Lumbar disc herniation fusion surgery

For surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation, patients can choose the surgical method according to their own situation. Generally speaking, there are two types of surgeries for treating lumbar disc herniation: minimally invasive methods and fusion surgery. The doctor will recommend the most appropriate surgical plan based on the patient's condition and physical condition. So, if a patient with lumbar disc herniation undergoes fusion surgery, what should he pay attention to after the surgery?

Many patients have undergone internal fixation fusion surgery (open surgery) for lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis. The surgery was very successful and they were discharged smoothly, but they were not very clear about how to conduct rehabilitation training after the surgery. Here are some precautions after the surgery and suggestions for rehabilitation training.

Note: First, wear the waist belt for 3 months. You can take off the waist belt when you are resting in bed within 3 months after the operation, and you should wear it at other times. After a follow-up check in the outpatient clinic 3 months later, you can gradually remove the waist belt if the healing is going well. The so-called gradual removal means that you should not take off the protection of the waist belt immediately. You should gradually reduce the time you wear the waist belt, such as wearing it when going out and not wearing it at home. After you gradually get used to it, you can completely take off the waist belt. Secondly, do not stand or sit for long periods of time after returning to work. Deep squats are not recommended within 3 months after surgery. It is best not to bend over hard within 6 months. As for bending over to lift heavy objects, it is best not to do it ever. Finally, if you have soreness or discomfort in your lower back, local hot compresses, physical therapy, or a hot bath may provide relief.

Rehabilitation training: Early rehabilitation training mainly focuses on walking. The amount of exercise can be controlled by yourself and can be increased gradually without forcing it. Xiao Yanfei does not recommend trying it too early. You can start it 2-3 months after the operation. Because the lumbar structure is not stable after lumbar surgery, it is useless to try it too early. You may as well start a little later and then gradually increase it.

It is normal to have some fluctuations in the recovery process after lumbar surgery, so you don’t need to be nervous if you feel a little soreness, swelling, or stiffness in your waist. If the pain is obvious or the symptoms persist for a long time and cannot be relieved, you should go to the outpatient clinic for a follow-up examination. Usually the best results of the surgery begin to appear one year after the operation, at which time there is generally no obvious discomfort and the condition is relatively stable.