Recovering from spinal implant surgery can be a prolonged procedure. There is no shortcut to recovery. Your bones might take about 3-4 months after the surgery, but it can take as much time as one whole year. The good news is that you can resume working well within 4-6 weeks if you are otherwise healthy. However, you cannot take any strenuous job. 

Here are the rules of thumb to ensure a better recovery.

Follow what your doctor says

This means that you have to be diligent and regular in taking your prescribed medicines. Also, avoid any job that puts any type of strain on the back.

Do not skimp on Rest

Give your system some healing time. For that, it needs some rest. Make sure to take naps in the daytime and sleep for longer periods at night.

Take ice packs/ heat therapy

Ice packs can be quite effective in easing pain and swelling. On the other hand, heat therapy is effective in controlling muscle spasms that typically come with spine implants.

Keep yourself well hydrated

Have a lot of fluids. A well-hydrated body helps in better and faster healing.

Eat healthily

A well-balanced and healthy diet supplies your system with the best healing nutrients. This is why it is necessary to have sufficient whole grains, vegetables, and fruits for healing.

Exercise Regularly

Your physiotherapist will plan an exercise regime during your hospital stay. You need to continue them after returning home, as well. Moreover, when your doctor gives the green signal, you can consider a slow but steady start to light workouts. Think about swimming or walking. Slowly increase the intensity of the workout as you gain strength.

Ease your stress

Healing can be an emotionally overwhelming time. This is especially because recovery is both painful and time-consuming. So you must keep your mental health in good shape. So what it takes to keep yourself calm? This can include anything from nature baths, meditation, or simple yoga.

Stop smoking

One of the best things that you can do for yourself while healing is to quit smoking. It can interfere with your normal healing and even enhance your chance of developing complications.

Don’t take Road Trips

Sitting for a prolonged time can put a lot of stress on your spine. So while your doctor might recommend short walks for about 30 minutes or so, try to give road trips a break. At least wait until the doctor allows you for a car ride. Also, use ergonomic chairs that give maximum low back support to sit.

Some additional tips

Experts from Ruby Biotech suggest some more ways for better and quicker recovery. For example:

• Get all the help that you can: you must take assistance for managing everyday chores, cleaning, cooking, and transportation. To make it, never hesitate to hire caregivers if you can afford it. At least ask your family and friends for some help.
• Join support groups: talking to fellow patients who have already undergone spinal implants or recovering from it can be mentally rejuvenating. So you might want to join some online support groups.

Lastly, understand that your body will heal at its own pace. So don’t lose hope if a fellow patient makes it faster than the others.