After Your Back Surgery
WOUND CARE
You may shower 24 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run
over the incision. DO NOT scrub it. Pat it dry.
You may or may not have sutures (stitches) or staples that will
need to be removed. You may have little pieces of tape across the
incision called “Steri-strips.” Don’t pull them off when they begin to
peel. They will fall off on their own.
You may continue to shower after your staples or sutures
(“stitches”) are removed.
DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your incision for 2 weeks.
Staples or sutures usually stay in for 10-14 days after surgery. An
appointment will be made for you to come back to the office to have
these removed and your incision checked.
ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
The restrictions on your activities should be followed for 4 to 8
weeks after your surgery. The length of time depends on the extent of
surgery and your physician’s instructions.
DO NOT sit for longer than 45 minutes at a time. (If the ride home
is longer than 45 minutes, you will need to take a break to walk
around and stretch your legs).
DO NOT twist, stretch, pull, or bend.
DO NOT lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (i.e. a thick phone book
or jug of milk).
You may begin activities that require minimal physical exertion,
such as light housework (washing dishes or dusting), 4 weeks after
your surgery. DO NOT vacuum. Gradually increase your workload over
several weeks.
You may drive short distances approximately 2 to 4 weeks after
surgery, if you have permission from your physician.
Walk for exercise. You should be walking up to a mile a day by your
second office appointment 4-6 weeks after surgery. You may break it up
over the course of the day, taking frequent rest periods
PAIN MEDICINE
If you have been given a prescription for pain medication, take the
medication only when needed and only for as long as you need it.
Pain medications containing a narcotic can cause constipation,
drowsiness, or lightheadedness.
To prevent constipation, you may increase your water intake and
increase the amount of fruit and fiber in your diet. If these measures
do not help and you become constipated, you may use an
over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace), or a mild laxative
(such as Milk of Magnesia).
Please note that many narcotic pain medications cannot be refilled
over the telephone. If you need a refill on your pain medication,
please contact your Family Physician first. If your Family Physician
is unable to refill your prescription, you may call our office. This
may require that you come to the office to pick up a prescription.
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN
Any of the signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever of 101
degrees or higher, redness or swelling of incision, increased pain,
drainage from your incision.
New or increased weakness, numbness, or tingling of legs.
New or increased pain which may include pain in your back,
buttocks, or legs.
Persistent or severe headache.
Calf tenderness and/or calf swelling.
Difficulty urinating.
HOW TO CONTACT US
If you have any problems or questions call the office at
717-920-7664 or 888-920-4360.
You may send an e-mail if you wish to
info@pnni.org. Please specify
which physician you are seeing.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT
If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment or have questions
about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664.
