Archive for category post-operative care
Post-operative Care Questions for Lower Back Surgery Patients review by KBNI Houston, Woodlands, Kingwood, Katy, Pearland, Beaumont, Tomball, Baytown, Galveston, Sugarland
Posted by admin in artificial disc, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, core strengthening exercise, disc degeneration, exercise, houston, infection, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, lower back surgery, lumbar fusion, pain, Pearland, post-operative care, preventive lifestyle, recover, spinal discs, spinal fusion, spinal nerves, sugarland, Tomball, woodlands on May 19, 2015
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
Mobility during Recovery from Back Surgery review by KBNI Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Memorial City
Posted by admin in back injury, back pain, back surgery, baytown, beaumont, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, exercise, fusion, houston, katy, lumbar fusion, neck pain, physical therapy, post-operative care, recover, sciatica exercises, spinal fusion, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine mobility, spine surgery, sugarland, woodlands on September 27, 2014
MOBILITY DURING RECOVERY FROM BACK SURGERY
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston
Normally, back surgery is treated as a last resort if more conservative treatments (i.e., physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, facet joint injections, etc.) have failed to adequately reduce pain levels and restore mobility. Physicians and patients alike should approach back surgery as a calculated risk, one taken to maximize long-term health and mobility while giving the patient the best chance at consistently low-to-moderate pain levels during recovery. Post-operative care is a different matter entirely, however, as many patients aren’t prepared for the loss in mobility that comes after major back surgery. Large incisions, which in many back procedures are necessary to give the surgeon vision of the damaged portion of the spine, also can severely damage muscles and other soft tissue along the spinal column. This trauma greatly reduces patient mobility during post-operative care, as the muscles have essentially been rendered unable to do their jobs.
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
For patients, compromised mobility can present maddening challenges during post-operative care, not to mention complications. For example, surgical site infection (SSI) occurs from contamination of the surgical site, either during the operation itself or at some point during recovery. SSI is particularly dangerous if the contamination is internal, such as a contaminated plate or screw that has been implanted to stabilize the spinal column (lumbar fusion) . Patients will most likely be unable to adequately check their own incision sites for signs of infection, so family members and friends may be needed for not only this task, but to change the patient’s dressing as well.
Physical therapy / chiropractic therapy during post-operative care for back surgery is generally focused on preserving long-term mobility. If the muscles along the spinal column that were damaged by the surgeon’s incisions are not adequately worked during recovery, patients may soon find themselves incapable of bending and twisting beyond the physician’s weight-related restrictions. In other words, avoiding physical therapy can potentially result in a permanent reduction in range of motion. On the other hand, too much activity can de-stabilize implanted devices and re-tear healing muscles, prolonging the healing process and increasing the likelihood for additional corrective surgeries.
back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Physicians will likely recommend several checkup visits during post-operative care in order to accurately gauge your progress and make necessary adjustments to your physical therapy regimen. Some back pain is normal and expected, but if your pain changes suddenly or begins to radiate through your ribs, legs, or arms, seek medical attention. Radiating back pain and muscle weakness often signals spinal nerve compression, which over the long-term may cause nerve damage and permanent loss of sensation. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help mediate pain levels, though during the initial healing process, physicians may authorize stronger prescription pain medication.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience at taking care of patients with back problems, back injuries and other sources of back and neck pain. They frequently see patients who are suffering from the symptom of neck pain, low back pain, and mid back pain, and have never received imaging studies of the spine. Physicians at the KBNI will order the appropriate spinal imaging studies of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine as needed, and review the results with the patient.
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, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
Keywords: back surgery, back pain, physical therapy, pain levels, Houston, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugarland, Sealy, Pearland, Baytown, Beaumont, Tomball, Galleria, Humble, Conroe, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Memorial City, Galveston, Texas Medical Center (TMC), Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Recover from Spinal Fusion discussion by KBNI Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Galveston, Texas Medical Center
Posted by admin in back pain, baytown, beaumont, cervical fusion, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractor near me, core strengthening exercise, fusion, healthy diet, houston, katy, lifting techniques, low back pain, lumbar fusion, neck pain, pain, physical therapy, post-operative care, recover, sciatica exercises, smoking, spinal fusion, spinal injury rehabilitation, spine surgery, sports injury, sugarland, woodlands on June 26, 2014
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy
Spinal fusion is a back or neck surgery in which vertebrae within the spinal column are fused together to eliminate movement at points of articulation (joints) between them. This can lower spinal mobility overall, but often spinal fusion can have a net positive effect for a patient due to decreased pain levels and increased spinal stability. When a spinal fusion is performed in the cervical spine (neck), it is known as a cervical fusion. When the spinal fusion is performed in the lumbar spine (low back), it is called a lumbar fusion. It can take some time to recover after this type of surgery.
