A healthcare provider might suggest surgery on your disc to relieve symptoms caused by spinal conditions affecting nerve function. Following disc surgery, some patients can walk after a few days or weeks, depending on different factors. Here are some variables that determine how long it takes to walk after this procedure:
Type of Surgery Performed
Disc replacement surgery substitutes the damaged disc with an artificial one, allowing the spine to maintain its natural movement. A surgeon usually uses narrow instruments in the muscle fibers to avoid damaging joints, which means patients can heal faster. To accelerate recovery by gently restoring mobility, patients are encouraged to walk a few hours after this type of surgery. Spinal fusion, which is another form of surgery, involves fusing two or more vertebrae, leading to muscle and tissue disruption. It could take longer after this operation for the bones to properly stabilize and solidify. After spinal fusion, full recovery and the ability to engage in normal activities may take several weeks.
Overall Health
Patients with stronger core and leg muscles can support their spine during the recovery process, reducing strain on the surgical site. This helps them return to normal activities sooner due to good muscle strength and tone. Due to the strain surgery places on their hearts, patients with cardiac issues may have limited physical activity after disc surgery. These patients may need more time before they can walk comfortably.
Extent of Nerve Damage
If a herniated disc compressed the nerves for an extended period before surgery, the nerves may be slow to heal. Due to prolonged compression, muscles often weaken and become numb, which may delay recovery in some people. If the nerves suffer mild irritation, the symptoms may go away after a few weeks, allowing you to walk. For severe damage like nerve root impingement, you might need to rest longer before you resume walking as your body heals. Some healthcare professionals may use nerve stimulation techniques to help reawaken damaged nerves and promote healing.
Post-Surgery Care
Several weeks after surgery, a physiotherapist may recommend that you walk or do some light exercises to encourage tissue repair without causing damage to the spine. As healing progresses, therapists introduce other exercises to strengthen the back muscles, core, or legs, improving posture and stability. Step-ups and single-leg stands can help people with mobility issues improve their balance and coordination while recovering from surgery. Taking pain medication is another type of post-surgery care that helps patients to move or participate in physical therapy. To control soreness after this procedure, a doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants and medications like gabapentin. Heat and cold packs are also useful for managing pain and allowing muscles to relax for better recovery.
Book an Appointment for Disc Surgery
After surgery, you can begin walking and resume your normal routine if you follow post-surgery care instructions. An experienced surgeon should employ the most effective methodologies to cushion the affected spinal joints and minimize the healing period. To manage back pain and other symptoms, call a trusted clinic today to learn more about disc surgery.