Care after lumbar disc rupture surgery After lumbar disc surgery, it is very important to follow the principles of rehabilitation and avoid harmful movements. In the following, the most important care and related recommendations are given in the form of a table. Following these recommendations will help patients to go through the recovery period after lumbar disc surgery successfully and prevent the return of the injury. Rest period after lumbar disc surgery Another care after lumbar disc surgery is that you are advised to be active and walk the day after surgery. You will likely be discharged 1-4 days after surgery. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function, depending on the severity of the disease and symptoms before the operation. The length of time you need to stay in the hospital depends on the specific type of surgery you had and your general health. In general, the first few days after lumbar disc herniation surgery will be a bit difficult. You may sometimes feel tired, have some pain, and have trouble performing normal activities such as walking, showering, and sleeping. Sitting time after lumbar disc surgery After **lumbar disc closure surgery**, sitting time should be limited. In the first days, it is usually recommended to sit for only 30 minutes to 1 hour and then get up to rest and move. With the consultation of the doctor, this time can be increased little by little, but sitting for a long time without changing the position is prohibited. It is better to use a pillow or back to fill the lumbar cavity while sitting so that less pressure is applied to the spine. For the first three weeks after endoscopic lumbar disc surgery, only sit in a chair to eat. After that, sitting for more than 1 hour is not recommended, and it is better to walk for a few minutes every hour to avoid dryness and pressure on the disc. Complications after lumbar disc surgery If you see any of the following side effects, be sure to see a doctor: 1. The presence of red fluid (hematoma) at the wound site 2. The opening of the stitches and the bleeding of the dressing 3. Fever of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) 4. Severe and unbearable pain 5. Numbness or increasing weakness in the legs, back or buttocks 6. Inability to move the legs 7. Lack of urine and bladder control 8. Severe headache 9. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain Is leg pain normal after lumbar disc surgery? Immediately after surgery, you will have some pain in and around the area where the operation was performed. You will be given a pain reliever so that you can move around. The initial leg pain that you may experience after surgery will usually improve immediately, but if not, you should notify your nurses and doctor and continue to take care after lumbar disc surgery more seriously. Going to the bathroom after lumbar disc surgery While most spine surgeries have a successful outcome, the recovery process can take some time and varies from patient to patient. One of the most common problems that arise during recovery after neck or back surgery is constipation due to the type of pain medication used or changes in diet and activity level. Here are some tips to prevent or at least minimize this problem while making your way to a full recovery: ### Eat enough fiber About 25 grams of dietary fiber per day is recommended for women and 38 grams for men. Try to eat some fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods at each meal. If you have a sore throat due to spinal surgery on your neck, use a blender to make eating easier. And remember not to overdo it with fiber as it can cause constipation. ### Have proper physical activity When you're recovering from spine surgery, especially the first few days, you'll probably feel lethargic and need a lot of rest. However, be sure to ask your doctor how much walking is allowed or recommended during your recovery at home. If your doctor has given you permission to walk and do other light activities, do so. Daily walking is usually recommended to help increase blood flow, healing and regular bowel movements during the healing process. ### Prescribing the right medicines for your pain Opioid pain relievers, which are among the strongest pain relievers commonly prescribed after lumbar disc surgery, can significantly increase the risk of constipation. If your constipation is related to pain medication, your doctor may try another medication to see if that makes a difference. Very few people have difficulty urinating after surgery. This is usually temporary, but rarely has complications. For convenience, use a raised toilet seat or commode. Do not bend your legs when sitting. Lying on the floor after lumbar disc surgery Did you know that certain sleeping positions can aggravate back pain? Or, conversely, are there any sleeping positions that can reduce back pain? The best sleeping position after spine surgery is lying flat on your back, with a pillow under your knees, or lying on your side with a pillow between your bent knees. Sleeping on the side is not recommended. However, side sleepers may find it easier to breathe. Just like back sleepers, side sleepers should use a pillow between their knees to protect their spine. If you want to change your position during the night, try changing your whole body to a new position, not just your torso, to avoid twisting. Obviously, torso rotation is dangerous and puts your spine at greater risk or injury. Walking after lumbar disc surgery Activity speeds up your recovery. Make sure you do the exercises recommended by your physical therapist. Walking is a good way to stay active, but you should avoid heavy lifting, sudden turns, and bending during daily activities until you recover and take care after back disc surgery seriously. Walking is a great warm-up. Exercising in water is great for your joints and muscles, allowing you to get a great workout without increasing or causing pain. **Take care after lumbar disc surgery seriously to recover faster** To recover faster after lumbar disc surgery, take care such as adequate rest, avoiding heavy activities, observing the correct body position, using a medical belt if necessary, regular physical therapy, taking medications as prescribed by the best lumbar disc surgeon, and following up on medical appointments; All these things will be effective in your faster recovery. > **Dr. Kevin Pauza**, a famous spine surgeon in America, says about the care after lumbar disc surgery: > > "According to our studies, patients who regularly followed rehabilitation and physical therapy programs during the first 6 weeks after lumbar disc surgery had 75% less disc recurrence. Also, following the correct care tips reduced the time to return to daily activities from 12 weeks to 8 weeks on average."