The thoracolumbar portion of your spinal column runs from 11th vertebrae in your mid-back area, known as the thoracic region, to the third vertebrae in your lower back, or lumbar, area. In other words, your thoracolumbar region connects your middle back with your lower back. Surgery may be needed for fusing or repairing vertebrae after traumatic events, severe degeneration or fractures to stabilize the spine. Postoperative rehabilitation consists of standard healing protocol followed by stretching and strengthening maneuvers to help restore the spine, improve posture and enhance breathing. Check with your doctor first.
Icing
Initial stages of postoperative thoracolumbar surgery rehabilitation will concentrate on reducing pain and swelling levels. Icing helps reduce inflammation while lowering pain levels, according to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. Lessening your inflammation and pain plays a key role in preparing your spine for more advanced levels of rehabilitation. Apply ice to your affected area for 20 minutes at a time throughout the day. Choose from a variety of ice packs ranging from the commercially prepared cold treatments to homemade ice packs, made by placing crushed ice into plastic resealable bags, wrapping ice cubes in towels or using frozen bags of vegetables. Remember not to apply ice directly to your skin to avoid ice burn.
Ambulation
Ambulation plays an imperative role in postoperative thoracic surgery rehabilitation to properly heal your body and spinal column. Plan on walking with or without crutches five to seven days after surgery, according to Laser Back Surgery. Ambulating gets your entire body moving while improving circulation and mobility and strengthening and stretching muscles. Start slow by walking around your living room or down the hospital hallway. Have someone with you for safety purposes. Walk at a comfortable place for three minutes. As you become stronger, increase your time and pace.
Breathing Enhancement
Respiratory therapy needs to be included as part of your postoperative thoracic surgery rehabilitation to expand your lungs and properly heal after surgery, according to Laser Back Surgery. Work on expanding your lungs by doing some belly breathing exercises. Lie on your back with your knees bent so your feet lie flat on the floor. Place one hand on your stomach and another directly beneath the center of your rib cage. Take a deep breath in through your nose while feeling your rib cage not move and your abdomen lift. Hold the breath for three seconds. Slowly let the air out while returning your abdomen to its original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise five times.
Muscle Stretching, Strengthening
Regaining mobility and strength will be one of the most important goals of postoperative thoracic surgery rehabilitation, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Start using an exercise ball as a tool that can help gently stretch and strengthen your back muscles while reducing your pain level. Stand upright with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Place an exercise ball between the wall and your lower back region. Slowly bend your knees while lowering your body toward the floor. Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle. Hold your position 10 seconds. Slowly return to your original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise five times.
References
- Laser Back Surgery; Fracture of the Thoracic Spine; S.M. Reliant, MD; 2011
- AAOS; Fractures of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine; American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; 2010
- American Lung Association; Using Coughing and Breathing Exercises to Help You Breathe; 2008
- AAOS; Low Back Pain Exercise Guide; American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; 2007
- NISMAT; Trainer's Corner: RICE; Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma; 2007
