How to Safely Play Sports after Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Getting the news that you will need back surgery can seem like the end of your time playing any sport. Whether you play sports professionally or recreationally, the idea of losing this part of your life can be devastating. Well, thanks to the minimally invasive surgical techniques at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, in most cases, you can get back to doing what you love in no time!
What Does Recovery Look Like after Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery has become one of the most popular surgical options for both patients and doctors. Not only is this a safer method than open surgery, but it also often allows for quicker-than-expected recovery times for the patient. With a shorter recovery time, that means you can get back to doing what you love sooner as well.
Another plus of this surgical method is the decrease of incision sites, which may decrease pain and overall time spent in the hospital rehabilitating. While every patient is different regarding how quickly they can return to sports, it is likely that recovery will go quicker after minimally invasive surgery than with open surgery.
Setting Yourself up to Get Back on the Field
To get back to being healthy and strong enough to participate in a sport, there are a few tips that can help set you up to be back on the field comfortably and safely. The following tips can help you build your strength and remain healthy before, during, and after surgery:
- Minimize smoking
- Decrease alcohol consumption
- Lose weight
- Limit the use of supplemental vitamins
Aside from the above measures, partaking in safe stretching techniques following your surgery is important to regaining strength and mobility. Consult with a trusted spine doctor regarding other ways you can set yourself up to return to sports following your surgery.
How to Safely Return to Sports after Spine Surgery
In the case of returning to a sport following spine surgery, slow and steady does win the race. Starting back into a sport too hard or too fast can result in a failed back surgery and land you back in surgery and in a lot of pain. For a successful recovery, knowing the safe way to return to your normal activities is critical.
Don’t Let Surgery Keep You from Being Active
While you should not go full force into exercise following minimally invasive spine surgery, staying sedentary for too long is one of the worst things you can do for your body.
Consult with your doctor regarding how long you should rest after your surgery, but once that period is up, you should be up off the couch. Whether you are just going on a short, slow-paced walk or utilizing safe stretching techniques, remaining active after surgery is the only way to truly heal.
Try Not to Make the Same Mistakes
Once your doctor has given you the okay to return to sports, make sure to ask them what to change within your routine to help you avoid falling back into the same injury that caused you to need surgery in the first place.
Remember to warm up properly so you do not cause any strain on your muscles and do not overexert yourself. Try refraining from any part of the sport that may cause you to be tackled or put in a position that could further hurt your back or spine. If changes are made to your routine, be sure to make this change slowly so as not to shock your system and put stress on your body.
Listen to Your Body
After being cleared to play a sport after surgery, listen to what your body is telling you if you are experiencing pain. It is possible that you may have not yet made a full recovery, and ignoring that pain can lead to serious damage. If you are experiencing severe back pain or radiating pain down one or both legs, immediately reach out to your doctor to see what needs to be done to help relieve the pain.
Expert Back and Spine Doctors Are Ready to Help You
Life after spine surgery does not have to be as bleak as you fear. With the minimally invasive surgical techniques offered by the fantastic team at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, you can return to your routine with ease. When sports are involved, it may be surprising to learn that returning to the game is possible after spine surgery. With the help of the experienced doctors at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, you may be back at it in no time.
If you are interested in having surgery by a team of doctors who specialize in minimally invasive treatment options, you have found the right team. Get a free MRI review by contacting us here or calling (855) 853-6542.