If you're preparing to have a microdiscectomy to address issues with a herniated or damaged spinal disc or you've recently had this procedure, you can increase your odds of enjoying positive results by being cautious when necessary and taking steps that are good for your spine. Here are some of the common dos and don’ts to keep in mind after microdiscectomy surgery.
Do: Watch for Signs of an Infection
Let your doctor or surgeon know if you have a fever or notice redness or swelling around the incision site shortly after your microdiscectomy. Minimize your infection risk by following guidelines for bathing or showering, changing dressings, and taking post-surgery medication.
Don’t: Forget to Stick to Your Physical Therapy Routine
After microdiscectomy surgery, you’ll likely be referred to a physical therapist so you can safely strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Don't ignore recommendations for exercises, sciatica stretches, or similar therapeutic techniques you can safely do between physical therapy sessions. The purpose is to facilitate the healing and recovery process.
Do: Make an Effort to Move as Much as Possible
It might be tempting to default to resting mode after a discectomy. However, too much inactivity and lack of movement isn’t beneficial either. Instead, make an effort to move around as much as possible to increase circulation and maintain flexibility as you recover.
Don’t: Overdo It
Don’t be in a rush to get back to your preferred level of activity. Even with a less invasive procedure like a microdiscectomy, your spine still needs time to heal. Even if you’re feeling fine, check with your doctor before you get back to work or step up your level of activity.
Do: Provide Feedback as You Recover
Your recovery following microdiscectomy surgery will be more productive if you provide ongoing feedback to your medical team as you heal and get back to your regular routine. Your input also helps your doctor and physical therapist determine what kind of adjustments to make to your post-surgery treatment plan.
Don’t: Ignore Advice from Your Doctor
Pay attention to any advice you’re given during your follow-up appointments with your doctor. If you disagree with anything he or she recommends, don’t be shy about asking questions or voicing your opinion so you can learn more about why your doctor is suggesting certain things for you.
Do: Prioritize a Spine-Friendly Diet & Lifestyle
Use your discectomy surgery as a reason to adopt more spine-friendly habits. Your efforts will be rewarded with a reduced risk of future spine-related issues. Some of the good things you can do for your spine post-surgery include:
• Eating more nutrient-rich foods
• Making an effort to exercise regularly
• Improving your posture and avoiding long periods of sitting
• Getting sufficient sleep and using a supportive mattress
Don’t: Make Movements that Could Contribute to Reinjury
Finally, avoid movements that could place too much stress on your spine after you've had microdiscectomy surgery. These include excessive bending, reaching, and lifting. Repetitive movements should also be minimized, especially ones involving the area around where the problem disc was located.
Although discectomy surgery is generally a very successful procedure, patients with a larger hole in the outer ring of the disc have a significantly higher risk of reherniation following surgery. Often, the surgeon won’t know the size of the hole until he or she begins surgery. A new treatment, Barricaid, which is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, was specifically designed to close the large hole often left in the spinal disc after microdiscectomy. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and doesn’t require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. In a large-scale study, 95 percent of Barricaid patients didn’t undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study timeframe.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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