| Spine decompression is a type of surgery | | | | discomfort. You will also be advised to |
| performed to remove pressure applied on | | | | take deep breaths to prevent lung |
| the spine or nerve root. This surgery | | | | infections after the operation. Never |
| works by removing the lamina to widen | | | | get out of bed alone after your spine |
| the spaces in the spine or nerve roots, | | | | decompression surgery. You should always |
| to relieve all symptoms that are related | | | | ask for assistance from therapists and |
| to spinal cord irritation and | | | | nurses when walking until you can |
| compression. Such symptoms include | | | | gradually walk on your own. Before |
| numbness, pain, weakness and burning | | | | leaving the hospital, you should talk to |
| sensations. Spine decompression is a | | | | your physician about your first |
| very effective way in treating a | | | | post-spine decompression surgery |
| herniated disc, ligament formation, bone | | | | consultation. Nursing your Incision and |
| spurs and tumors and it can be performed | | | | Dressing: To prevent infection you |
| in various sections of the spine, the | | | | should keep your dressing dry and clean |
| neck and the back (thoracic and lumbar). | | | | always. Sponge bath is recommended until |
| Spine Decompression Surgery | | | | the sutures are removed. You can only |
| Preparation: You should not eat or drink | | | | take a shower if you cover your incision |
| the night prior to your surgery not | | | | with a plastic wrap. Proper Body |
| unless you are directed to do so by your | | | | Mechanics after Spine Decompression: No |
| doctor. You can still continue with your | | | | bending and twisting of the back should |
| medications in the morning of the spine | | | | be done after the first few weeks of |
| decompression surgery with a little sip | | | | surgery. Always keep your back straight |
| of water. Also, it is very important to | | | | and bend your knees when picking up |
| talk to your doctor if you are taking | | | | something. Also, you should not sit on |
| certain medicines for diabetes and | | | | soft couches because this causes your |
| hypertension. Recovery Expectations: | | | | back to arch. Always sit or stand up |
| You can expect to stay in the hospital | | | | straight and walk slowly when |
| for at least 3 days after the surgery. | | | | exercising. Jogging may only aggravate |
| To relieve pain, you will be given | | | | your spinal cord. These are just some |
| intravenous pain medication. But as the | | | | guidelines that you should follow after |
| pain slowly subsides, you will be given | | | | undergoing spine decompression surgery. |
| oral pain relievers. Ask the nurse to | | | | To know more about this surgical |
| administer pain medication at least an | | | | procedure it is advisable to speak to |
| hour before performing any physical | | | | your physician. |
| activities. This will allow you to move | | | | Adam Webster is the author of numerous |
| in and out of the bed with lesser | | | | health related articles and books. |