To recover from a spinal fusion can be difficult based on the invasiveness of the surgery itself and the length of the post-operative care period. To recover, patients may need to make significant lifestyle changes in order to aid recovery and ensure that a stable fusion takes place as the bones of the spinal column grow back together. Eliminating smoking entirely is absolutely essential. Cigarettes contain elevated levels of nicotine, which is a chemical shown to be highly toxic to bone growth. Nicotine kills the body’s osteoblasts (bone-growing cells), while leaving our bone-eating cells (osteoclasts) alive. Spinal fusion patients who smoke during post-operative recovery are much less likely to maintain a stable spinal column, and may restrict bone growth while extending their less successful recovery by several months. If a patient wants a stable spinal fusion that minimizes the possibility of subsequent corrective surgeries, eliminating smoking is possibly the single greatest factor that aids recovery.
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy
To recover, patients must also be certain to follow guidelines regarding physical therapy, exercise, and motion during their post-operative care period. Core strengthening exercises can be guided by a chiropractor or physical therapy. Physical therapy or chiropractic guidance and education can also help to teach about how to prevent future spine injuries. Spinal fusion is one of the more intensive varieties of back surgery, and physicians must document the recovery process accurately to ensure that the patient’s spinal column is stable enough for everyday motion. This requires subsequent visits for imaging tests (typically X-rays, in the case of spinal fusion) to monitor bone growth. There may be strict guidelines for the amount a patient can lift or the length of time in which the patient may stand, sit, or walk during the course of their daily routines. The amount of time needed to recover may vary widely depending on how old the patient is (younger patients generally re-grow bone more quickly than older patients) as well as the physical requirements of their occupation.
spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
In some cases, the physician who performed the spinal fusion may have the patient wear an external brace to help recover. This will help support the body, and reduce movement of the fused area of the spine, while new bone is attempting to grow, and accomplish the spinal fusion.
Some patients may wear an external bone growth stimulator, if prescribed by their doctor. The bone growth stimulator provides an electric current around the body, which stimulates bone growth.
Physician experts at the Kraus Back and Neck Institute (KBNI) in Houston TX have significant experience at taking care of patients and helping them to recover after undergoing spinal fusion. Many times, surgery can be avoided, but when necessary, the neurosurgeons at the KBNI have the most current techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery available when appropriate.
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, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center (TMC) and other Texas TX cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin.
REFERENCE SITES
Patients suffering from a cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, or who have been told they may require a lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy, can contact the Kraus Back and Neck Institute at
……. 281-713-6296
……. Or visit www.SpineHealth.com to schedule an appointment online
……. KBNI VIDEO on Back and Neck Pain Treatment : Don’t Live in Fear and Pain
Keywords: spinal fusion, recover, Houston, Sugarland, Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sealy, Baytown, Pearland, Beaumont, Galleria, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Port Arthur, Galveston, Memorial City, Texas Medical Center, TMC, Texas, TX, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Post-Operative Spinal Care
Posted by admin in post-operative care on March 27, 2014
Contact Us for Help
Post Operative Spinal Care
post operative spine care
Depending on the seriousness of the back surgery, patients often have a wide variety of physical therapy treatments available. Physical rehabilitation can be further augmented by several different medications, including muscle relaxants, pain medication, and steroid injections.
Patients may also be required to take antibiotics to guard against infection. Spinal surgical procedures typically require an incision which can vary in length and depth depending on the patient’s condition. Patients should check the incision periodically for any indications of infection—these signs can include redness and / or the appearance of pus around the wound. Follow-up visits to your physician and spinal specialist are also necessary. Physicians will monitor the patient’s progression along previously established guidelines for procedural recovery. Adjustments to each individual patient’s needs are then made based on age, physical rehabilitation, weight, and other factors. New courses of treatment can then be continuously recommended based on the findings.
Though physical rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of post-operative care for some back surgery patients, many physicians advise a period of mandatory rest that differs depending on the procedure. Patients must allow the spine adequate time to heal prior to exercising even in moderation. If physical rehabilitation is undertaken too quickly, patients run the risk of disturbing the adjustments made by the surgery—which can then severely damage their recovery, possibly even making further corrective surgeries necessary. Post-operative care during the rest period often includes restrictions on how much a patient can bend, lift, walk, or even move. These restrictions are especially important after surgical procedures that implant pins or other artificial devices into the spine. The body must be given time to adjust to these foreign bodies. If patients follow these steps, however, recovery is normally assured.
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