A lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the lower spine. The doctor removed bone fragments that were compressing the spinal cord and nerves.
After surgery, your back may be stiff for some time, but this should become better in a few weeks after surgery. You may have difficulty sitting or standing in one posture for an extended time.
Your doctor may recommend that you work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles surrounding your spine and trunk. You’ll need to learn how to lift, twist, and bend properly to avoid straining your back.
This care sheet provides an estimate of how long it will take you to recover. However, everyone recovers at their speed. To get better as soon as possible follow these instructions:
Activity
When you’re exhausted, take a break. Getting enough sleep is essential in your recovery after your lumbar laminectomy.
Make an effort to walk every day. Begin by walking a little more than you did the previous day. Increase your walking time gradually. Walking improves blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. It can also help with muscle soreness following surgery.
If your doctor advises, you should avoid lifting anything that will put too much strain on your back. For example, you may use a youngster, heavy shopping bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, or a vacuum cleaner.
Avoid intense activities like biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise until your doctor says it’s safe.
Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks following your operation, or until your doctor indicates it is safe to do so.
For the first 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, avoid driving for more than 30 minutes at a time. If you must go a longer distance by car, take frequent breaks to walk and stretch your legs.
While sitting or standing, try to change positions every 30 minutes. This will help to alleviate your back pain while you heal.
You will almost certainly need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work. However, if your job includes manual labor, it could take 4 to 8 weeks. It depends on the nature of your employment and how you feel.
You can have sex whenever you want, but avoid postures that put a strain on your back or create pain.
Diet
You can continue to consume your regular diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods such as plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
Drink plenty of water (unless your doctor instructs you otherwise).
You may notice irregular bowel movements right after surgery. This is quite common. Constipation and bowel straining should be avoided. Consider taking a fiber supplement every day. If you haven’t had a bowel movement in a few days, consult your doctor about using a moderate laxative.
Medicines
When and whether you can begin taking your medications will be determined by your doctor. You will also be instructed on how to administer any new drugs.
If you stop taking aspirin or another blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start again.
Take pain relievers exactly as prescribed.
- If your doctor ordered pain medication, use it exactly as directed.
- whether you do not have a prescription for pain medication, ask your doctor whether you can use an over-the-counter medication instead.
If you believe your pain medication is making you sick to your stomach, take the following steps:
- Take your medication after meals (unless your doctor instructs you otherwise).
- Request a new pain reliever from your doctor.
Incision care
If your surgeon used tape to close the cut (incision), leave it on for a week or until it falls off.
Every day, wash the area with warm, soapy water and pat it dry.
Maintain a clean and dry environment. If it weeps or scrapes against clothing, wrap it with a gauze bandage. Every day, change the bandage.
Exercise
Your doctor may suggest you work with a physiotherapist to enhance your back’s strength and flexibility.
