bACK bRACE iNSTRUCTIONS

Home Instructions for Post Surgical Patients with a Back Brace
Robert E.M. Ho, M.D.
Mary Zehnpfennig, CRNFA

1. The back brace is to be worn 24 hours a day.  This means while in the shower, and while in bed sleeping.
2. The surgical incision(s) is to be washed daily with mild soap and water.  This requires the help of another person.  See below for the specific guidelines
3. Air the incision for approximately one hour three times per day.  Bacteria will crow any place where it s warm, dar, and moist.  Airing the incision decreases the bacterial count.
4. You should continue to gradually increase your activity.  Walk on a flat, obstacle free surface.  Walking within an outside the home is encouraged.  During recovery, several short walks are better than one long walk.
5. Do not sit longer than 5-10 minutes several times a day for the first week.  You may sit up to 30 miinutes per day per comfort thereafter until your first office visit in 4 weeks.  Then you may sit as long as you are comfortable.  Sitting puts more pressure on your spine than does standing, walking, or reclining.
6. You must avoid lifting or strenuous activity.
• Do not lift objects greater than five pounds until advised by your doctor.
• Do not push or pull heavy objects
• Avoid lifting above waist level or reaching above your head for any length of time
7. You will tire easily.  Plan frequent rest periods.  Fatigue contributes to muscle spasm.
8. You are NOT allowed to drive.  You will receive specific instructions about driving at your first office visit.  Please remember to ask about driving during this visit.
9. Limit your time in the car to necessary travel only, i.e. traveling to the doctor's office for your follow up appointment.  After one month, you can slowly increase the time in a car to 30-40 minutes per comfort.
10. You are not allowed to smoke cigarettes, cigars, or us a nicotine patch or gum for 1 year following a fusion.  Research has shown nicotine impairs the fusion, and leads to a "failed" fuision.  If this occurs, repeating the surgical procedure may be necessary.
11. Climbing the stairs at home is permitted.  However, try to limit the number of times you clib the stairs to two times per day.
• Use handrail if available.
• Take your time going up and down the stairs
• Make sure you place your entire foot on each step carefully
12. You may take the medications for pain prescribed by office staff.  However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories have been shown to inhibit the fusion.  These include over the counter medications such as Asprin or asprin products, and ibuprofen products such as  Motrin, Advil, and Aleve.  If you are uncertain, please contact our office for clarification.
13. You may resume sexual activity in 4-6 weeks, or as comfort permits.