As you resume your regular activity levels, spine surgery premised on diagnostic testing has the potential to improve your standard of living. However, don’t expect to achieve this goal right away after experiencing a spine-related procedure.
For the traditional type of surgeries, recoveries used to take place fully after several months and may even extend to 3-4 months.
Whereas with new technological advancements and new surgical methods like TOPS lumbar motion device, they can help you restore your daily activities in less than 3-4 weeks or even in some cases 1-2 weeks depending on the severity of the case.
TOPS is a mechanical implant device that is used to consider replacing soft and bony tissues that are stripped away during decompression surgical procedures. This surgical procedure is an excellent treatment for lumbar stenosis (spinal canal narrowing), degenerative spondylolisthesis, as well as joint arthrosis.
The system is intended for use between both the L2 and L5 segments, which also are frequently affected by lumbar stenosis. TOPS may also be used in conjunction with the Versalink Fusion System to treat a multi-level disease affecting the L1 and S1 vertebral column.
All through your recovery, you will need to work on improving your spine’s versatility, so that, you can in a safe manner become more active and mobile. This also reduces the possibility of post-surgery scar tissue that affects strength and flexibility. Here are specific suggestions for improving spinal flexibility after surgery.
How Spine Surgery Can Affect Flexibility
The immobilization of the spine throughout the manner specified places pressure just on bones around the outside of the fused segment, implementing new complications. This strain on the vertebrae will cause spinal degeneration over time, necessitating reconstructive surgery.
Spinal fusion, by definition, necessitates comprehensive bone work. The procedure involves exposing the edges of the vertebrae, which necessitates dissection and replacement damage of the surrounding muscles, resulting in extended downtime as well as a lengthy recovery period.
Because the procedure involves this same introduction of bone grafts and bone replacements into the body, there is also a very real risk of inflammation as well as subsequent scarring.
Nerve damage, while uncommon, is a reasonable chance for patients who have had spinal surgery. This may impair leg strength and flexibility, as well as cause other problems such as lack of urinary incontinence.
The most serious concern that is frequently overlooked because once discussing spinal fusion as just a treatment for chronic back pain is that immobilizing sections of both the spine will actually impact the individual’s daily mobility.
After recouping from the surgical procedure, you may look forward to a new person, but the impacts of changing the natural framework of your spine will manifest in distinct ways over time, based on the scope of the back surgery and your body’s ability to adapt to the new changes.
These side effects may include a reduced ability to bend over to perform normal torso movement patterns such as rotations and stretches. These limitations may limit your ability to participate in your favorite activities and other physically challenging daily tasks for the rest of your life.
A typical nominee for a spinal fusion is somebody who has exhausted all other treatment options with little or no achievement. It may be sensible to discuss treatment options with your healthcare staff before having committed to treatment that indefinitely affects the flexibility of your vertebral bodies.
1. Safely And Regularly Stretch
Stretching focuses on specific aspects of the spine as well as muscle groups that support them. It can also be an efficient method to increase spinal flexibility because distinct stretches can then be used to emphasize specific directions as well as movements.
Stretching regularly after surgery keeps the muscles that support the spine from stiffening. Yoga-based stretches are one way to stretch in a more managed and relaxed manner.
2. Exercises In Water Can Be Useful
Already when your wound site has completely recovered, getting in the water is indeed a pleasant way to reap the benefits of exercise after a surgical procedure. Aquatic exercises offer natural immunity from the water as well as enough stimulation to improve spinal flexibility.
Water-based activities also address the muscles that make up the spine directly and indirectly, which can improve coordination, consistency, and range of motion.
3. Explore Massage Therapy Possibilities
Massage therapy is indeed a silent technique that works best usually when used in conjunction with energetic therapeutic exercises as well as other methodologies of recovery.
Even so, it can help to restore flexibility within a week of surgery by trying to break up scar tissue until it becomes too thick to move. Lymphatic drainage seems to be a technique that is frequently used throughout massage therapy sessions.
It is a technique that increases lymph node action to improve the flow of nutrient content to the spine, which aids in the healing process and may keep improving spinal flexibility.
4. Stay Hydrated And Eat Healthy
Having watched what you eat as well as drinking plenty of water seem to be two things that can help your spine’s flexibility by indirect means. For example, healthy eating is indeed a smart way to maintain your weight as well as reduce the risk of putting additional strain on your ability to heal your spine.
Drinking more water improves flexibility by increasing circulation and promoting proper post-surgery spine healing. Healthy eating and adequate hydration can also reduce inflammation all around the spine as well as its healing parts, increasing optimal adaptability.
Aim for at least eight-ounce glasses of water per day. You should try eating Spine-friendly foods that will directly aid in spine improvement and flexibility, most of which have natural inflammation-fighting characteristics. These types of spine-friendly fruits and vegetables include:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Fresh fruits, particularly those with bright colors
- Salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fish
- Lean proteins and low-fat dairy products
Conclusion
Get permission from the doctor before beginning any type of physical activity after spine surgery. Also, even if you notice significant improvement and return to your regular routine, do not even stop paying attention to spinal adaptability.
A healthy spine must be flexible now and for the future, which is often easier to accomplish with regular physical activity and stretching, adequate hydration, and eating a healthy diet.
