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