Care of the Posterior Lumbar Fusion Baltimore MD Patient

Back surgeries one of the most common operations performed today in the United States.  posterior lumbar fusion Baltimore MD is one type of procedure that aims to stabilize a spinal column that has become weak for some reason.  This article is intended for the non-medical person who may become charged with caring for a friend or family member who has had this kind of surgery.  Whether or not patients receive significant benefit in the form of pain relief post-surgically is largely dependent on both the skill of the surgeon and the quality of the after-care.

Caring for the Posterior Lumbar Fusion Patient Baltimore

• Proper psychological support is essential for a good recovery following posterior lumbar fusion surgery Baltimore, and this is available through the professionals that work in the https://www.medstarunionortho.org network.   It is therefore necessary to identify those who can be natural supports before the surgery is even scheduled.  Those who would seem to be obvious choices, like adult children, may not wish to help, while others who may be less obviously interested, such as neighbors or co-workers, may be quite willing to be involved.
• Patients having this type of operation will start their recovery with some minimal physical activity like sitting in a chair or walking for less than a half-hour.  Gradually, they will work up to a physical therapy program that focuses on stabilization of the spine.  Eventually, patients return to most of their pre-surgery activities except, hopefully, with much less pain.  It is important for supporting persons to understand what kinds of activities are necessary and possible in all stages of the recovery process.
• All individuals who have back surgery will have some post-surgical precautions that are designed to keep them from injuring the newly-fused spine before it has fully healed.  Those supporting the patient need to be aware of ways to protect the surgical area.  Precautions can range from from something like getting in and out of bed in a certain way to using adaptive equipment like a raised toilet seat or walker/cane.
• Wearing some kind of stabilizing brace after spinal surgery is an almost universal requirement.  Someone who is helping with the recovery process should know when it should be worn and how to put it on and remove it.