Back Pain Symptoms
Sometimes it is difficult to know if what you are experiencing is just aches and pains, or if it is time to see a doctor. If you have any of the symptoms below, you should contact a doctor right away:
- Numbness and/or tingling in a limb
- Weakness and/or loss of strength in a limb
- Chronic neck pain
- Back pain
- Incontinence
- Urinary urgency, and/or total loss of bladder control
- Difficulty walking
- Pain and/or leg cramping when standing or walking
These are signs that you may be experiencing complications that need to be treated with Lumbar Decompression Surgery. Be sure to see a medical professional right away.
Lumbar Health: Ways to Keep Your Spine Feeling Good
The best way to avoid back pain and keep your spine healthy is to incorporate preventative measures into your lifestyle and routine right away. We keep our teeth and gums happy by daily flossing and brushing, so you can trust that these small, daily routines will help keep back pain at bay:
Correct Your Posture. Practicing proper posture while driving, working, and even watching TV will help with your overall spinal alignment. Getting an ergonomic office set up, a lumbar support pillow for the car, and avoiding staring down at a laptop, or cell phone for long periods of time are great ways to begin correcting your posture.
Get a Proper Mattress and Pillows. Don’t underestimate the importance of having the right type of bedding to support your back. After a long day, your neck and spine will begin to naturally decompress as you fall asleep. If you are in an awkward position or not supported by what you are laying on, your vertebrae will not get the downtime they need. Monitor your sleeping positions and get a good night's rest on an appropriately firm and supportive mattress.
Move Your Body. We all know how important a healthy and balanced lifestyle is, but when it comes to avoiding back pain and keeping your spine happy, movement is key! When we don’t do enough exercise and live a generally inactive lifestyle, we lose muscle strength, relax our posture too much, and may gain weight which can cause extra pressure on the lower back. Any type of movement can be great for spinal health and weight loss such as yoga, walking, running, or sports, but specifically core strengthening and muscle-building exercises can help support your spine and reduce your risk of injury.
Practice Correct Lifting Technique. One of the most common ways to injure yourself is by lifting heavy objects in improper form. When lifting, be sure to lift with your legs and not your lower back. This typically is best described as lowering into sumo squat and getting underneath the object to raise it up. Of course, if the object is too heavy to lift, be sure to work with someone else or use a dolly and straps.
Wear Supportive Footwear. Your footwear does a whole lot more than look cool! Whether you are exercising, shopping, or running the kids around on the weekend, having proper footwear will do wonders for keeping back pain at bay.
Get a Massage. Getting a therapeutic massage not only helps loosen tight muscles, but it also helps you relax and lowers stress which is good for your neck, shoulders, and spine.
Your Okanagan Spine Surgery Specialists
Don’t let back pain and degenerative symptoms continue unnecessarily when they can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery by some of North America’s best spinal surgeons. At Okanagan Health Surgical Centre in beautiful Kelowna BC, the qualified and experienced team can get you back on your feet and living your best, pain-free life in no time. Book a consultation with us by filling out the form below, or by calling our administrative team at (250) 868-9799
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lumbar Decompression Surgery?
When your back pain is caused by a compressed or pinched nerve, this surgery will remove some of the bone/disc to give the nerve the room it needs and to alleviate the pain.
Is Spine Surgery Minimally Invasive or Traditional?
With Lumbar Decompression Surgery, it can often be completed in a minimally invasive manner. The surgeon will create an approximately 1-2 cm incision to access the area they need to operate on. The qualified team at Okanagan Health Surgical Centre are your minimally invasive spine surgery specialists. Reach out for a consultation to see if you are a candidate for minimally invasive Lumbar Decompression Surgery.
How long is recovery from Lumbar Decompression?
After spine surgery, you can expect to get back to work in a reduced capacity in about 10-14 days after the procedure. As your recovery continues with decreasing pain and increasing muscle strength returning you can expect to be back to your full activities in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This can vary based on the severity of your condition prior to the procedure.
