Rehabilitation after spinal surgery

Spinal surgery is a complex area of surgery.

The difficulty lies in the fact that the spinal cord tissues are located close enough to the spine. Such surgical intervention requires timely and complete rehabilitation, including a set of exercises and various methods of consolidating the result of treatment. 

The main task of rehabilitation is to restore lost body functions. Competent rehabilitation significantly accelerates a person's return to a habitual lifestyle. Achieving the highest possible result at EMC is ensured by a multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists.


Terms of rehabilitation

The rehabilitation period can last from several weeks to several years. During this time, various body functions and skills are restored.:

• motor functions when the patient, for example, cannot sit, walk, keep balance and experiences pain during movement
• pelvic and genital organ functions — if there are difficulties with defecation, urination; erectile dysfunction, etc.
• basic household skills for independent living.

During this period, related medical issues and problems are also being resolved. These include, for example, cardiovascular diseases, overweight or underweight, diabetes, etc. The package of measures also includes psychological help and support, as patients often experience depression, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.


Rehabilitation program

The rehabilitation program is selected individually for each patient who has undergone spinal surgery. The EMC specialists compile it taking into account the type and complexity of the intervention. Concomitant diseases and individual characteristics of a person (age, weight, well-being) are also taken into account.


The program includes a range of different methods and technologies:

• Curation is under the constant supervision of a doctor. Doctors develop a rehabilitation program individually for the patient. To do this, the EMC clinic's team of specialists takes into account many different components: which functions are impaired, what condition the tissues are in, what kind of surgery the patient underwent, etc.
• Physical therapy, which forms the basis for effective recovery and promotes full rehabilitation after spinal surgery. The set of exercises and the load are strictly individual. Physical therapy results in the restoration of motor skills and muscle strength that could have been lost due to illness or surgery. Physical therapy helps to reduce pain and improve blood circulation.
• Manual therapy and osteopathy, which are aimed at improving the circulatory systems in muscles and joints. The course is aimed at maintaining the functionality of the limbs, which could be impaired, and restoring a normal range of movements. Rehabilitation measures make it possible to prevent disorders of nervous regulation and activate regeneration processes.
• Occupational therapy. The specialist's task is to help the patient regain his self—service skills as soon as possible. And also to teach the precautions that must be followed after surgery to speed up the recovery process. In addition, the occupational therapist will select comfortable poses for everyday procedures that will reduce the load on the spine. And he will recommend how best to equip the apartment to avoid complications in the future.
• Physical therapy. The specialist may prescribe several complementary procedures. For example, electromyostimulation, iontophoresis, magnetic therapy, dyadinotherapy, laser therapy.
Acupuncture is used to correct muscle spasms and treat disorders of the motor organs; it normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, eliminates neurological pain, improves blood supply and metabolism, and prevents the appearance of inflammatory processes.
• Orthopedic corset. The orthopedic fixation corset relieves the weak spine from the load and protects against possible injuries during active activity. Therefore, the corset affects the success of the rehabilitation process. However, it is necessary to wear it strictly at a certain time, which is prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, negative consequences may occur, for example, muscular atrophy as a result of prolonged immobilization of a certain part of the spine. Wearing a corset is not mandatory after surgery, but may be recommended by a doctor.
• Drug therapy. Analgesic therapy is mainly prescribed. Sometimes, if there was inflammation or as a prevention of the development of an infectious purulent focus in the structures of the spine, a specialist may prescribe a course of antibiotic therapy. If the patient has concomitant diseases, appropriate treatment is also prescribed after consultation with specialists. 

Rehabilitation after hernia removal

Surgery is an extreme measure in the treatment of a herniated spine, and rehabilitation is a necessary step. An improperly conducted rehabilitation period can reduce the full effect of hernia removal through surgery. It is important that the tissues heal properly after surgery. To restore your flexibility and withstand the load, muscles and ligaments need to be developed and done correctly. 

EMC doctors will develop a program that will solve the following tasks:

• avoid relapses
• prevent complications that may occur after surgery (thrombosis, keloid scars); restore normal muscle function
• correct lifestyle. Doctors will develop a motor regime — recommendations on how to move, what can or cannot be lifted
• get rid of difficulties in terms of posture, gait
• develop the skill of balancing the load on the spine.

Terms of rehabilitation

An individual rehabilitation program is developed immediately after surgery. The total recovery period of the body is at least four months.

It usually takes at least 21 days to strengthen the muscular corset of the back and gain the skills to safely perform everyday activities. If more complex neurological disorders are observed, the rehabilitation period exceeds 4 weeks.
The rehabilitation period after spinal surgery depends on a number of factors. The duration of recovery is affected by:

• type of operation performed
• history of chronic diseases
• vertebral hernia parameters — size, duration of its existence, presence of complications
• age
• weight.

EMC employs highly qualified specialists who have at their disposal all modern technologies and original preparations. This allows patients to fully recover as quickly as possible.


Conditions in the clinic

The EMC Medical Rehabilitation Center has medical technologies that meet the standards of advanced clinics in Western Europe and the USA.

Patients are offered single and double rooms. They are equipped in such a way as to ensure a comfortable and safe stay during rehabilitation. The wards have:

• multifunctional beds that can be customized
• remote control for calling medical personnel
• installation of individual oxygen supply
• air conditioner
• linen closet
• TV
• free Wi-Fi
• personal safe.

Patients of the EMC hospital are offered four balanced meals a day. The diet is based on the prescriptions of a doctor, with whom you can additionally discuss your preferences.