If you have back surgery scheduled soon, it is best to plan and take control of your recovery period. Fortunately, Roswell spine surgery is not something that neurosurgeons at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery recommend as the first line of treatment. They mostly began their treatment with physical therapies and medications. Nevertheless, if conservative treatment plans do not work, their team of expert neurosurgeons finally go ahead with surgeries.
Some of the conditions that may require surgical procedures are:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Spondylolisthesis
- Radiculopathy
- Fractured vertebrae
- Facet joint arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
Tips for recovering faster and better
Take a high protein diet and lots of fluids
Your body will heal faster if you avoid processed foods. Stick to a healthy high-protein diet and add fruits, nuts, beans, veggies, chicken breast, and salmon to your plate. Also, staying hydrated is crucial. It will ensure nutrients are flowing well and thus joints and organs are maintained well.
Pain medication and laxatives
Your Roswell surgeon will surely prescribe some pain medications before discharging you. Take proper instructions for the same. If any family member or friend is going to help you with getting medicines, ensure they know all about it too. Also, if your doctor doesn’t prescribe any laxatives, it is recommended you take some over-the-counter available ones soon after surgery.
Ice packs and heating pads:
Ice and heat therapy helps in alleviating pain. However, limit the application to 15 to 20 minutes with 2 hours intervals in between.
Arrange a walker, toilet riser, and shower seat:
A cane or walker will be needed initially to help you move around. Even arrange a toilet riser, as it will make it easier for you to get on and off the toilet seat. A shower seat will let you take long warm baths without worrying about falling. Relaxing showers can provide therapeutic effects.
Entertain yourself
It can get very boring to just sit around and do nothing. So, ensure you have some books and magazines to read, take some streaming subscriptions, and even check out the latest games available on your tab or cellphone.
Ask for some help:
If you live alone, this is the time to ask for a little help from friends and family. Make sure someone checks on you during the early recovery period. Ensure a friend is taking you for routine checkup. Furthermore, also hire some house help.
Finally, ensure you have your doctor’s number handy. So, you and everyone else around you know whom to call if you are in pain. Neurosurgeons and their support staff in Roswell are usually very helpful and take every step to make their patients comfortable.
