and a sock and stocking aid is a life-saver!
2. Adopt the "golfer's lift" or "golfer's bend."
It's called this because it mirrors the action that golfers use to pick up a golf ball from the ground.
They balance on one leg while lifting the other straight behind them, similar to a pendulum motion, to prevent stress on the lower back.
This technique is particularly useful for anyone advised to avoid bending their back, such as after certain types of back surgery.
It is usually done like this:
Stand close to the object you need to pick up.
Hold on to a steady support with one hand (such as a table, wall, or even a golf club).
As you lean down toward the object, let one foot rise behind you. Keep your back straight as you do this.
Once you've grasped the object, lower your lifted leg back down to return to standing while keeping your back straight.
As with any technique involving your spine, it's a good idea to consult with your physical therapist to ensure you're doing it correctly and safely.
3. Raise things to waist height:
Adjust the height of frequently used objects and surfaces so that you can access them easily without bending or stretching.
This might involve
Raising your chair at a desk
Using a raised toilet seat
Placing items on shelves at waist height
4. Avoid heavy lifting:
If you must lift something, ensure it's light.
Use your legs and knees rather than your back and always keep the item close to your body. For heavier objects, ask for help or use a trolley or wheeled cart.
Mistake # 3: Neglecting to Gradually and Continuously Increase Walking Distances
Post-surgery recovery is not just about movement; it's about strategic progress.
Walking is a low-impact activity that stimulates blood circulation, aids in healing, and helps stabilize your spine.
The key to leveraging walking for recovery is a gradual but continuous increase in distance.
Walking the same short distance every day might feel comfortable, but it will not contribute as effectively to your recovery as steadily increasing your distances.
Overexertion can lead to fatigue and pain, but not walking enough could result in slower recovery.
Start with short, manageable distances, and then consistently challenge yourself to walk a bit further as your strength and stamina improve.
Using a good walker will help you in the beginning stages of your recovery to walk more evenly, without stressing your spine.
A walker with a seat and 4 wheels (called a Rollator) will allow you to walk longer distances without worrying that you might run out of steam.
Mistake # 4: Ignoring Signs of Infection
Any surgical procedure, including back surgery, comes with a risk of infection.
Symptoms such as
Persistent fever
Redness
Swelling
Excessive pain at the surgical site
Unusual or excessive discharge from the incision
should not be ignored.
These may be indicators of an underlying infection that requires immediate attention.
If left untreated, an infection can cause severe complications, delay healing, and even necessitate further surgery.
ALWAYS REPORT ANY SUCH SYMPTOMS
TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PROMPTLY
Mistake # 5: Sitting for Long Periods
Long periods of sitting can increase pressure on your healing spine, potentially causing pain and discomfort.
It's important to find a balance and alternate between sitting, standing, lying down, and walking at regular intervals.
Always remember to use correct posture and support when sitting or standing.
Over time, as your recovery progresses, you will be able to tolerate longer periods in each position.
But initially, try to change positions every 20 – 30 minutes.
Mistake # 6: Resuming High-Impact Activities Too Soon
It's a common and understandable desire to want to regain your pre-surgery fitness levels and return to normal activities as swiftly as possible.
However, rushing back into high-impact activities, such as weight lifting, competitive sports, or even strenuous everyday activities, can jeopardize your recovery.
This mistake is often seen in younger, previously fit patients who may underestimate the impact of their surgery.
Despite good intentions, their early return to strenuous activities can put excessive strain on the still-healing spine and risk compromising the surgical repair.
Even activities that seem beneficial can be detrimental if introduced too soon.
Following back surgery, the level of physical activity needs to be significantly reduced, much more than most patients anticipate.
Always adhere to your surgeon's advice about when it's safe to return to high-impact activities.
Ensure that when you do reintroduce them, you do so gradually and under appropriate guidance.
It's crucial to remember that healing takes time, and rushing the process can do more harm than good.
Mistake # 7: Not Staying Hydrated and Maintaining Electrolyte Balance
Hydration plays a crucial role in the healing process.
Water transports essential nutrients to the healing site and aids in removing waste products.
Furthermore, maintaining a balanced intake of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium is equally important.
Electrolytes are minerals that help
Regulate nerve and muscle function
Balance blood acidity and pressure
Rebuild damaged tissue
Neglecting to stay adequately hydrated or not maintaining electrolyte balance can
Slow your recovery
Cause muscle cramps
Lead to other health complications.
Drinking plenty of water will also help with constipation, a common side effect of some pain medications.
Aim to drink plenty of fluids daily, and consider incorporating foods or drinks with essential electrolytes, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Always remember to follow any specific dietary or fluid intake advice given by your healthcare team, especially if you have other health conditions such as kidney or heart disease.
Conclusion
Lower back surgery is a significant procedure that demands a carefully executed recovery process.
It's all too easy to fall into one of the many pitfalls:
Neglecting the use of a prescribed back brace
Engaging in bending, lifting, or twisting activities
Not walking enough
Overlooking signs of infection
Remaining sedentary for too long
Resuming high-impact activities too soon
Failing to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance
Each of these mistakes can pose serious threats to your recovery, potentially leading to complications, prolonged pain, and even additional surgeries.
But, with vigilance and patience, these pitfalls are entirely avoidable.
In your recovery journey, remember that your actions post-surgery are as crucial as the operation itself.
Each step you take in your healing process, no matter how small, brings you closer to a healthier, pain-free life.
Follow the rehab program designed for you by your surgeon and physical therapist, pay attention to your body, and take the necessary precautions to promote optimal healing.
Recovering from lower back surgery isn't a race—it's a journey of healing
So take it one day at a time, stay positive, and before you know it, you'll be back on your feet, engaging in the activities you love, only this time without the pain.
I hope that the insights shared in this article will guide you toward a successful recovery after lower back surgery.
If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with others who might be on a similar journey.
Together, we can make the road to recovery a little less daunting.
Don't forget to sign up for my blog and receive our "Guide to Simple and Effective Stretching" absolutely FREE!
Below you'll find a list of related articles that can offer further insights.
I also encourage you to explore other articles on our website for relief solutions to lower back, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and foot/ankle injuries.
Remember, you're not alone in your journey.
I am here to provide the information and support you need.
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