6 Ways to “Prehab” for Back Surgery

It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed if your doctor recommends back surgery, but you’re in good company. About 500,000 people have back surgery every year, ranging from minimally invasive decompression procedures to multilevel spinal fusion. Back surgery can work wonders to relieve pain, restore mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

Your spine specialist, Dr. Drake, has an essential role in ensuring a successful outcome, but you play a major part, too. What you do to prepare for your procedure impacts your recovery and overall results. If you and Dr. Drake decide that surgical treatment is the best course of action for your condition, preparing for back surgery now will help you achieve the best possible outcome after surgery.

Prehab with purpose

“Prehab” is a term that applies to the steps you take to actively prepare for surgery. People who are proactive with prehab tend to have easier recoveries and return to normal more quickly.

For back surgery candidates, prehab often includes:

●      Working with a physical therapist to strengthen and prepare your body for surgery

●      Learning relaxation and breathing techniques to help you manage pain

●      Taking steps such as losing weight or quitting smoking to reduce your risk of complications

●      Mastering techniques to reduce anxiety and stress during your recovery

●      Organizing their home and environment to speed up recovery

Ask Dr. Drake about a prehab physical therapy referral so you’re in the best possible physical and mental state before your surgery.

Get the details

Talk through your procedure and recovery process with your doctor. Make sure you understand the surgery itself, potential risks and complications, and what to expect during recovery once you’re discharged home.

It’s a good idea to write down your questions before your pre-op appointment so you don’t forget anything. Ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes during your conversation. Make sure you know who to call, where to go, and what to do if you have questions or concerns before and after surgery. When you’re mentally prepared for back surgery, the process is much less stressful.

Prepare your body

Take a holistic approach in preparing for back surgery. If you have unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or sugar addiction, get the help you need to overcome them. These habits aren’t just bad for your health, they can also interfere with healing and slow your recovery.

If you’ve always wanted to lose a little weight, but lacked motivation, preparing for back surgery may give you a renewed sense of purpose. Dropping those extra pounds takes the pressure off your back and joints, and may reduce your risk of complications during surgery.

You may be able to reduce your reliance on pain medications after surgery by practicing guided breathing, relaxation techniques, and meditation. Ask your physical therapist about pain management techniques and practice them faithfully before surgery.

Strengthen your core and lower back muscles to better support your body and minimize your risk of injury or complications. Your physical therapist can show you the best exercises for your condition and demonstrate better ways to perform daily tasks after surgery that won’t stress your spine.

Make a plan

Most people need help at home for a period of time after back surgery. You’ll feel calmer heading into surgery if you know everything is under control once you’re discharged.

Everyone’s situation is different, so make a list of things that need to be done while you’re recovering. You may need help with childcare and carpools, dog walking, meal prep, and transportation to physical therapy and doctor appointments for a short time, for example.

Line up your helpers and make a schedule in advance. If you’re hiring help, such as a dog walker, house cleaning service, or home health aide, make time to interview and select them and establish procedures before your surgery.

Organize your home

Your mobility will be compromised after surgery, so make sure your home is set up in the most comfortable, convenient way possible.  Arrange a clear path to the bathroom and kitchen and remove scatter rugs, cords, and other obstacles that might cause an accident.

Set up your recovery area with a sturdy table for medications, water, and snacks. Use a basket for items such as books, headphones, device chargers, and TV remotes so they’re easy to find. Make sure your toiletries are within easy reach on your bathroom countertop so you don’t have to reach or bend over.

Talk to Dr. Drake and the CORE Team about any home equipment or devices you might need post-surgery, such as a raised toilet seat, bath chair, or walker and have them ready before you get home.

Practice healthy habits

Ultimately, you have the biggest impact on the success of your back surgery. Taking care of your body before and after surgery will go a long way toward ensuring an optimal outcome. Get plenty of sleep, eat a diet high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D to help your bones and muscles heal, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods because they can slow the healing process.

Follow Dr. Drake’s instructions carefully and keep all your follow-up and therapy appointments. Think of it as investing in your long-term health—what you do now sets a solid foundation for lasting good results.