An Article published in the Hindu News Paper on
Back Surgery and the importance of Exercises to be done under the supervision
of a Physiotherapist.
Quick recovery is what everyone wishes post back surgery. But there are various things which need to be taken care of for quick rehabilitation. Whereas it cannot be denied that the success of the surgery depends on the skill of the performing surgeon, various precautions, if taken by the patient or his attendants, can improve the chances of quick healing.
Quick recovery is what everyone wishes post back surgery. But there are various things which need to be taken care of for quick rehabilitation. Whereas it cannot be denied that the success of the surgery depends on the skill of the performing surgeon, various precautions, if taken by the patient or his attendants, can improve the chances of quick healing.
First and foremost is following the doctor’s advice
diligently and taking medicines according to their prescriptions. Many a times it is noticed that patients change the dosage
on their own. This can be harmful.
Physical exercises
can aid greatly in recovery. But due care should be taken that no wrong
exercise is done and exercise during the recovery period should be done in the
presence of an experienced Physiotherapist.
There are few lifestyle changes that if adopted well can
help enormously in the course of recovery. Smoking is to be completely avoided
as it interferes with the immune system and slows down the recovery. Excessive
drinking is also to be avoided as it causes choking of the nerves. Alcohol
increases sedation if consumed with pain killers or muscle relaxants.
Keeping a check on your sleeping patterns also helps a lot
in the course of recovery. Medicines taken post surgery often disturb the
normal sleep cycle. People either sleep more than usual or don’t sleep at all.
It may take some time to get back to the regular routine, so don’t take any
stress. Stress can further delay the recovery.
Avoid sitting for long hours; instead go for small walks
after a certain period of time as suggested by your doctor. Sitting in the
right posture is equally important. Prolonged sitting and that too in a wrong
posture can cause enormous stress on your back.
Post surgery one should avoid bending forward and lifting
heavy objects.
Maintaining your weight is very important post surgery.
Excess weight results in extra stress on the weight bearing structures like the
discs in the spine. Maintain a healthy weight for healthy back. Eat healthy and
nutritious food and completely avoid junk food. Healthy food nourishes the entire
body thus helping in the healing process. Eat food which is rich in fibre
content e.g. bran and fruits are very important. Also drinking regular eight
glasses of water is necessary as adequate intake of fluids is also a must and
aids in quick recovery.
Regular walking, stretching, isometric and extension
exercises to strengthen the core muscles can do wonders in speedy recovery of
the post lumbar or cervical spine surgery.
Most importantly, having a positive attitude can do wonders.
Being prepared for the surgery, helps in developing a sense of confidence which
further may help in the path of quick recovery.
-Published in The Hindu News paper, December 3 2014, Delhi
Edition
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