How To Make Home Recovery A Breeze After Spinal Fusion

A spinal fusion procedure can help you get back to participating in a number of your favorite activities and living a more independent life, but getting to this point won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take months for you to make a full recovery, and that process begins at home following your discharge from the surgery center. We want your recovery to get off to a great start, so in today’s blog, we shine a light on some of the ways you can make your home recovery a breeze after spinal fusion.

Home Recovery After Spinal Fusion

If you’re curious about what your recovery timeline will look like, head on over to this blog that covers a general recovery timeline after spinal fusion. Below, we’re going to look at how to keep your recovery on track during the early stages of recovery after discharge.

1. Healthy Rest – It is imperative that you do not put too much strain on your spine when it is in a weakened state during your recovery, so you’ll want to get plenty of rest at the outset. However, it’s also important to remember that just because you’re not up and moving, it doesn’t mean that your spine is in a healthy and relaxed position. Sitting and laying down can be hard on your back depending on your position and the support provided by your mattress or chair, so strive to have a healthy posture that limits stress on the portion of your spine that is working to fuse together.
2. Early Movement – We know that we just told you to take it easy, but safe movement during the early stages of your home recovery is also incredibly helpful for your spine. Movement helps to change how stress is dispersed along your spine, which works to prevent muscle atrophy during a period when you’ll be less active than normal, and it makes it easier for nutrient-rich blood to get to the structures that need it most. Improved circulation helps with tissue recovery and bone fusion, so get up and move every day in line with the recommendations provided by your care team.
3. Eat Right – Speaking of nutrient-rich blood, your body is going to want plenty of healthy vitamins and minerals to help fuel recovery, and you can do this best through a regimented diet. Getting a range of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains will help your body get what it needs to fuel recovery, and it will also help you maintain an ideal weight. Excess calorie consumption paired with decreased physical activity is a recipe for weight gain, which will serve to put additional stress on your recovering spine.
4. Mind Your Movement – You’re going to need to be protective of your spine during the early stages of recovery, and that includes being mindful of how to move your spine safely. Instead of turning your head to the side, move your whole body so that your spine isn’t twisting or stressed. You also want to be in a healthy sleeping position since you’ll be in this position for an extended period. Your surgeon will explain the optimal sleeping position for your recovery, but most will recommend that you sleep on your back or your side, as sleeping on your stomach can push your spine out of a healthy alignment.
5. Develop A Medication Regimen – Odds are you will be given prescription medications or over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage discomfort at home. Talk with your care team about the best way to stay ahead of your discomfort without overrelying on medications. Your care team will explain the best ways to gradually wean off any painkillers if this process could be a challenge. Develop a regular routine when it comes to taking your medication, and be sure to store them in a safe place so that they stay out of reach of those who shouldn’t have access to them.
6. Dive Into PT – Finally, physical therapy will be the single best thing you can do to restore function and movement in your spine as you progress through your rehab. Once you’ve been cleared for physical therapy, set up your appointments and be sure to attend and participate fully in each session. Odds are the exercises won’t stop there, as you’ll likely be asked to complete some home-based exercises to continue your progress when you’re not at the clinic. Be sure to do these as directed by your physical therapist, as this will ensure you make the strongest recovery possible.

If you do all of the above and you trust your care to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, we know that you’ll have a high likelihood of a successful surgery and recovery. For more information, or for help with a different back or neck issue, give our team a call today at (651) 430-3800.