Wouldn’t it be great if you felt 100% the day after a minimally invasive spine surgery procedure? We strive to provide our patients with the newest spine care technologies and less invasive surgical methods, but recovery still takes time. In the hours, days and weeks after your procedure it is important to properly care for your body so you can heal quickly and start feeling your best. Here are some tips:

Wear Comfortable Clothing

We recommend that our patients come to their spine procedure appointments in comfortable clothing. This is true with almost any procedure from an epidural injection to spinal fusion surgery. After your procedure you may be sore and comfortable clothing will be appreciated. Don’t stop wearing comfy clothing as soon as you get home. Wear clothes that allow you to easily move until your recovery is complete. Comfortable clothing that don’t rub on the incision site are also a key, as having tight clothes with waist line right on the incision site may cause delayed healing and increase chance of infection.

Get the Help You Need

Minimally invasive procedures help you to recover more quickly than traditional surgical methods, but that doesn’t mean you should be out lifting heavy items or mowing the lawn the day you get home. Before your procedure enlist some help for your recovery period. This might mean hiring someone to walk the dogs for a few weeks or having a friend help with the housework. You may also need a little help immediately after your procedure. We recommend that you have someone drive you home, since you may be unable to drive immediately after your surgery.

Don’t Overdo It

Giving your body time to adequately heal is essential to a good recovery. Overdoing it can slow healing or cause permanent damage. Ask your doctor what activities you can safely do and which you cannot do during the recovery period. Bear in mind that some medications may inhibit your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Also understand that no matter how good you feel right after surgery, you must follow the instructions you provider has given to you in regards to the activities post operatively!

Don’t Overset Your Expectations

Ask your doctor to help you set realistic recovery expectations. How soon will you be able to return to work? What are the expected results of the procedure? Realistic expectations will help you plan accordingly and make the needed preparations for a safe recovery. Don’t expect your body to perform better than average. Some of our patients recover more quickly than expected, but others take longer. You cannot force your body to recovering more quickly than it is able.

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor is here to help you choose the best treatment route for your condition. Whether you need sciatica relief or have bulging discs, we can help you determine your best treatment plan. Asking questions will help you understand your options.

Follow Your Seattle Spine Surgeon’s Instructions

You will receive discharge and care instructions after a procedure. Pay close attention to the instructions you receive and follow the directions carefully. Your medications will work more effectively when you take the proper dosages at the proper times. Wait to restore physical activity until your doctor is confident that your body is ready.

Spinal surgery provides many people with back and sciatica pain relief, but recovery is often needed. These tips will help you make the most of your recovery period. Contact us today and see how we can help you.

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