The most common symptom of a lumbar disc herniation is back pain that spreads to the lower back, hips, and legs.
Care after lumbar disc surgery
- Take care of the sutures of the operation site and keep the operation site dry and clean and change the dressing every two days for up to 15 days and cover the wound with dry sterile gauze.
- Prolonged sitting and driving are prohibited. Follow your doctor’s orders regarding lifting objects, climbing stairs, exercise, physical work, physical activities returning to work.
- Increase your activities gradually and if tolerated, avoid bending and straightening and rotating movements during the first 4 weeks after the operation.
Avoid wearing high heels. - When sleeping, use a mattress with a smooth surface, not too hard or too soft.
Use the toilet. - In the first weeks, it is better to pray while sitting.
- To pull the stitches according to the doctor’s instructions, usually 10 to 14 days after the operation. In certain patients, this time may be longer or shorter.
- Bathing is safe 3-5 days after surgery, and after that the wound should be covered with sterile gauze.
- Maintain your proper weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back.
- Use foods containing vegetables, fresh fruits, low-fat meat and dairy products, foods rich in vitamin C and protein. Avoid consuming foods containing starch (rice, potatoes, sweets, pasta) to prevent excess weight.
- If the doctor orders you to use a medical belt, be sure to use it for the recommended period. It is not necessary to wear a seat belt while resting, except by the doctor’s order
- When sitting on a chair, keep your back firmly attached to the back of the chair, avoid sitting on the couch without a support. The way of sitting should be 90 degrees in the limbs and trunk.
- Exercises that are special for strengthening the pelvic and abdominal muscles should be done 3 to 4 weeks after the operation with the opinion of the physiotherapist and the doctor.
Warning signs :
In case of any symptoms related to infection such as fever, redness, discharge, swelling of the wound, increase in pain, be sure to inform the doctor.
- In case of severe headache and discharge of clear or slightly yellow fluid from the dressing, inform the doctor immediately.
- Tell your doctor about any muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling that progresses every day.
- In case of nausea and abdominal bloating, progressive constipation, inform the doctor.
- Inform your doctor about urinary or fecal incontinence.
- Avoid taking a lot of painkillers and take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
- Move the lower limbs in the knee and wrist area regularly throughout the day and night.
- Avoid quick and sudden movements of the lumbar region.
