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Frequently Asked Questions
Do’s following spine surgery
DO – wear the brace until your doctor tells you otherwise.
DO – wear your brace or corset at all times when out of bed if ordered.
DO – get out of bed in this manner:
• Log roll completely on your side.
• Bend your knees and let your feet drop off the side of the bed.
• Use your arms to push yourself to a sitting position, letting your hands “walk” you up.
• Return to bed using the same procedure in reverse, keeping your back straight.
DO – maintain proper posture. Your head needs to be positioned right over your shoulders, with the shoulders back and stomach tight. Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in line.
DO – sit in straight back chairs with support to your back.
DO – stop smoking. Smoking decreases your potential to heal properly.
DO – report to your physician any change in the incision area such as increased redness, drainage, or warmth.
DO – sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees, or if on your side, place a pillow between your knees for support.
DO – Walk, walk, and walk some more. Begin with short trips and then increase the time and distance. Begin with 5-10 minutes and slowly progress to 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a day.
DO – walk up and down stairs as tolerated, but have someone with you the first few days to ensure stability.
DO – the following exercises: ankle pumps, glute sets and quad sets. Perform these exercises any time you are sitting and after long periods of inactivity.
DO – turn with your feet, not your body.
DO – stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Or, place one foot slightly in front on the other.
DO – keep your knees relaxed and stomach muscles slightly flattened.
Do not’s following spine surgery
DO NOT – sit for more than 45 minutes to one hour at any one time without getting up and moving about or changing positions.
DO NOT – neglect your exercises. Inactivity weakens your muscles.
DO NOT – sit on furniture that is soft, without arms, or low to the ground. This will make standing up more difficult.
DO NOT – lift any object weighing over 10 pounds until cleared by your physician.
DO NOT – neglect good nutritional habits.
DO NOT – perform any strenuous activity until cleared by your physician.
DO NOT – play sports until cleared by your physician.
DO NOT – drive yourself for the first two weeks. Then, obtain physician clearance before driving.
DO NOT – bend over at the waist. If necessary, bend at the knees.
DO NOT – twist the spine in any way.
DO NOT – have sexual relations for the first two weeks. Then, obtain physician clearance.
DO NOT – take tub baths. You may be instructed to cover your incision when you shower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I see my physician after surgery?
Your surgeon will follow your care throughout your hospital stay. You will probably see your surgeon every day while you are in the hospital recovering. Your surgeon will also want to see you for follow-up appointments in the clinic after you are discharged. Typically, appointments are scheduled two to four weeks after surgery.
How do I know if my incision is infected?
After surgery, you will notice discolored skin, some swelling and drainage around your incision. This is normal. If you experience painful redness, abnormal swelling or thick, bad smelling drainage from your incision, you may have an infection. A temperature over 100.5° also may indicate an infection.
When can I take a shower or bath?
Most patients will shower on the second day after surgery while still in the hospital. When you return home, you may need special equipment, like a bath mat, hand-held showerhead or shower seat to help you bathe comfortably and safely. Your surgeon may also instruct you to cover your incision when you bathe.
When will I be able to drive again?
You should not drive a car or other motor vehicle until your physician says it is safe to do so. You must be off pain medications before you will be cleared to drive again. In most cases, patients are able to resume driving about one to two weeks after surgery.
Why must I take antibiotics for dental work or other surgical procedures?
Taking antibiotics is a precaution to help ensure that any implanted hardware does not become infected. Additional surgeries or dental work increase the chance of infection. No matter where the infection starts, if it spreads to your spine the results could be very serious. When implanted hardware becomes infected, it must be removed surgically and then replaced.
Please let your dentist or physician know that you have had spine surgery. This is important no matter how small or straightforward the procedure.
How should I sleep at night to keep my spine comfortable and safe?
Placing a pillow between your legs should help keep your spine comfortable and stable. You may sleep on your back or on either side, depending on what makes you most comfortable.
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