Taking the time to prepare for the post-Tlif Cage surgical recovery phase is a smart idea for patients who have elected to undergo back surgery, and it typically improves their experience when they come home. Although the treating physician and nursing staff will most likely provide written discharge instructions and prescriptions for things like pain medication and physical therapy, there are a few practical things that patients and families should be aware of that will help them transition from hospital to home. The following is a summary of numerous important topics that patients and their families might find useful.
Calm The Pain With Ice for Heat
Comfortable clothes and body alignment, as well as regular ice administration (particularly in the first 48 to 72 hours), can all help with pain management. Icing following physical exercises, such as walking or stretching, can also be useful. Heat applied to the surgical region early on can enhance blood flow to the tissues and create a minor rise in swelling and discomfort, thus it should be considered later. Heat can assist ease tension or muscular discomfort in other areas of the body early on, so it’s worth a go. Pain and stiffness are frequently relieved by regular position changes or brief walks, either indoors or outdoors.
Call Your Surgeon In Case Of Emergency
Appropriate pain treatment following surgery may greatly aid in the recovery process, both physically and emotionally. Postoperative discomfort is frequently treated with narcotic pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, and Tylenol. NSAIDs (no steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) should be avoided by patients who have recently had fusion surgery since this family of drugs decreases bone production, which is required to create the fusion.
Rehabilitation Is Essential
It is worth emphasizing that patients must strictly adhere to their postoperative rehabilitation regimen. Appropriate exercise and stretching can considerably improve healing and reduce the likelihood of recurrent pain recurrence. Exercise also offers the extra benefit of improving patients’ general well-being by boosting circulation and producing endorphins, the body’s natural mood booster.
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Move regularly:
Consistent, gentle movement helps circulate the blood, giving important nutrients to the region. Patients should ensure that they understand any activity limits imposed following surgery (for example, restrictions on bending, lifting, and twisting) and inquire about whether specific activities should be pursued or avoided.
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Stretch regularly:
Patients should ensure that their treating physician and/or physical therapist offer advice and guidance on safe stretches to undertake after surgery.
Have A Pleasant Sleep
Getting adequate prolonged, undisturbed sleep aids the body’s healing process. Rest can be improved by reducing low back tension through better body alignment. It is normally OK to sleep in whatever posture is most comfortable following back surgery. Some people prefer to sleep on one side only, with a cushion between their knees and/or behind them to support their back. Another posture that relieves tension on the low back is:
- Place a cushion or rolled-up blanket under the back of the knees to slightly bend the hips and knees.
- Elevate the upper back/shoulders/head – this is easy to perform with an adjustable bed, but it can also be done with supporting pillows on a conventional mattress.
- Place your face up on the bed.
Do You Need The Written Instructions
Written instructions like Suture Anchor are often supplied on how to take these (frequently in combination) to successfully relieve pain while reducing adverse effects such as constipation, nausea, and excessive drowsiness. Because postoperative constipation can be inconvenient and a common source of increased discomfort after surgery, ask your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist for the names of suggested items to have on hand at home to avoid or alleviate constipation if it happens. Because of narcotic pain drugs, a change in diet, and limited exercise, this condition is most frequent within the first week after surgery.
Never Forget To Consult About The Braces
It will be beneficial to ask the surgeon IF a back brace will be required following surgery, and if so, what type. Some braces are only elastic corsets, while others are specially formed body jackets. If a bigger brace is anticipated, having several well-fitted cotton tee-shirts on hand to wear under the brace may be useful. The tee-shirts allow the brace to conform securely against the skin, causing less discomfort, and they also absorb perspiration. The tee-shirt should be long enough to cover the top part of the buttocks for lumbar surgical operations. Knowing the type of brace will help establish if the patient can get it on and off on their own or whether they will want assistance frequently.
Final Thoughts
This is all about the post care of Tlif Cage surgery. There is one more tip which you need to ask your surgeon. Yes, ask him to order your cage from MJ Surgical, one of the leading manufacturers in India. We are completely sterilized and make a safe delivery to your clinic.
