Do You Need a Back Brace after Microdiscectomy Surgery? (2024)
A back brace provides added support for a healing spine. This can also include the time after having a microdiscectomy. While a back brace is not specifically required in many instances, some patients do benefit from using them. This article explains what you need to keep in mind when it comes to using a back brace after microdiscectomy surgery.
Post-Surgery Discomfort Levels
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning there is not much disruption to nearby tissues, unlike what is often the case with a traditional discectomy. Oftentimes, this means any resulting discomfort is not too much of an inconvenience beyond the first few weeks. In this instance, you may not need to bother with a back brace for added support.
With that said, some patients have mild to moderate discomfort following a microdiscectomy. If you begin to experience more significant discomfort, you may prefer to wear a back brace for added support while going up and down stairs and making similar movements. Your doctor may also recommend a back brace if you have preexisting issues with chronic pain from other sources or bone and joint disorders that can make certain movements painful during
Back braces come in a variety of sizes and styles. A soft corset lumbar support brace is typically recommended if the doctor believes a back brace may be necessary for the patient. This is a brace that still allows for natural movements when walking and going about regular routines. These types of braces are also more comfortable for most patients.
Generally, there is nothing wrong with wearing a back brace after microdiscectomy surgery as long as it is being worn correctly. The main benefits of wearing a back brace include:
• Maintaining correct posture • Easing pressure on a healing spinal disc • Reducing the risk of making certain movements that trigger muscle spasms or pain spikes
If the doctor has recommended a back brace, it is typically worn during the first 4–6 weeks after a microdiscectomy procedure. Initially, you may be advised to wear the brace if you will be out of bed for more than 15 minutes. After 4–6 weeks, you may be encouraged to gradually reduce the amount of time you wear the brace each day until you no longer need it.
The only drawback is that the brace could be worn incorrectly or fit a little too tightly around the surgical site. However, your physical therapist or doctor can help you avoid mistakes like this. It is equally important to stick to your schedule for using the brace.
Wearing a Brace for Other Reasons
A back brace may also be helpful in reducing the risk of reinjury as you increase your activity level. This can also be the case as you get back to work, especially if you have a more physically demanding job.
Even though microdiscectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, patients with these large holes in their discs are more than twice as likely to reinjure themselves by having what is known as a reherniation. These reherniations often require additional back surgery or even fusions. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.
After surgery, fusion patients may need to wear a rigid brace, full time, for several weeks, but the discectomy or laminectomy patient usually needs no brace, or may wear a soft corset for only three weeks before starting light activities.
Patients are generally not required or recommended to wear a back brace after surgery. Occasionally, patients may be issued a small, soft lumbar corset that can provide additional lumbar support in the early postoperative period, if necessary.
I make an exception to wearing the brace when standing to take a shower, but standing while not wearing the brace should only be done for a limited time per day while recovering from spine surgery. Contrary to popular belief, the spine will heal on its own without the use of a back brace.
Pants with elastic waistbands will be your friend during the first few days of your rehab. Slip On Shoes – Bending over to get your shoes on or tie your laces may be next to impossible following your spine surgery, so choose some shoes that don't require any bending to put on.
Overall, surgeons cited 3–8 weeks as the most common length of time to brace patients postoperatively after elective non-fusion lumbar spine surgery and 2–4 mo as the most common length of time to brace patients after elective lumbar fusions.
If you have mild to moderate lower back pain, your healthcare provider may recommend wearing the brace for around 1-2 weeks. In cases of severe pain or significant injury, the initial phase may extend for several weeks to immobilize the spine while the tissues heal.
After sitting for 45-60 minutes, patients should get up and stretch or walk for a little bit, then sit down again if desired. After surgery, pain is managed with narcotic medication. Because narcotic pain pills are addictive, they are used for a limited period (4 to 8 weeks).
However, striking the right balance between rest and activity is crucial for individuals recovering from microdiscectomy. While some level of walking is typically encouraged, especially in the early stages of recovery, overdoing it can lead to complications and setbacks.
One of the disadvantages of using a back support is that it can cause weakness of your spine if you wear it excessively. This can be easily avoidable if you do not rely on your back brace as a crutch. Occasionally, patients may have increased pain while wearing a back brace.
Even if you have a less invasive microdiscectomy, if you start bending too soon after surgery, you may overstress or overstimulate nearby muscles. Doing so could result in inflammation, which may irritate spinal nerves enough to cause some discomfort.
However, stomach-sleepers may breathe a sign of relief knowing sleeping on the side is permitted. Much like sleeping on the back, side-sleepers must use pillows to protect their spine. Placing a pillow between the knees can help side-sleepers achieve cervical support.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Will I Need to Wear a Back Brace after I Have a Microdiscectomy? A back brace provides added support for a healing spine. This can also include the time after having a microdiscectomy. While a back brace is not specifically required in many instances, some patients do benefit from using them.
Typically, patients are advised to begin with short walks and gradually work up to a few miles. When walking shortly after surgery, it is important to stay on flat surfaces rather than sloped or uneven ground. Some patients may prefer to use a walker or cane if balance is an issue.
You may remove the brace to shower or sleep unless your surgeon states otherwise. Watch for reddened or irritated skin under the brace. Someone should check areas you cannot see. Skin breakdown may indicate that the brace does not fit properly.
When a spinal disc breaks down and/or herniates, a rigid or semi-rigid back brace can help stabilize and reduce micro-motions at the affected spinal segment. A back brace may also be used to limit bending and twisting and assist in carrying some of the weight the discs normally withstand.
You must wear your Thrombo-Embolic Deterrent (TED) stockings for 2 weeks from your discharge from hospital. These will reduce your risk of developing blood clots after your operation; they should be removed for bathing/showering then put back on once your legs are dry.
When it comes to sleep, the best way to reduce pain and your risk of developing a post-procedural complication is to sleep on your back with a pillow placed under your knees. This provides the cervical and thoracic spine with much-needed support, which may ease your post-surgery pain.
Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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