Recovering From Back Surgery May Take Longer Than You Think
After suffering from pain for weeks or months after an injury from a car or a work-related accident, many people look forward to the relief from pain that back surgery will provide. Being able to return to normal, everyday activities, such as lifting a box, driving a car, or sitting or standing for long periods of time, without pain is the goal of most back surgery.
However, many people are surprised that post-surgery, the pain doesn’t subside as quickly as they would like and that the return back to normal life doesn’t happen automatically.
This can be quite disappointing and discouraging. If you experience a slower than anticipated recovery after back surgery, please remember that this may be normal. Be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions are key to a full recovery.
Of course, if your symptoms worsen or you do not experience any improvement after surgery, see your doctor.
Depending on the type of surgery a patient undergoes, the recovery time can vary from days to weeks to months.
Incisions, muscles and nerves need time to heal after surgery as your body tries to build back its strength.
Your doctor will give you an estimated timeframe for your recovery and will also discuss with you appropriate activities following back surgery. Remember that a plan that gradually allows you to return to everyday activities helps prevent reinjury to your back.
Connecting with friends and others who have had similar back injuries and undergone surgery surgery is a helpful way to learn the “real deal” on recovery. Other back patients may also be able to offer helpful tips from the perspective of someone who's been there, done that and most importantly, gotten through it.
Unexpected problems or questions can arise after surgery. You may experience moodiness or even depression. And you may find that you have questions about how to do things that you once took for granted. Many people who have had surgery to treat a back injury find themselves asking questions like, “How do I take a shower?” and "What's the best way to get sleep at night. "
Learning from others who have been through a similar situation can help you get through the recovery process. There are many online groups, discussion boards and blogs that can provide greater insight into how to cope with your recovery. You can find links to back injury support groups at the Deuterman Law Group Web site and elsewhere on the Internet. The Back Pain Support Group is a good one.
You can find list of other back injury and chronic pain support groups and resources at The American Chronic Pain Association Web site.
A healthy mental attitude as well as a healthy lifestyle will bring you closer and closer to your goal of returning to a normal life free from back pain.
Remember, the information in this blog is meant for education and is not a substitute for treatment. If you are experiencing back pain, see a doctor. Do no attempt to treat yourself.
This entry concludes our Back Health Blog, but we invite you to post comments and questions for our staff and our attorneys. If there's another topic you'd like covered in our Back Health Series or on our North Carolina Workers' Compensation Law blog, please contact us, and we'll do our best to honor all requests.