Spine surgery is a significant undertaking for your body, even when minimally invasive techniques are used. Because of this, it makes sense that you’d just want to lay around for days or even weeks after your surgery so that healing can run its course. However, healing can actually progress faster if you work to mobilize the spine soon after surgery. In fact, there are a number of benefits to early mobilization after spine surgery. We explore five of those benefits in today’s blog.
5 Benefits Of Early Spinal Mobilization After Surgery
We’re not saying that you need to get back to work the day after your spine surgery, but controlled movements and early physical therapy exercises can work wonders for your spine. Here’s a look at five benefits of early mobilization following your back surgery.
- Preventing Blood Clots – Too much time in a sedentary position after surgery can lead to an increased risk of potentially hazardous blood clots. Getting moving and mobilizing your spine can help to keep blood circulating as it should and prevent blood clot formation.
- Increased Wound Healing – Improved circulation doesn’t just prevent blood clots, it also helps to speed up healing by bringing more healthy, oxygenated blood to structures that need it most. Movement can actually lead to a faster recovery than just sitting in your bed waiting for healing to run its course. Get up and move, and your spine and the nearby tissues will be getting more healthy blood to aid in the healing process.
- Decreased Gas And Constipation – The after effects of surgery can leave you feeling uncomfortable, and that’s only worsened if you’re experiencing gas, bloating and constipation. Fortunately, movement helps to prevent all three of these issues. Movement (and staying hydrated) helps your digestive system work as intended.
- Mood – Interestingly, studies have shown that early mobilization after spine surgery can have a positive effect on a person’s mood. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health in the wake of an operation, so don’t ignore it! Movement can help to release endorphins in your brain that affect your mood, and it can have the positive effect of showcasing your progress, which is a cognitive reward in itself.
- Preventing Muscle Weakness – Finally, early movement and physical therapy exercises can help to prevent muscle weakness in the spine. Your spine and the supportive tissues are in a weakened state following your operation, and they won’t get back to full strength with rest alone. Carefully targeting these areas can help them become stronger and better stabilize the surgical site. Start moving sooner to prevent potential muscle weakness.
For more information about the importance of early mobilization following spine surgery, or for help with any other back issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today.
