Posterior Lumbar Fusion Baltimore MD and Protecting your Back

When the spongy discs that cushion the vertebrae of your spine become damaged, the vertebrae can grind against each other causing serious pain, numbness, and weakness.  The damage to discs is usually caused by aging and normal wear and tear.  Severe cases can be treated with a posterior lumbar fusion Baltimore MD, but you can limit damage to your back by taking care to use body mechanics that protect your back every day.

Proper lifting to prevent need for spinal fusion Baltimore

Lifting is a common cause of back injury and regularly doing it incorrectly can lead to the need for spinal fusion surgery Baltimore.  To limit your risk, follow these guidelines for proper lifting:

• Face the object you need to lift, do not twist.
• Lower yourself to the floor with your back straight.
• Keep the object close to your body.
• When you set the load down, bend your knees to lower it rather than bending at the waist.

Protecting your back at night

You can even help protect your back and possibly limit your risk for spinal fusion surgery Baltimore while you are laying in bed.  The muscles and ligaments in your back relax while you are sleeping, so make sure that you choose a mattress that provides support for the natural curve of your spine and consider replacing it every 10 years.  Your pillow should support the natural curve of your neck.  A pillow that is too high can strain your back and overtime may cause damage that needs spinal fusion Baltimore.  Regardless of whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach; try to keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned to reduce stress on your back.

Posterior lumbar fusion Baltimore MD

Taking care to protect your back everyday can lower your risk, but there is no sure way to completely prevent damage to your back.  Injury, disease such as arthritis, or normal wear and tear may still damage the cushioning discs in your back, allowing your vertebrae to move against each other painfully.  Spinal fusion surgery Baltimore can permanently join 2 or more bones in your back, preventing movement.  After spinal fusion Baltimore, it is especially important to take steps to protect your back to prevent further damage.  Learn more about spinal fusion Baltimore at https://www.medstarunionortho.org/treatments/back/posterior-lumbar-fusion/.