Whether you have suffered a serious injury or you have been suffering from chronic and debilitating back pain, spine surgery may be necessary. Spine surgery is a major surgical procedure, and the recovery period can depend on the type of spine surgery that you need. Many people who undergo spine surgery have very good outcomes, but you will need to be patient while you heal and recover. Understanding the recovery process and knowing what to expect can be very helpful. Use the following tips to help you recover following spine surgery:

Make Arrangements to Have Someone Help You

In the days and weeks after spine surgery, you will not be able to attend to normal day-to-day tasks and chores. You will need a lot of rest, and you won't be able to run to the grocery store, cook meals, or drive yourself to appointments with your surgeon. Prior to your surgery, make sure that you make arrangements to have someone assist you during your recovery, whether it is a friend or family member. Having someone to assist you will make your life much easier so you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about things that need to be done.

Pay Attention to Pain Control

Recovering from spine surgery is not always comfortable or easy. Like any type of surgery, many people who undergo spine surgery experience pain and discomfort as they recover. Before you are discharged and allowed to go home, your surgeon will most likely give you a prescription for pain medication. When it comes to pain management, the best thing that you can do is take your medication according to your surgeon's directions. Don't skip doses of your pain medication. It can take time for pain medication to begin to take effect, so it is just easier to stick to the schedule and keep pain and discomfort under control.

Monitor Your Incision

Surgical incision sites can vary in size depending on the type of spine surgery that you have, but it is important to carefully monitor your incision for any signs of infection. If you are unable to see your incision using mirrors, ask the person who is helping you to look at it. If your incision becomes red or is oozing pus, it is important to contact your surgeon as soon as possible. Other signs that your surgical incision could be infected include a fever or sudden increase in pain. 

For more information, speak with an orthopedic surgeon like one at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C., about spinal surgery.