Lumbar laminectomy Baltimore MD Recovery

What is a lumbar laminectomy Baltimore MD surgery?

Back surgery, even when it is minimally invasive, will cause patients to need to spend a good deal of time recovering. For something like spinal fusion, patients will need to take it easy for a few weeks while the bones begin to grow and fuse together. Another common type of surgery, called a lumbar laminectomy, is the removal of a portion of the bone in the spine in order to create more space and decompress the area and to relieve any potential pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. No matter which type of back surgery is necessary, preparing for it before getting the procedure done is very important.

How to prepare for lumbar laminectomy Baltimore MD recovery

Some of the essentials for recovery from spinal surgery in Baltimore include:

- The right medications: While your doctors will likely prescribe medication to help alleviate pain immediately following the surgery, some patients report lingering pain even after the initial recovery time has passed. Over the counter medications like NSAIDs and acetaminophen can help, as can things like laxatives. Constipation is common for patients after a surgery of this nature, so be prepared.

- Prepare the home by having things like a toilet riser, a cane or a walker, a shower chair and a “grabber” (to eliminate the need for reaching) ready to go. These things will help people that are recovering move more easily, as well as to ensure that the likelihood of re-injuring the surgical site decreases.

- Comfort items like a back brace, a body pillow, back scratcher and both ice packs and heating pads can be very helpful. While healing from a lumbar laminectomy Baltimore MD, it is important to stay comfortable while in the home without having to make sudden movements or deal with excess pain.

- Since weeks of recovery will be necessary, and back surgery patients won’t be allowed to drive for at least two weeks, it is important to have things to do at home. Ensuring high speed wireless internet is present, along with plenty of movies, books, puzzles and games can be very helpful. This will allow patients to do things that they enjoy while they recuperate, and can help to minimize boredom.

- Patience and a support system are two of the most important things that people who need spinal surgery in Baltimore can have. Even though the individual will be the only one that experiences the actual surgery and recovery, it is important to understand that healing won’t happen in a day, or even in a week… and that talking to others can help tremendously.