Which factors should be particularly emphasized in the direct post-operative treatment depends on the surgical technique and the post-operative care.
Postoperative follow-up treatment
- If vertebral bodies have been removed to enlarge the spinal canal, a vertebral body replacement and appropriate fixation must be performed. In addition, the patient is given a corset for a certain period of time in order to put as little strain as possible on the spine. The patient should get help in handling the corset at the beginning.
Putting on and taking off the corset should be practiced and behavior patterns should be trained.
- If only the osteophytes, ligamentous flava or other structures that constrict the spinal canal are removed, usually no additional stabilization is required. However, with both variants it is important to practice a correct behavior pattern in the acute phase.
General rules and behavioral patterns to be observed after spinal canal stenosis surgery are Comprehensive information on this topic can be found in the articles:
- In most cases, the patient is prescribed bed rest for the rest of the day immediately after the operation, which he/she must strictly adhere to in order not to influence the results of the operation.
- From the 2nd day on, it is allowed to stand up and move carefully. A physiotherapist should work on turning over the side and supporting the body with the arms in order to stand up without damaging the spinal column.
- The patient should also be instructed exactly which movements and everyday behavior should be avoided.
Rotation of the spine and extreme bending and stretching of the spine should be avoided.
- Carrying of loads is allowed up to 5kg from the 3rd week.
- In addition to mobilizing the patient into a sitting or standing position with control of vital functions up to and including walking, proper pneumonia and thrombosis prophylaxis should be carried out.
- Due to pain and restricted mobility, the patient is not very mobile in the first period of time and may develop pneumonia or thrombosis due to lying down a lot and due to a possible higher age. As a pneumonia prophylaxis, the physiotherapist performs intensive respiratory gymnastics in which the patient learns to breathe deeply into his lungs in order to completely ventilate the lungs. In addition, the patient receives self-exercises, which he should perform frequently during the immobilization phase.
- As a thrombosis prophylaxis, the patient should move all extremities without provoking further movement in the back. Most frequently, however, the calf pump should be performed, where the movement of the feet allows the blood to circulate well.
- Physiotherapy for spinal canal stenosis
- Spinal canal stenosis in the lumbar spine
