Of course, after spinal surgery due to nerve compression or spinal injury, patients will be able to stand up and start practicing walking by the 2nd to 3rd day after surgery. There may be some wound pain, which is a normal symptom after surgery and can be relieved by taking medication.
Different types of surgery… require different recovery times
Usually, each patient will have a different recovery time after surgery. Some patients who undergo spinal surgery at only one level will recover quickly, but those who have multi-level surgery or spinal metal support may require a longer recovery period.
Early recovery phase after spinal surgery
After surgery, if the patient has limb weakness (Neurological Deficit), the doctor will consider sending them for physical therapy or occupational therapy before allowing them to recover at home. This is divided into 2 phases:
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- Acute phase: Within 3 days after surgery, proper lying positions will be arranged, patients will be taught how to turn on their side correctly, and some may be instructed on how to use spinal support devices.
- Rehabilitation phase: Within 4-7 days after surgery, patients will be trained in daily activities, balance, standing, walking, and encouraged to move independently.
Additionally, preparing by providing knowledge and understanding about the disease and preparing the environment for the patient when they return home for recovery is important for the family or caregivers.
Self-care after spinal surgery according to doctor’s advice
In most cases, the surgical wound can be exposed to water once it has fully healed. After suture removal, if the wound is well-healed without signs of inflammation (pain, swelling, redness, heat), the area can be exposed to water 3 days after suture removal. It is recommended to use a clean cloth to pat dry and avoid applying powder or lotion on the wound. In cases of dissolvable sutures (no need for suture removal), the doctor will open the wound within 7-14 days after surgery. After that, the wound can be exposed to water 3 days later. However, wound healing varies among individuals. Slow healing may be due to the patient’s strength, age, or certain underlying diseases such as diabetes.
Some types of spinal surgery may require the use of spinal support devices, which are generally recommended to be worn for 1-2 months after surgery or as prescribed by the doctor.
Avoid certain activities for faster recovery
Besides self-care, there are certain activities to avoid, such as frequent bending or excessive back arching. Do not lift, drag, or carry heavy objects over 4 kilograms. Avoid reaching for items on high shelves for at least 4 weeks after surgery. Contact sports like football or basketball are not recommended for at least 6-8 weeks after surgery. For those who need to use a vehicle, driving, riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, or long-distance driving is not recommended for at least 6-8 weeks after surgery.
Walking exercise helps stretch back muscles
Walking exercise should be done by gradually increasing the walking distance each day while wearing shoes with soft heels to absorb impact during walking or exercise. If the wound has healed but there is still tightness in the back, exercise to stretch muscles and strengthen muscles as advised by the doctor and physical therapist is recommended.
Proper postures to follow after spinal surgery
- Standing posture: Stand with chest out, shoulders back, and back straight. If standing for a long time, use a footrest.
- Sitting posture: Sit with a straight back leaning against the chair backrest. Use a chair of appropriate height and avoid sitting for more than 20 minutes.
- Lifting posture: Squat down, lift objects close to the body, and stand up using leg muscles, not back muscles.
- Carrying posture: Hold objects as close to the body as possible.
- Driving posture: Sit with back against the seat, knees slightly bent above hip level.
Seek medical attention immediately if these abnormal symptoms occur after surgery
- Increasing wound pain, wound discharge, swelling, redness, or wound separation
- Pain, tingling, numbness, or increased weakness in the shoulder, arm, or leg
- Inability to urinate
- Spinal deformity, observed as abnormal curvature or bending of the spine
