What should you not do after a laminectomy?
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
How do you care for a laminectomy?
Pain Management at Home
- Ice the incision area for 20 minutes per hour as often as needed. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
- Avoid sitting more than 30 to 60 minutes at a time for the next 48 hours.
- Decrease your activity for the next 1-2 days.
- Take the pain medicine as directed by the doctor.
How long does it take to heal from a laminectomy?
Complete recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks or a few months after a lumbar laminectomy depending on the age and general health of the patient and the number of segments treated.
What are the after effects of a laminectomy?
It may take up to 6 weeks for the general pain and tiredness following surgery to disappear completely. Most people will feel ready to drive around 2–3 weeks after the operation. Many people are able to return to work after 4–6 weeks.
How much walking should you do after laminectomy?
Walking is the best activity you can do for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You should start out slowly and work up to walking 30 minutes at least twice a day.
How long after laminectomy can you bend?
Your doctor may not advise a return to full activities involving lifting and bending for two to three months. You should start light walking for exercise and physical therapy exercises as soon as your doctor says you’re ready. This will help speed your recovery.
What is the best nursing intervention for lumbar laminectomy?
Desired Outcomes
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Encourage the patient to move his legs, as allowed. | Patient participation promotes independence and sense of control. |
| Work closely with the physical therapy department. | To ensure a consistent regimen of leg-and-back-strengthening exercises. |
How much should you walk after a laminectomy?
How long will I have pain after laminectomy?
After the surgery, your back pain may take six weeks or more to get better. Complete recovery after a laminectomy depends on the extent of your surgery, your general health, any underlying medical conditions, the number of segments treated and your condition after the surgery.
What protects spinal cord after laminectomy?
lamina: flat plates of bone originating from the pedicles of the vertebral body that form the posterior outer wall of the spinal canal and protect the spinal cord. Sometimes called the vertebral arch.
How do you sleep after laminectomy?
Doctors recommend sleeping on your back or your side as you heal from spine surgery. Sleeping on your belly is generally not recommended because your spine is not in a neutral position for a prolonged period. Consider wearing satin pajamas to bed to help it make it easier for you to adjust your sleeping position.
Will I need a walker after laminectomy?
As a normal part of the post-operative period, we encourage you to get up and walk the morning after your surgery. You may walk as much as you can tolerate. Will I require the use of a walking aid? Some patients do use an assistive device such as a cane or walker after surgery.