About this topic
Right after back surgery, it is important to avoid any sudden twisting movements in your back. This can make getting in and out of bed very difficult. Learn the right way to do this to help ease your pain. It may also help prevent problems from happening. ‚
You will want to have someone with you when you get out of bed the first few times after surgery. It is important to protect yourself from falling. Drugs for pain and changes in blood pressure can make you dizzy. Never start to walk if you are feeling dizzy. If you are feeling unsteady in any way, a walker or cane may be helpful to use. ‚
General
Getting out of bed: ‚
- Roll onto your side and face the side of the bed where you will be getting out. Roll your upper and lower body together like a log. Do not twist.
- Slowly, bring your knees up towards your chest. Your upper legs should be straight out from your body.
- Push your upper body up with your arms AT THE SAME TIME as you slowly drop your legs over the bed to sit up.
- You may feel dizzy when you first sit up. Do not close your eyes. Pick an object to focus on until the dizziness goes away.
- To stand up, scoot your hips out to the edge of the bed until your feet are flat on the floor.
- If your doctor orders you to wear a back brace, you may need to put it on while you are sitting on the edge of the bed. Other times, you will need to put it on while lying down.
- Slowly bend forward at the waist until your nose is over your toes.
- Push off with your hands on the bed and rise to standing.
Getting into bed: ‚
- Back up to the bed until you feel the bed on the back of your legs. Be sure you are high enough towards the head of the bed. This will keep you from needing to scoot up in bed once you lie down.
- Slowly, bend at the waist and reach back for the bed.
- Lower yourself to sitting.
- Take off your brace if you have one.
- Use your arms to lower your upper body down to the bed while bringing your legs up AT THE SAME TIME. If you have trouble getting your legs up, get someone to help you. At this point, you should be lying on your side towards the edge of the bed.
- Straighten your legs and roll your upper and lower body together like a log. Do not twist.
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
- Less pain
- Less pulling at the cut site
Will physical activity be limited?
Most of the time after back surgery, your doctor will want you to start walking right away. You should avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds. Your activities will depend on the type of surgery that was done. It could take a couple of weeks to up to 6 months. You may need to wear a brace anytime you are out of bed for a while. Talk to your doctor about what activities you are allowed to do. ‚
Helpful tips
- Clear your home before you go to the hospital. Move all loose rugs to lessen the chance of tripping over them when you get home.
- Keep your phone with you at all times when you go home.
- Take breaks often when sitting or standing for a long time. Walk around when you can.
- When standing for long periods, try putting one leg up on a small step.
- Once you are cleared to lift things, use good form with your body when lifting heavy objects.
- Bend your knees.
- Keep your back straight.
- Do not twist at your waist. Turn with your feet instead.
- Keep objects close to your body.
- Wear shoes with good support.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