Thanks For Completing The Spine Prehab Program

We appreciate the time you invested in viewing the Spine Prehab video and completing the quiz. Below are insights into the important issues highlighted in the quiz. With the handbook and additional information sheets, you have the information needed to prepare for a successful spine surgery. Please contact your surgeon if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!

1. Your activity restrictions after surgery usually include no bending or twisting your surgery site and no lifting, pushing and pulling anything greater than 5-10 pounds (in other words, no BLT with 2 pickles). (True) These restrictions typically last for 6-12 weeks. At your follow-up visit, your surgeon will let you know when you may return to your normal activities
   
   

2. You will be expected to walk within several hours or sooner after surgery, unless told differently by your surgeon. (True) There are a lot of great benefits to early walking after surgery such as better pain control, improved blood flow, improved lung function, and quicker healing. Early walking after surgery also helps prevent many surgical complications such as infections, pneumonia, blood clots, muscle spasms, urinary tract infections, urinary retention, and constipation.
   
   

3. It is not recommended to wean down opioid medications before surgery to help better control your pain after surgery. (False) If you are currently taking narcotic pain medications (also known as opioids), it is recommended to slowly wean down these medications before surgery to help better control your pain after surgery.
   
   

4. Good hand washing, daily showers, clean clothing, clean bedding, the use of your incentive spirometer, and keeping pets away from your surgical site are all important steps to preventing a surgical site infection. (True)
   
   

5. Constipation is not common after surgery. (False) After surgery, you will be at a higher risk of developing constipation due to decreased activity, anesthesia, and pain medication. A few things you can do to help reduce constipation include:

   • Taking frequent walks.
   • Drinking plenty of water and increasing your fiber intake (this includes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and beans).
   • Chewing gum immediately after surgery has also been known to help.
   • During your hospital stay, you will be given stool softeners and should continue taking over-the-counter stool softeners daily for as long as you’re taking opioid pain medications.
     
     

6. Changing positions approximately every 30-60 minutes is beneficial in preventing stiffness, muscle spasm, and increased pain after surgery. (True)
   
   

7. Soaking in a tub after spine surgery is soothing and is highly recommended. (False) Please avoid soaking your incision under water (so avoid baths, swimming pools, Jacuzzi’s, and hot tubs) until the incision completely heals (which may take up to 6 weeks).
   
   

8. Smoking/and or the use of any product containing nicotine can delay healing and increase risk of infection, pneumonia, spine fusion failure, and breathing difficulty after surgery. (True)
   
   

9. Opioid medications are recommended for long-term use. (False) Narcotic (also known as opioid) medications are recommended only for severe pain and are to be used for the shortest amount of time possible.