How do you clean after back surgery?

While wiping, bend from the knees rather than at the hips. A long- handled device may help to reach all areas. 4. The use of pre-moistened, flushable wipes is strongly recommended.

What not to do after back surgery?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

What do I need at home after back surgery?

What kind of clothes do you wear after back surgery?

Bring proper attire to walk in the halls after surgery and for discharge home. For example, a short robe and/or loose-fitting T-shirt and loose fitting shorts or pants.

Do you need a raised toilet seat after back surgery?

You don't want to slip and further damage your back. Other tips: Get a raised toilet seat. This makes getting on and off the commode easier and safer. Elastic shoelaces, slip-on shoes, and reachers that help you pull up socks make dressing easier.

How to Use the Toilet After Back Surgery or Injury Recovery

Is it better to lay down or sit after back surgery?

The right way to sleep after back surgery

The best position to sleep in after spine surgery is lying flat on your back, placing a pillow below your knees or lying sideways with a pillow between your bent knees.

Is it better to sleep in a recliner or a bed after back surgery?

Sleeping in a recliner after back surgery

Sleeping in a reclining chair might be more comfortable if you find it difficult to get into bed after surgery. Sitting in a reclined position is less stressful for your back than sitting in an upright chair.

Is it OK to sit in a recliner after back surgery?

It is okay to sit while eating and for half an hour at a time. Recliners are better than soft-backed chairs. Do not lift more than 10 pounds for the first 4 weeks after surgery. It is okay to climb stairs.

How should you lay in bed after back surgery?

Doctors recommend sleeping on your back or your side as you heal from spine surgery. Sleeping on your belly is generally not recommended because your spine is not in a neutral position for a prolonged period. Consider wearing satin pajamas to bed to help it make it easier for you to adjust your sleeping position.

How long are you laid up after back surgery?

Most people return to work after 4 to 8 weeks, if their job isn't too strenuous. If your job involves a lot of driving, lifting heavy items or other strenuous activities, you may need to be off work for up to 3 to 6 months.

How do you wash your hair after spine surgery?

Use a hand-held shower to wash your hair. Or bend at the knees and hips under the showerhead to avoid arching your back. To avoid bending, use a long-handled scrub brush. Use liquid soap so you don't need to pick up a dropped bar of soap.

How do you go to the bathroom after back surgery?

While recovering from spine surgery, some people may need to use a fiber laxative to help promote bowel movements by bulking up the stool and keeping more water in the colon. Some examples of over-the-counter options include Citrucel and Metamucil, which are typically taken on an as-needed basis.

What is the fastest way to recover from back surgery?

How long after back surgery can you bend over?

No Bending, Lifting, or Twisting

“I recommend no bending, lifting, or twisting for six weeks after a lumbar fusion surgery,” Dr. Fischer says. “This is to help allow the surgery to heal and prevent an acute pain episode.”

Can you ride in a car after back surgery?

Of course, you may be transported in a car as a passenger immediately after surgery but it will help to have the seat reclined somewhat to reduce the load of vibration inherent in a car. For a long drive, get out and walk around the car every 1-2 hours.

How do you sit on a couch after back surgery?

After surgery, avoid sitting in soft chairs and on couches where your hips drop below your knees. If a chair is too high for you, place your feet on a small stool or box to help maintain correct sitting posture. Take frequent breaks by standing up and stretching every 30 to 45 minutes.

How much walking should I do after back surgery?

While you are still in the hospital after surgery, you may be encouraged to walk once you are able. Do one lap around your ward three to six times a day. By day four, back at home, you should be walking for five full minutes, up to six times a day.

What happens if I sit too long after back surgery?

Although sitting will not cause damage after back surgery, during the first few weeks, prolonged sitting is usually uncomfortable and people do best if they get up, move around or change position on a frequent basis (e.g. every half hour).

How soon can you climb stairs after back surgery?

While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery. You can go upstairs in the couple weeks following surgery, but it's best to limit stairs to once or twice a day in the first few weeks.

Do you need a walker after back surgery?

You will need an assistance device such as a walker or cane for the first week; however, you should strive to limit the use of this device after the first two to three weeks when you are on stable ground. By the end of the first month, you should be able to walk one mile without your assistance device.

What is the best exercise after back surgery?

Heel slides, wall squats, and straight leg raises, though they seem basic, are some of the most effective rehabilitative exercises to incorporate into your spinal surgery recovery routine.

How do you get out of bed after lower back surgery?

When can I shower after back surgery?

Activities after spine surgery. When can I shower (get incision wet)? It is usually advised that you wait one week after surgery before showering, or until the wound is closed. If no drainage is present at the incision, your surgeon may agree that you can shower earlier.

How do you shower after lower back surgery?

---You may shower as normal once your surgical incision is clean, dry, and without drainage. Prior to that, your incision should be kept dry and covered for showers with a watertight dressing. ---Hair washing is permissible while in the shower. ---You may clean wound with sterile saline or gentle soap and water.