If you have recently undergone lumber fusion surgery to eliminate your chronic low back pain, you may wonder how to reclaim an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
The recovery following a major surgery like lumbar fusion may seem daunting, especially when regaining your active lifestyle. However, with the right knowledge and approach, you can return to the activities you love.
Let’s talk about the steps you can follow to get back to an active lifestyle following lumber fusion and where you can go for outstanding treatment of lumbar fusion in Colorado Springs, CO.
#1 Identify Which Lifestyle Activities Are Safe to Do After Surgery
After your lumbar spine fusion, your spine surgeon will provide you with postoperative instructions, which may include safe lifestyle activities.
Generally, you will be advised to keep your spine in proper alignment and may be taught how to sit, stand, walk, reposition, and move properly. You may not be allowed to bathe in a tub or swim until your wound heals.
As your symptoms, like post-op pain, improve, you can engage in light activities like dressing, walking, and other self-care activities.
Around 6 to 10 weeks after the surgery, you can start a light weight-training program that does not put a load on the lumbar spine and gradually increase the weight to more than 10 lbs.
#2 Develop an Exercise Plan
During your stay in the surgery center, you will meet your physical therapist, who will teach you body mechanics and perform gentle exercises.
After your discharge from the surgery center, your physiotherapist will work with you and develop an exercise plan to stabilize and strengthen your back muscles. Your physical therapist may also provide techniques and strategies to improve spine flexibility and overall functional ability.
You may start vigorous strengthening exercises once the incision is closed and the surgeon permits.
#3 Understand the Importance of Proper Rest and Nutrition
Proper rest and nutrition are crucial in returning to an active lifestyle after a lumbar spine fusion.
Adequate rest facilitates healing, prevents strain, reduces re-injury risk, and manages pain. Similarly, a balanced diet rich in nutrients can strengthen your immune system, supports tissue healing, and promotes bone health.
#4 Get Educated on How to Manage Any Lingering Pain
It’s not uncommon to have some pain after the lumbar spine fusion. This pain is the natural part of the healing process.
After the surgery, your surgeon will use a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and local anesthetics to minimize your short-term pain.
However, some patients may experience lingering pain that can hinder their return to an active lifestyle.
If you experience lingering pain, it’s best to consult your spine surgeon, who can provide some general strategies and techniques to manage it. Typically, lingering pain is managed with a multidimensional approach, which may include medications, relaxation techniques, physical therapy, and exercise and lifestyle modifications.
Back Surgery in Colorado Springs, CO
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we have a team of neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons committed to providing advanced and innovative treatments for your chronic low back pain so you can get back to your active lifestyle faster. In addition to conservative and surgical treatments, we offer minimally invasive procedures with shorter recovery periods and quick healing.
To know more about our services or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our easy-to-use online appointment request form.
