The largest reason for a herniated disk is simply age. A disk becomes herniated when part of the center of the disk leaks out of the exterior of the disk that normally protects it. This leak can then lead to pain as the bones of the spine rub up against each other without their protection cushions. It often occurs in the lower back and can lead to numbness, pain, and/or tingling in an arm or leg.
While many people can find relief for a herniated disk through care and treatment, for some, conservative treatments do not provide enough relief and surgery is required. If your loved one is having or had herniated disk surgery, it’s most likely because the pain couldn’t be relieved, he has lost feeling and/or function in his arms or legs, or it is affecting his bladder.
Having a proper care system set up for them after surgery, along with occupational therapy services, will ensure they get the help and support they need to recover at home.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery at Home
- Your loved one will probably come home within a day or two of her surgery, but recovery could take 6-12 weeks, and many day-to-day activities will need the support of someone else. Your loved one should stay with a family member or a care provider either in her home or at someone else’s home so that she can focus on resting and avoiding activities that may slow her recovery period.
- Some activities that your loved one will need to avoid for at least a few weeks include driving, lifting heavy objects, bending, and sitting for long periods.
- She will find comfort in both applying cold and heat to the surgery site area. Cold will help to reduce swelling and pain for those first few days while heat will provide comfort and relief after the swelling has gone down.
- Bedrest is important, but it can lead to stiffness and weak muscles if she rests too much. During the day, she should rest in 30-minute bursts followed by walking around between resting.
- Finally, with the guidance of a physical or occupational therapy provider, your loved one should perform the expected exercises to work on rebuilding her strength safely.
Occupational Therapy Done in the Home
One way to help your loved one recover more quickly and also help her learn some techniques to prevent further damage is to have her work with an at-home occupational therapy professional. Her primary doctor has probably already recommended it. When possible, having occupational therapy done at home can be a great benefit for your loved one. The therapist can help your loved one learn how to navigate her living space safely while reducing the risk of injuring her back.
Some areas of the home an occupational therapy at home provider will review with your loved one are:
- Bathroom: With occupational therapy at home, a therapist can examine your loved one’s bathroom and develop techniques or supports for her to bathe and groom safely.
- Bedroom: Your loved one will learn the safest way to get in and out of bed while she is recovering.
- Kitchen: The therapist will be able to see first-hand what areas of the kitchen will be the most troublesome for your loved one and help her plan for how to either address these areas or avoid them during recovery (such as items that are too far to reach or heavy to lift)
Your loved one will also be able to ask questions and look for support in other areas of the home when the therapist comes to provide occupational therapy at home.
If you or someone you know needs Occupational Therapy in Buffalo, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.