See the care you should take after spine surgery

After spine surgery, whether cervical, lumbar or thoracic, it is important to take some precautions to avoid complications, even if there is no more pain, such as not lifting weights, driving or making sudden movements. See what are the general care after any surgery.

Postoperative care improves recovery, reduces pain after surgery and reduces the chances of complications, such as poor healing or movement of screws placed in the spine. In addition to these precautions, physiotherapy is recommended so that recovery is faster and more effective and, thus, improves quality of life, in addition to the use of medications to control pain according to medical advice.

Currently there are some surgical procedures that can be performed on the spine that are not very invasive, and the person can leave the hospital walking in 24 hours, however, this does not mean that care should not be taken. Normally, complete recovery takes an average of 3 months and during this period medical recommendations should be followed.

Main care after surgery

Spine surgery is performed according to the cause of the person's symptoms, and can be performed on the cervical spine, which comprises the vertebrae located in the neck, the thoracic spine, which corresponds to the middle of the back, or the lumbar spine, which is located at the end of the back, just after the thoracic spine. Thus, care can vary according to the location where the surgery was performed.

1. Cervical spine

Care after cervical spine surgery for 6 weeks after surgery to avoid complications and includes:

Do not make quick or repetitive movements with the neck; Go up stairs slowly, one step at a time, holding on to the handrail; Avoid lifting objects heavier than a milk carton in the first 60 days; Do not drive for the first 2 weeks.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend wearing a cervical collar for 30 days, even while sleeping. However, it can be removed to shower and change clothes.

2. Thoracic spine

Care after thoracic spine surgery may be required for 2 months and may include:

Start short walks of 5 to 15 minutes a day, 4 days after surgery and avoid ramps, stairs or uneven floor; Avoid sitting more than 1 hour; Avoid lifting objects heavier than a milk carton in the first 2 months; Avoid contact intimate for about 15 days; do not drive for 1 month.

The person can return to work about 45 to 90 days after the surgery, in addition the orthopedist performs periodic imaging exams, such as X-ray or MRI, in order to assess the recovery of the spine, guiding the types of activities that can be started.

3. Lumbar spine

The most important care after lumbar spine surgery is to avoid twisting or bending your back, however, other precautions include:

Take short walks only after 4 days of surgery, avoiding ramps, stairs or uneven floors, increasing the walking time to 30 minutes twice a day; Place a pillow behind your back when sitting, to support your spine, even in the car; Avoid staying more than 1 hour in a row, whether sitting, lying down or standing; Avoid intimate contact during the first 30 days; Do not drive for 1 month.

Surgery does not prevent the appearance of the same problem in another location of the spine and, therefore, care when squatting or picking up heavy objects must be maintained even after full recovery from surgery. Lumbar spine surgery is more common in scoliosis or herniated discs, for example. Find out what are the types of herniated disc surgery and possible risks.

In addition, to prevent respiratory infections and prevent the accumulation of secretions in the lungs, breathing exercises must be performed. See what are the 5 exercises to breathe better after surgery.