Your Recovery

How fast you recover depends on the type of surgery you had, your commitment to working closely with your physical therapist, and moving and exercising correctly, as recommended by your surgeon. It may take six months or longer before your back is completely healed.

Physical Therapy

After surgery, your surgeon may refer you to a physical therapist, who will teach you exercises to improve your strength and increase your mobility. The goal of physical therapy is to help you become active as soon as possible, using safe body movements that protect your back.

Move Right

Good body mechanics keep your spine well-aligned and reduce pain. But maintaining a safe, balanced position may require some changes in how you go about daily activities. For instance, you may need to learn different ways of sleeping, sitting, or lifting to avoid reinjuring your back.

Exercise Regularly

Your recovery plan may include back and stomach exercises, such as sit-ups, to strengthen muscles that help support your back. Done regularly, these exercises can help you build the strong, flexible muscles you need to protect your back.

Follow-up Care

You and your surgeon will continue to work together during your recovery. Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may schedule follow-up visits with you, so that he or she can evaluate your progress, advise you about your activity level, and adjust any medications, if necessary. Sometimes your doctor may recommend follow-up tests to make sure you are healing properly.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.