If you have undergone a discectomy, you may be wondering how much weight you can safely carry after the surgery. A discectomy is a procedure that removes a herniated or degenerated disc from the spine, relieving pressure on the spinal nerves and reducing pain, numbness, and weakness. While a discectomy can improve your quality of life, it also requires some precautions and limitations during the recovery period.
This article explains the factors that affect your weight-bearing capacity after a discectomy, how to protect your spine from injury, and exercises you can do to strengthen your core and back muscles. It also provides some tips on how to lift and carry objects safely and comfortably.
Understanding Your Body Following Discectomy Surgery
Before determining how much weight you can carry, it is vital to comprehend the changes in your body after a discectomy. This surgery involves the removal of a portion of a herniated or damaged disc to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. While it alleviates pain and discomfort, it also affects the structural integrity of your spine. The removed disc does not grow back, and your spine may be more susceptible to stress and strain.Factors that Affect Your Weight-Bearing Capacity
There is no definitive answer to how much weight you can carry after a discectomy, as it depends on several factors, such as:- The type and extent of the surgery – A microdiscectomy, which is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small incision and a microscope, may allow for faster recovery and fewer restrictions than an open discectomy, which involves a larger incision and more tissue damage.
- The location of the surgery – A discectomy in the lower back (lumbar spine) may affect your weight-bearing capacity more than a discectomy in the neck (cervical spine), as the lower back bears more weight and stress than the neck.
- Your age and overall health – Younger and healthier patients may recover faster and have fewer complications than older and less healthy patients.
- Your doctor’s recommendations – Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how much weight you can carry after a discectomy based on your individual condition and progress. You should follow these instructions carefully and avoid lifting or carrying anything heavier than what your doctor allows.
Assessing Your Limitations
While your surgeon’s advice is crucial, understanding your own limitations is equally important. Pay close attention to your body’s signals. Start with light activities like walking and gradually progress to more demanding tasks. If you experience pain, numbness, or weakness in your limbs while lifting or carrying objects, stop immediately. These sensations may indicate you are exceeding your capacity.
How to Protect Your Spine from Injury
After a discectomy, your spine may be more vulnerable to injury, especially in the first few weeks or months. To protect your spine from further damage, you should:- Avoid bending, twisting, or reaching for objects above your head or below your waist.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Change your position frequently and take breaks to stretch or walk around.
- Use proper posture when sitting, standing, or lying down. Keep your spine aligned and supported by using a pillow, a lumbar roll, or an ergonomic chair.
- Wear a brace or corset if prescribed by your doctor. This can stabilize your spine and prevent excessive movement.
Exercises to Strengthen Your Core and Back Muscles
One of the best ways to prevent future spinal problems is to strengthen your core and back muscles, which support your spine and distribute the weight load. However, you should not start any exercise program without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor will advise you on when and how to start exercising after a discectomy, depending on your recovery stage.
Some of the exercises your doctor may recommend include:
- Pelvic tilts – Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and gently tilt your pelvis upward, flattening your lower back against the floor. Hold for five seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Knee-to-chest stretches – Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee up to your chest and hold it with both hands. Gently pull it toward you until you feel a stretch in your lower back. Hold for 15 seconds and then switch legs. Repeat three times with each leg.
- Partial crunches – Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms over your chest or place them behind your head. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your shoulders off the floor, keeping your neck in line with your spine. Hold for two seconds and then lower slowly. Repeat 10 times.
- Bridging – Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your buttock muscles and lift your hips off the floor until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold for five seconds and then lower slowly. Repeat 10 times.
How to Lift and Carry Objects Safely and Comfortably
Even if you follow the weight limit your doctor sets, you still need to use proper techniques when lifting or carrying objects after a discectomy. Here are some tips to avoid injuring your spine:- Plan ahead – Before you lift or carry anything, assess the weight, size, and shape of the object and decide where you will place it. If possible, use a cart, dolly, or helper to move heavy or bulky items.
- Get close to the object – Avoid reaching or stretching for the object. Instead, get as close as possible to it and position your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees and hips – Keep your back straight and use your legs to lift the object. Do not bend or twist your spine.
- Hold the object close to your body – Keep the object at waist level and avoid holding it above your head or below your knees.
- Move slowly and smoothly – Do not jerk or toss the object. Use small steps and turn with your feet, not your waist.
- Set the object down carefully – Reverse the lifting process and lower the object with your legs, not your back. Do not drop or throw the object.
Gradually Returning to Normal Activities
Recovery after a discectomy is a journey, not a sprint. Avoid rushing into strenuous activities or attempting to carry heavy loads too soon. Listen to your body, and work with your medical team to create a timeline for your return to normal activities. It is essential to strike a balance between pushing yourself to recover and ensuring your safety.The question of how much weight you can carry after a discectomy does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. It is a combination of your surgeon’s guidance, your personal limitations, and your dedication to a safe recovery. Prioritize communication with your medical team, and be patient with yourself. Your ultimate goal should be not just carrying weight safely but also enjoying a pain-free and active life. With time, proper care, and the right mindset, you can regain your strength and confidence post-discectomy.
Even though a discectomy is a common and generally quite successful back surgery procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, 70 percent of all reherniations come from large holes in the disc. These reherniations often require additional surgery or even fusions. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-705-1081.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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