A discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of a damaged disc from the spine. It can relieve pain, numbness, and weakness caused by a herniated or bulging disc. However, recovering from a discectomy can take several weeks or months, and you may need to follow some precautions to avoid complications and promote healing.
One of the most common questions patients have after back surgery procedures such as discectomy is whether they can sit in a recliner. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on several factors, such as the type of surgery, the location of the disc, and your individual condition. This article will explain some of the pros and cons of sitting in a recliner after a discectomy and offer some tips on how to do it safely and comfortably.
Pros of Sitting in a Recliner After a Discectomy
Sitting in a recliner can have some benefits for a patient who has undergone a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy, such as:
- Reducing pressure on the spine – A recliner can allow you to adjust the angle of your back and legs, which can reduce the pressure on your spine and the surrounding muscles and nerves. This can ease pain and inflammation and prevent further damage to the disc.
- Increasing blood circulation – A recliner can also increase blood circulation in your lower body, which can facilitate healing and prevent blood clots. By elevating your legs above your heart level, you can reduce swelling and fluid retention in your legs and feet.
- Enhancing comfort and relaxation – A recliner can provide more comfort and support than a regular chair or sofa, especially if it has features such as lumbar support, massage, or heat. A recliner can also help you relax and reduce stress, which can boost your mood.
Cons of Sitting in a Recliner After a Discectomy
However, sitting in a recliner after a discectomy can also have some drawbacks, such as:
- Increasing stiffness and soreness – Sitting for too long in any position can cause stiffness and soreness in your muscles and joints, which can slow down your discectomy recovery and increase your pain. Sitting in a recliner can also make it harder to get up and move around, which is essential for preventing stiffness and maintaining flexibility.
- Interfering with proper posture – A recliner can also interfere with proper posture if it is not adjusted correctly or if you slouch or lean forward while sitting. Poor posture can put more strain on your spine and affect the alignment of your vertebrae, which can lead to more pain and complications.
- Delaying functional recovery – A recliner can also delay your functional recovery if you rely on it too much or use it as a substitute for other activities. Sitting in a recliner can make you less active and less motivated to perform physical therapy or exercises that are crucial for restoring your strength, mobility, and function.
Tips on How to Sit in a Recliner After a Discectomy
If you decide to sit in a recliner after a discectomy, here are some tips on how to do it safely and comfortably:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how long and how often you can sit in a recliner after your surgery. Follow these instructions carefully and avoid sitting for longer than recommended. You should also consult your doctor before using any features such as massage or heat that may affect your healing.
- Choose the right recliner – Choose a recliner that fits your body size and shape and offers adequate support for your back, neck, and legs. You should also look for a recliner that is easy to operate and has multiple positions to suit your preferences.
- Use pillows or cushions – You may need to use pillows or cushions to provide extra support or comfort while sitting in a recliner. For example, you may need to place a pillow behind your lower back to maintain the natural curve of your spine or under your knees to reduce pressure on your hips.
- Change positions frequently – Change positions frequently while sitting in a recliner to avoid stiffness and soreness. You should also get up and walk around every 15 to 30 minutes to stretch your muscles and increase blood flow.
- Do gentle exercises – Do some gentle exercises while sitting in a recliner to keep your muscles active and prevent atrophy. You can do exercises like ankle pumps, toe curls, knee bends, or pelvic tilts to work on different muscle groups. However, you should avoid any exercises that cause pain or discomfort or that are not approved by your doctor.
Sitting in a recliner after a discectomy can have both advantages and disadvantages for your recovery. You should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether to use one or not. You should also follow your doctor’s advice and use tips such as those mentioned above to make sure you sit in a recliner safely and comfortably.
Even though discectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, patients with these large holes in their discs are more than twice as likely to reinjure themselves by having what is known as reherniations. 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 time frame. 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.