3 Important things patients need to know about spinal fusion recovery
Spinal injuries and problems are quite common these days. And surgeries are the most effective treatment methods for these problems. Several surgical procedures can be carried out on people suffering from spinal problems. Spine implant suppliers supply good-quality implants for these surgeries. One such popular surgical procedure is fusion.
Fusion is a surgical procedure in which one of the segments of the spinal column, which needs surgery, is fitted with a bone graft. The bone graft is placed between two vertebrae to fuse them. This prevents any excessive motion of the spinal nerves and bones that can harm them. Cervical implants supplier have all the tools needed for fusion surgeries.
This surgery becomes inevitable when people have severe spinal abnormalities, and they experience severe pain. If you have a herniated disc, there are more chances that you will have to go for surgery if non-surgical procedures do not work. If you choose spinal fusion surgery, here are a few things you should know about the surgery and recovery.
1. Recovery time
Three to six months is the minimum time any patient could take to recover after the fusion surgery. This period also includes the time taken for physical therapy. The patient spends his first few days in the hospital trying to manage pain and learning to get out of bed on his own. The hospital staff takes proper care of the patient during this period. After discharge from the hospital, the patient will have time to recover at home. When at home, you will have to take care of your wounds and reintroduce various movements into your routine so that you can get back to normal. Once you can do basic body movements, you will have to train under a physical therapist. This therapy can continue for about three months for proper fusion recovery.
2. Avoid strain and heavy movements
Patients should not lift heavy items when they are in the recovery phase. This can harm the orthopedic locking plate. They have to exercise particular caution even while driving. The time after which patients can return to extreme physical activity and sports depends from person to person. You should talk to your surgeon about this.
3. Maintain a healthy diet
Your healing and recovery depend on your diet to a great extent. Since spinal surgeries involve your bones, you should try and increase the intake of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals in your food. While you are eating healthy, try and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol. These habits can delay bone grafts to fuse correctly.
The total time taken for recovery varies from one patient to another and depends on several external and bodily factors. Age, weight, diet, lifestyle, and other habits also play a crucial role in determining the time taken for the full recovery of a patient. You should always consult expert orthopedics before deciding your recovery process.