Post-operative Care Questions for Lower Back Surgery Patients

post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston

Lower back surgery can be an incredibly trying endeavor for patients and physicians alike. Typically, lower back surgery is used as a last resort for patients whose back pain has not responded to more conservative treatments (i.e. rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.). Though major back surgery is generally quite expensive and requires a long period of post-operative care, there are several steps patients can take to minimize recovery time and pain levels while maximizing their chances at retaining full mobility.

First, take your doctor’s recommendations very seriously. If he or she advises you on lifestyle changes to compensate for your decreased mobility during post-operative care, you must be willing to implement these changes. Many kinds of back surgery involve the implantation of screws and / or plates for a spinal fusion to stabilize different parts of the spinal column. Other surgeries implant entire artificial spinal discs (the shock-absorbing pads between our vertebrae) to correct the problems that natural spinal disc degeneration can cause (severe pain, destabilization, compressed spinal nerves).

post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston

Often deep incisions have to be made to implant these devices and consequently the muscles along the spinal column are lacerated. The spine takes time to heal and grow new tissue around these wounds. Patients may experience severe back pain and decreased spine mobility but are advised not to pursue strenuous activity without first consulting their physicians. Your doctor will be able to give you a much clearer idea of which activities pose a higher risk for your specific back surgery. Sticking to a strict activity regimen will help you reduce your risk of needing subsequent corrective surgeries.

After the surgery, physical therapy / chiropractic during post-operative care will help patients retain mobility, as well as building core strength and stretching for flexibility that will aid in preventing future injuries. Another problem you may wish to ask your doctor about is surgical site spine infection infection (SSI). Due to back surgery exposing the body to open air, pathogens may enter the incision site and cause infection at some point during post-operative care. It’s extremely important to get a family member or friend to monitor your wound during dressing changes. Look for oozing pus, red edges around the wound, and foul odors. It’s also possible that surgical site infection may occur as a result of contaminated medical devices. This infection is extremely dangerous, as the wound itself may not exhibit signs of infection. Monitor any changes in back pain, as well as any fever, numbness, or muscle weakness. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball

Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston, TX, have significant experience and expertise in working with patients who are recovering from minor or major spine surgery.  They understand that the beginning of the healing process starts in the OR, but the remainder continues well after the surgery is finished.

The Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX takes care of patients in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center  (TMC), Tomball and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin

If you have SUFFERED AN INJURY, you can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at

…….  281-713-6296

…….  Or visit  www.SpineHealth.com  to schedule an appointment online

…….  KBNI VIDEO

post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Tomball

Keywords: post-operative care, low back pain, lower back surgery, physical therapy, surgical site infection, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas Medical Center  (TMC), Tomball