5 Essential Items to Help You Recover After Back Surgery
The way you sit, and especially the amount of time you spend sitting, has a big impact on your posture and the health of your spine. This is especially true if you’re recovering from back surgery or a c-section. During your recovery process, focusing on a healthy posture and comfortable seating is vital. Along with other aspects to consider, you need to take extra care of your spine.
Comfortable chairs, such as an electric recliner lift chair, can speed up your recovery process remarkably. Some minor accessories also make a huge difference! In this article, you’ll learn about the 5 most essential items to help you with your recovery process.
Contents
Heating Pads and/or Ice Packs
The post-op home care is the most important part once you return home after surgery. Small changes may be necessary to ensure that you’re able to rest as much as possible, and be comfortable doing so.
Ice packs and/or heating pads could be useful both to the part of your body that was operated on, as well as your neck and other muscles that can get sore from lack of movement. If your doctor or nurse doesn’t advise you on these items, be sure to ask which one they’d prefer and when and how often to use it.
Frozen gel packs are better preferred over ice packs, as they won’t leak. It’s vital to keep all incisions dry.
Leather Recliner Chairs
As mentioned, recovering from any surgery requires you to rest as often as possible. This means sitting a lot more than you may be used to. Choosing the proper seating options is crucial to your recovery process.
The use of leather recliner chairs is one of the best options as it allows you to sit and lay down comfortably without getting as sore as you would from being in bed all day. Due to their recliner function, they make it easier for you to get into a standing position—especially the recliner lift chairs.
When leather recliner chairs aren’t available as part of your existing furniture, adding extra pillows to your current seating options is close enough. The goal is that you’re comfortable and not sitting on a surface that is too hard (or too soft).
The padding is more important than you may think. Added cushioning will offer your back more support and help you keep your spine in the right position, without you exerting any effort.
Grabber Tools or Reaching Aids
One of the common instructions after any lower back surgery would be to bend as little as possible. This can be a tall order as it’s second nature to bend to pick something off the floor or reach for an item on the top shelf.
Grabber tools or reaching aids are valuable items to have during the recovery process as they’ll help you reach items without affecting your spine too much. They’re readily available from most local pharmaceutical outlets or can be purchased online.
Sports Water Bottles or Squirt Bottles
Another instruction your doctor may emphasise is to stay as hydrated as possible. This means increasing your water intake. Since you need to move as little as possible, using a squirt bottle or sports water bottle will make it easier for you to drink even while laying down. This will reduce the need to get into a seated position every time you’d want to take a sip.
These bottles also reduce the risk of spilling your drink over yourself. This means you can safely look after your health even when alone—increasing your sense of independence.
Finally, having a water bottle nearby will automatically encourage you to drink more, helping you stay hydrated.
Stool Softeners (and Squirt Bottles)
Unfortunately, one of the most common post-surgical occurrences is constipation. This can cause great pain and discomfort, and therefore it’s worthwhile to use some stool softeners. Your doctor should provide these during your stay, but you may want to continue using them once you’ve returned home.
Apple cider vinegar and prune juice are some natural remedies for constipation. Always consult your doctor about any medication you plan on taking to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the prescribed medications.
Handy tip: when you do suffer from constipation, the act of cleaning up after a bowel movement could be painful. A squirt bottle filled with lukewarm water could be helpful and decrease the need to reach or twist.
In Conclusion
We hope this article has been a useful resource to aid in your recovery process. Unfortunately, it does take time, but with the help of the items mentioned above, it should speed up the process a little—or at least make it easier.
Remember to stay hydrated and make sure you have your water bottle and reaching aids nearby before you make yourself comfortable in your seat. Some books or magazines are also good pastime options.
Good luck!