Caring for a surgical wound is a critical part of your healing process and minimizes the risk of complications. Whether you’ve undergone a minor or major surgical procedure, understanding the essential steps for wound care is vital for a successful recovery. In this article, we will discuss some of the ins and outs on how to take care of your surgical wound.
Continue reading “CARING FOR YOUR SURGICAL WOUND – TMI EDITION”POSTOPERATIVE NUTRITION
Undergoing surgery can be a physically and emotionally challenging experience for anyone. While the surgery itself is crucial, a proper recovery process is just as important. One key element to a successful recovery is good nutrition. Eating the right foods can help speed up the healing process, reduce the risk of complications, and boost overall health. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for good nutrition after surgery.
Continue reading “POSTOPERATIVE NUTRITION”POSTOPERATIVE CONSTIPATION
Constipation is a common problem that affects many people after surgery. Postoperative constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including pain medication, anesthesia, and changes in diet and activity levels. While it can be uncomfortable and even painful, there are steps you can take to control postoperative constipation and promote bowel regularity.
Continue reading “POSTOPERATIVE CONSTIPATION”POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these instructions to optimize your recovery from your spine surgery.
ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE
Plan to rest for the first four to five days following discharge from the hospital.
Avoid repetitive bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, or lifting anything more than 10 pounds for the first two weeks. Avoid sitting or standing for more than 30 minutes at a time for the first week. Pay special attention to body mechanics following surgery. If you need to pick something up from ground level, bend at the knees and keep your back straight.
You should have been fitted with a brace. If you have been given specific instructions by Dr. Ball, follow those.
Continue reading “POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS”KEEPING YOUR SPINE HEALTHY AFTER SPINE SURGERY
Maintaining a Healthy Spine
Our goal for you is a pain free spine. Now that you’ve had your surgery, it is critical that you take good care of your back and minimize the chances that you will develop new problems. Improving fitness, posture, body mechanics, and overall health will help your spine last. Here are some suggestions to help maximize recovery and maintain a healthy spine.
ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE
Walking: Walking is the best exercise after surgery and you need to walk every day. You can walk as much as your pain level permits. You should not participate in any activities more vigorous than walking until cleared by your physician. Start small then gradually increase the distance you walk. Continue reading “KEEPING YOUR SPINE HEALTHY AFTER SPINE SURGERY”
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
All patients who undergo spine surgery have a few things in common: they want to have a safe surgery with a good result while minimizing their level of discomfort.
If you have elected to pursue surgery, we would like to make surgery as safe and comfortable for you as possible. There are a few things that you can do to help yourself get the best results.
Continue reading “PREPARING FOR SURGERY”SAFE USE OF OPIOID PAIN MEDICATION
Most patients undergoing a spinal procedure will require short term treatment with opioid pain medications. Opioids can be an invaluable tool in helping to manage the pain that can result from surgery. However, the use of opioids is also carries some risks. Our goal for you is to make surgery as safe and effective as possible. Part of the process is patient education regarding the use of pain medications. Here are some resources to help you. As part of your care, you will be required to sign a pain contract if you elect to undergo treatment at our clinic. You may also be tested to ensure that you are taking the medications as prescribed. In addition to pain medications you will likely be given a prescription for narcan, a rescue medication that can be life saving in the event of an overdose.
Common opioid medications include:
Continue reading “SAFE USE OF OPIOID PAIN MEDICATION”THE RATIONALE FOR SPINE SURGERY
It’s true that spine surgery cannot fix every problem. Many patients are disappointed to hear that spine surgery may not be the answer to their problem.
However, there are also many patients who are excellent candidates for spine surgery. In fact, there are specific conditions that a spine operation has a very high likelihood of fixing. Of course, no one wants to have a surgery that they don’t have to have. But if you have significant pain that has not responded to non-surgical care, a surgical consultation may be the logical next step. A consultation does not mean that you will have surgery, but gives you the opportunity to explore your options. Continue reading “THE RATIONALE FOR SPINE SURGERY”