How Do You Put Clothes on after a Microdiscectomy?

Dressing Safely after Microdiscectomy Surgery

Recovering from a microdiscectomy—a surgical procedure to remove a herniated disc portion pressing on a nerve root or spinal cord—presents several challenges, particularly when it comes to everyday activities like getting dressed. The simple act of putting on clothes, something most of us do without thinking, suddenly becomes a calculated exercise requiring careful planning and technique to avoid straining your back or compromising your recovery.

In this article, you will learn safe and effective strategies for dressing yourself after microdiscectomy surgery, from the immediate postoperative period through your ongoing recovery. With proper techniques and the right clothing choices, you can maintain your independence while protecting your healing spine.

Understanding Post-Microdiscectomy Movement Restrictions

Before discussing various dressing techniques, it is important to understand the movement restrictions typically prescribed after microdiscectomy surgery:

• No bending at the waist - This movement places significant pressure on the spine and the surgical site.
• No twisting movements - Rotational movements can stress the healing tissues and potentially disrupt surgical repairs.
• No heavy lifting - Generally, anything over 5–10 pounds (depending on the surgeon’s specific instructions) should be avoided.
• Limited sitting - Extended periods of sitting can increase pressure on the lower back.

These restrictions directly impact how you will need to approach getting dressed during your microdiscectomy recovery period, which typically lasts several weeks, though your surgeon may provide personalized guidelines based on your specific situation.

The Importance of Proper Clothing Choices

Choosing the right clothes during recovery is more than just a matter of comfort—it is a crucial aspect of the healing process. Proper clothing can:

• Reduce discomfort and irritation
• Support relaxation
• Contribute to a smoother and more effective healing experience
• Minimize the risk of aggravating the incision area
• Prevent unnecessary strain on the healing body

Essential Clothing Recommendations

Clothing to choose

The right clothing choices can make dressing significantly easier during recovery:

• Loose-fitting garments - Clothes with plenty of room make dressing easier and reduce the need for excessive movement.
• Elastic waistbands - Pants, shorts, and skirts with elastic waistbands eliminate the need for zippers and buttons.
• Front-closing tops - Button-up or zip-up shirts and blouses reduce the need to raise the arms over the head.
• Slip-on shoes - Footwear that does not require bending to tie laces is ideal.
• Clothing one size larger - Temporarily sizing up can make dressing easier and more comfortable.

Clothing to avoid

Certain types of clothing will be particularly challenging during recovery:

• Tight-fitting jeans or pants - These require significant bending and twisting to put on.
• Pull-over sweaters and t-shirts - These require raising the arms over the head, which can strain the back.
• Clothing with back zippers - These are nearly impossible to manage independently without twisting.
• Socks and shoes that require bending - Traditional socks and lace-up shoes present significant challenges.
• Complicated undergarments - Skip complex bras or shapewear in favor of simpler alternatives.
  

Essential dressing aids

Several adaptive devices can make dressing after surgery much safer and easier:

• Long-handled shoe horn - Allows you to slip on shoes without bending
• Sock aid - A device that helps you put on socks without bending over
• Dressing stick - A long rod with hooks to help you pull clothes on or off
• Reacher/grabber tool - Helps you retrieve dropped items without bending
• Elastic shoelaces - Convert lace-up shoes to slip-ons

These items are usually available at medical supply stores, pharmacies, or online retailers. Consider having them ready before your surgery to ensure a smoother recovery experience.

Step-by-Step Dressing Techniques

Putting on underwear and pants

• Sit on the edge of your bed with your feet firmly on the floor.
• Use a reacher tool to grasp your underwear or pants.
• Guide the clothing onto your feet first, making sure each foot goes through the correct leg hole.
• Pull the garment up to your knees using the reacher.
• Stand up carefully using your legs (not your back), supporting yourself with a sturdy object if needed.
• Use your hands to pull up the garment the rest of the way, keeping your back straight.
• For buttoning or zipping, slightly bend your knees rather than your waist.

Putting on shirts and tops

• Choose front-closing garments whenever possible.
• Sit on the edge of your bed or a firm chair with armrests.
• Start with your weaker arm first (if applicable) when putting sleeves on.
• Button or zip the garment while maintaining a straight back.
• If using pull-over tops (though not recommended in early recovery):
• Gather the shirt bottom to top so the neck opening is accessible.
• Put your head through first, then arms one at a time.
• Use a dressing stick to help you guide the fabric if needed.

Putting on socks and shoes

• Use a sock aid by sliding the sock onto the plastic form.
• Lower the sock aid to the floor using the attached ropes.
• Slip your foot into the sock and pull on the ropes to guide the sock up your foot.
• For shoes, use slip-ons or those with elastic laces.
• Employ a long-handled shoe horn to guide your foot into the shoe without bending.

Removing clothes

• For pants and underwear - Sit before pushing the garments down to your knees, then use a reacher to guide them off.
• For shirts - Unbutton or unzip, then remove one arm at a time before carefully removing your head.
• For socks and shoes - Use a reacher or dressing stick to push socks down and off.
  

Creating a dressing station

Setting up a dedicated dressing station can streamline the process:

• Choose a stable, comfortable chair with armrests at proper height.
• Keep all dressing aids within reach on a small table or in a basket.
• Set up in a room with good lighting and enough space to move safely.
• Have clothing prearranged in the order you will put it on.
• Consider a safety bar or handle nearby for additional support when standing.

Tips for Different Recovery Phases

Immediately post-surgery 

• Accept help from a caregiver whenever possible.
• Prioritize loose pajamas or loungewear that is easy to manage.
• Focus on essential clothing items rather than complete outfits.
• Move slowly and deliberately, taking breaks if needed.

Middle recovery 

• Gradually increase independence with dressing as strength returns.
• Continue using adaptive equipment but practice more self-sufficiency.
• Incorporate simple stretches approved by your physical therapist before dressing.
• Try timing your pain medication to peak effectiveness during dressing times.
  

Later recovery 

• Begin transitioning to more normal clothing as approved by your doctor.
• Practice proper body mechanics even as restrictions are lifted.
• Continue avoiding extreme bending or twisting until fully cleared.
• Gradually phase out adaptive equipment as appropriate.

When to Seek Help

While independence is important, certain situations warrant reaching out for assistance:

• If dressing causes increased pain that persists for more than a few minutes
• If you feel unstable or at risk for falling during dressing
• If you notice any new neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness)
• If your incision becomes irritated from clothing or dressing movements

Getting dressed after a microdiscectomy requires patience, preparation, and proper technique. By selecting appropriate clothing, utilizing helpful adaptive devices, and following safe movement practices, you can maintain independence while supporting your recovery process. Remember the challenges of dressing after surgery are temporary, and each day brings progress toward normal function.

Always follow your surgeon’s specific postoperative instructions, which may differ from the general guidelines provided here. With time and proper care, you will gradually return to your normal dressing routine as your back heals and strengthens.

Even though microdiscectomy 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 reherniate. Reherniations often require additional procedures or even spinal fusion surgery. 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 today.

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