In times where we are increasingly leading sedentary lifestyles, perhaps the worst hit body part is our spine. Back aches and pains are a common complaint amongst both old and young people. And in some cases, the damage goes too far and requires surgery.
Here’s everything you need to know about spine surgery:
What’s a Spine surgery?
Spine surgeries are the major undertakings where the surgical procedures are performed on one or multiple anatomical structures of the spine. These surgeries vary based on the symptoms, few allowing for quick recoveries and others which are more extensive and take longer periods for recovery. The surgeries in the spine are majorly performed to relieve pain, weakness in the limbs , loss of sensations and difficulty in passing urine and loss of control over bowel due to compression of spinal cord and neural structures.
What are the symptoms you need to be aware of?
These symptoms are most common among people who are suffering with spine or back related issues.
Different types of spine surgeries
Based on the objective of the surgery, here are the different types:
There are more complex surgeries which are performed in few complicated cases usually for the correction of deformities, tumor excisions and which cannot be treated just with medications and physiotherapy. Here the reason for surgery and recovery and cure depends on the condition.
Based on how the surgeries are performed, the spine surgeries are of 5 types:
How much time will a spine surgery take?
The time period of a spine surgery varies depending on what has to be achieved
The other complex surgeries like deformity correction and tumor excision, based on the severity of the disease, take longer time.
Though the surgery is a success and the issue is resolved, there are few limitations immediately after a spine surgery. Let’s now check out those-
Also based on the type of surgery performed, the severity and chronicity of the condition there are further limitations:
Patient who has undergone a decompression surgery has to make lifestyle changes to prevent unnecessary loading to the spine to avoid the damage from spreading further. Restrictions are for 3 weeks post-surgery for the tissues to heal. The patient needs to undergo physiotherapy to build up the muscle strength of the back.
For Stabilization patients who had fractures, ambulation is on the first or second day post operation with restriction of activities for about 3 months.
Patients who have undergone Decompression and Fusion will have stiffness in the operated area and ambulation will be on first or second day post operation. The spine and the affected area shouldn’t be loaded for at least 3 months.
For complex surgeries, limitations depend on the condition of the patient and the complexity of the procedure the patient underwent.
What’s the diet plan after the surgery?
There is no special diet chart for patients who had spine surgeries. But it’s important that the patient takes good food in sufficient amounts to regain the strength. However for a faster recovery, this is what you have to eat-
Protein food is a must at least for 6 weeks post operation. It helps in healing of tissues.
A balanced diet is what every doctor suggests to maintain a healthy body after a complex surgery.
What are the exercises to be done post spine surgery?
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the pressure on the spine and increase the strength of the muscles. Usually this works best after a surgery as these would be customised by the physiotherapist as per the patient condition, the type of surgery performed . The different types of exercises are-
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is the most important practice to get the best benefit from surgery. Physiotherapy and exercise are included in it which helps the patients recover from the surgery at the earliest. This rehabilitation helps you come back to a good physical condition. Though the surgery helps in the cure of any spine related problems, the willingness of a person and the after-surgery practices takes the person on the road of recovery.
What is the cost of the Surgery?
The cost can’t be mentioned as there are a wide range of procedures and there will be a difference in cost due to its extensiveness and the equipment involved.
How is Zoi equipped for spine surgeries? Zoi Hospitals is known for its state-of-the-art facility and the best team of neurologists. The equipment available in Zoi Hospitals for its spine surgeries are:
- Vertical laminar flow theaters- C-arm Machine- Endoscopic spine surgery equipment- Operation Theatre- Expert doctors and nurses.In times like these, when we are forced to be indoors, make the best use of it by exercising regularly and staying active. Let’s take care of our spine and stay healthy!
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