Microdiscectomy surgery is a common and effective treatment for herniated discs. The surgery involves the removal of a small portion of the disc, which relieves pressure on the nerves and relieves pain. Although microdiscectomy surgery is generally safe and effective, it is still surgery, and as with any surgical procedure, a period of recovery and healing is necessary. This article explains what you need to know about recovery after microdiscectomy surgery, including what to expect and how to heal properly and as quickly as possible.
Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions
Your doctor will be able to provide you with a timeline for when you should expect to be fully recovered, so make sure to follow his or her instructions. During the first few weeks after surgery, you should get plenty of rest, take medications as prescribed, and perform any physical therapy or exercises your doctor recommends. This will help you regain strength and mobility in your back as well as reduce the risk of complications.
Take Pain Medication as Prescribed
Pain can be one of the most difficult aspects of recovery, so it is important to take the necessary steps to manage your discomfort. This may include taking over-the-counter pain relievers as well as using ice and heat applications. If the pain is extremely severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications to relieve discomfort and speed up the healing process during your microdiscectomy recovery period. It is important to take medications only as prescribed by your doctor to avoid overuse and dependence.
Practice Good Posture
Maintaining good posture can reduce stress on the surgical site and prevent further injury. Make sure to sit and stand straight and avoid slouching.
Avoid Heavy Lifting and Strenuous Activity
Heavy lifting and strenuous activity can put unnecessary strain on the surgical site and slow down the healing process. It is important to avoid these activities until your doctor gives you the green light to resume them.
Stay Active
While it is essential to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity, it is equally important to stay active and maintain a healthy level of physical activity. Gentle forms of exercise such as walking and yoga can keep your back muscles strong and flexible.
Apply Ice and Heat Therapy
Ice and heat therapy can reduce pain and swelling in the surgical area. Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes at a time, followed by 20 minutes of heat therapy. Repeat as needed.
Get Plenty of Rest
It is important to relax as much as possible during the first few weeks after surgery, as too much activity can cause further injury or cause your back surgery recovery time to take longer. Getting enough rest is crucial for the healing process. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and avoid staying in one position for too long.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients can speed up the healing process and support overall health. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can slow down the healing process by reducing blood flow to the surgical site. It is important to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke during the recovery process.
Participate in Physical Therapy
After microdiscectomy surgery, your doctor will likely recommend a physical therapy regimen. This may include stretches to increase range of motion and flexibility as well as exercises to build strength and stability. A physical therapist can also teach you exercises to prevent further injury and enhance your overall recovery.
When you are healing after microdiscectomy surgery, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions, relax during the healing process, and engage in physical therapy or exercises as recommended. Following these tips can help you reduce your recovery time and avoid complications. However, if you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, reach out to your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
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 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 844-288-7474.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
Comments