What Do I Need at Home after Discectomy Surgery?

Recovering from discectomy surgery requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process. The procedure involves removing a herniated or damaged portion of a spinal disc, which can relieve pain but necessitates a period of rest and rehabilitation. To make your recovery easier, it is crucial to set up your home with the right supplies and modifications. In this guide, you will learn what you will need at home after a discectomy to promote healing and prevent complications.

Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements

After a discectomy, you will spend a significant amount of time resting, so a comfortable sleeping setup is crucial. Choose a firm mattress that provides good spinal support, which can reduce back pain and improve sleep quality. Additionally, consider the following:

• Body pillows and wedges – These can help you maintain a comfortable sleeping position, particularly if you need to sleep on your back or side.
• Extra pillows – Use these to elevate your legs or head, aiding in reducing swelling and enhancing comfort.
• Adjustable bed or recliner – If possible, invest in an adjustable bed or recliner that allows you to modify your position easily without straining your back.

Supportive Seating

You will need comfortable and supportive seating to spend time in during the day. Choose chairs that promote good posture and avoid soft, sinking chairs that can strain your back. Look for:

• Ergonomic chairs – Ergonomic chairs provide lumbar support, firm cushioning, and adjustable features.
• Recliners – A recliner with a footrest and lumbar support can offer a comfortable place to relax without putting undue strain on your spine.
• Cushions and lumbar rolls – These can provide additional support and comfort for prolonged sitting.
• Supportive couch – Ensure your couch has firm cushions to support your back when sitting.
• Ottoman or footstool – Use these to elevate your legs and reduce pressure on your lower back.

Mobility Aids and Safety Equipment

While you recover, mobility may be limited, and it is essential to have equipment that helps you move safely around your home. Consider the following:

• Walker or cane – Depending on your mobility level, a walker or cane may help you navigate your home more safely.
• Grab bars – Install grab bars in essential areas like the bathroom near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to prevent falls.
• Nonslip mats – Place nonslip mats in the shower, bathroom, and other high-risk areas to minimize the risk of slipping.

Comfort Accessories

• Back brace or lumbar support belt – These provide additional support when you start moving around more.
• Memory foam or donut cushion – These offer comfort when you are sitting for extended periods.

Essential Bathroom Modifications

Using the bathroom can be challenging after discectomy surgery due to limited mobility and pain. Make your bathroom more accessible and safe with these modifications:

• Raised toilet seat – A raised toilet seat can make sitting down and standing up easier and less painful.
• Shower chair – A sturdy shower chair or bench can help you bathe safely and comfortably without standing for long periods.
• Handheld shower head – A handheld shower head can provide more flexibility when showering, making it easier to reach all areas without bending or twisting.

Medication Management Supplies

Pain management is a critical aspect of post-discectomy recovery. You will likely have prescriptions for pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly muscle relaxants. To keep your medication routine organized, make sure to have these supplies:

• Pill organizer – Use a pill organizer to manage your medication schedule and avoid missing doses.
• Pill crusher or splitter – If needed, use one of these to make swallowing medications easier.
• Alarm or timer – Set alarms on your phone or a timer to remind you when it is time to take your medication.
• Water bottles and snacks – Keep water bottles and healthy snacks nearby to take with your medication, especially if they require you to take them with food.

Ice Packs and Heating Pads

Managing swelling and discomfort is key to a smooth recovery. Alternate between ice and heat therapy to help with pain and inflammation:

• Reusable ice packs – Ice packs can reduce swelling and numb the pain in the immediate post-surgery period.
• Heating pads – After the initial recovery phase, a heating pad can soothe muscle tension and increase circulation.

Accessible Clothing and Personal Care Items

After a discectomy, it may be challenging to bend, twist, or stretch. Prepare with easy-to-wear clothing and accessible personal care items:

• Loose, comfortable clothing – Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Consider slip-on shoes or shoes with Velcro straps to avoid bending.
• Sock aid – You can use this tool to put on socks without bending your back.
• Long-handled reacher – A reacher or grabber tool can enable you to pick up items from the floor without straining your back.
• Personal hygiene aids – Stock up on hygiene products like dry shampoo, wipes, and long-handled sponges to make personal care easier.

Meal Preparation and Nutritional Support

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for recovery, as it provides the necessary nutrients for healing. Prepare your kitchen and meals in advance to minimize effort:

• Precooked meals – Prepare and freeze meals in advance, or consider meal delivery services that offer healthy, balanced options.
• Easy-to-reach items – Store frequently used kitchen items on the counter or within easy reach to avoid bending or stretching.
• Raised stools or chairs – Place these in the kitchen to allow for seated meal preparation.
• Anti-inflammatory foods – Include anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and berries to promote healing.

Hydration Helpers

It is essential to stay well hydrated as you recover so you can heal more quickly. These accessories can help:

• Large water bottle with a straw – Encourages proper hydration without frequent refills
• Insulated mug – Keeps beverages at the desired temperature for longer periods

Entertainment and Mental Health Support

Recovery can be mentally taxing, so it is important to keep yourself entertained and engaged while you are physically limited:

• Books, magazines, or audiobooks – Keep a variety of reading materials or audiobooks on hand to help you pass the time.
• Streaming services and devices – Set up streaming services and devices for movies, TV shows, or documentaries.
• Mindfulness and relaxation apps – Consider apps for guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness to manage stress and promote mental wellbeing.
• Stress balls or fidget toys – These can help you manage anxiety and provide gentle hand exercise.
• Adult coloring books and gel pens or pencils – Coloring offers a calming, creative outlet during recovery.

Communication and Emergency Preparedness

It is vital to have a support system in place and be prepared for emergencies during your recovery:

• Emergency contact list – Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your surgeon, primary care physician, and a few close friends or family members.
• Medical alert system – If you live alone, consider investing in a medical alert system to get immediate help in case of a fall or emergency.
• Phone within reach – Always keep a phone nearby, ideally within arm’s reach, in case you need to make an emergency call.
• Smartphone or tablet stand – These allow for hands-free video calls with family and friends.
• Bluetooth headset – Enjoy comfortable phone conversations without holding a device.

Recovering from discectomy surgery requires more than just rest. It demands a well-prepared home environment that supports your comfort, mobility, and safety. By setting up your home with the right equipment, supplies, and modifications, you can focus on healing and reduce the risk of complications. Preparing in advance will not only make your recovery smoother but also ensure you feel secure and supported. Focus on following your doctor’s instructions, staying positive, and giving your body the time it needs to heal. Before you know it, you will be on your way to increased mobility and a better quality of life.

Back surgery recovery time varies among individuals and depends on factors such as disc height and the size of the hole left in the outer ring of the disc after surgery. If the hole in the disc is larger than a standard pencil eraser, the patient has a significant risk of experiencing a reherniation, which often requires additional surgery. Fortunately, there is a new treatment available. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device shown to reduce reherniations by closing the hole in the disc after a discectomy, 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, you may ask your doctor or contact us directly.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.