Our highly flexible spines support the body in walking upright, standing, bending, and twisting and protect the vital nervous system connecting our brain to our muscular-skeletal system and organs. It comprises 33 vertebrae, joints, soft tissue such as ligaments, and a cushioning disk between each vertebra. The lowest bones on the spine, the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone), are fused for stability.
The structure is complex, intricate, and robust. It is also subject to wear and tear over time or injuries from lack of exercise, poor habits, accidents, sports, and disease.
Conditions Affecting the Spine
The most common back ailments, conditions, and injuries include the following:
- Muscular and ligament strains and sprains
- Herniated (slipped) disks
- Bone spurs (spondylosis)
- Spinal cord injuries (pinched nerves, sciatica, spinal stenosis)
- Osteoporosis (bone degeneration)
- Arthritis and arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis
- Curvatures of the spine (kyphosis and scoliosis)
- Neuromuscular conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Infections such as osteomyelitis and meningitis
- Cancer and tumors
Typical symptoms of back problems include back or neck pain, with up to eight in every ten Americans reporting back pain at some point. Other signs include limb numbness or weakness, muscle spasms, bladder or bowel control loss, and paralysis. Any of these, accompanied by nausea or fever, warrant a visit to your doctor.
Spine conditions can be treated with physical therapy, massage, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, and medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories for pain management. For severe injury and conditions, we recommend injections such as nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections.
If necessary, possible surgeries, such as fusions, foraminotomies, and discectomies, may be required. According to iData Research, around 1.5 million instrumented spinal procedures are performed annually in the US.
Back Surgery: What to Expect
Having spinal surgery is never an easy decision. However, when pain or mobility issues are complex to treat using non-surgical methods, an operation may offer relief. Familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of traditional versus minimally invasive approaches before committing,
During traditional open spine surgery, the surgeon fully exposes the anatomy. In contrast, minimally invasive methods uncover less of the spine, potentially allowing a faster recovery. The latter relies on surgical aids such as tiny cameras or intraoperative spinal navigation. Despite the smaller incision area, these tools let the surgeon see what they’re doing.
Every effort is made to minimize trauma during surgery. At the same time, even after less invasive operations, your back will feel sore and stiff, and it may be uncomfortable to stay in one position for too long. You’ll need to rest afterward while your body recovers. Your doctor will advise whether you must lay flat, require a back brace and recommend a walker, crutches, or a cane.
It can take up to six weeks to recover enough for simple activities and up to six months for complete recovery. So, arrange your home to make resting convenient and comfortable.
Preparing Your Home for Your Recovery
Ensure your home is ready by arranging the following beforehand:
- Clear pathways
- Modify the bathroom
- Arrange the kitchen
- Modify seating and sleeping arrangements
Finding the Best Chair for After Back Surgery
Recliners offer numerous benefits for recovery. Advantages include firm back support, a rocking feature to improve digestion, upright or inclined positions depending on needs, and a comfortable headrest and armrests. Using a zero-gravity chair after back surgery can also help. It takes pressure off your joints and raises your feet to heart level, which increases blood flow to your spine as it heals. Best recliner picks include:
URRED Electric Power Lift Recliner
- ❤POWER LIFT CHAIR FOR ELDERLY: Counter-balanced lift mechanism pushes the entire power recliner lift chair up to help the senior stand up easily without adding stress to back or knees, smoothly adjust to any customized position letting you stop the lift at any positions you prefer. Supports up to 330 lbs, this recliner chair is ideal for people who have leg/back problems or people who after surgery. 25000 times heavy-duty safe quality tested power lift and recline motor.
- ❤RECLINER CHAIR FOR LIVING ROOM: 90 to 150 degrees adjustable with backrest, headrest, footrest. Best lift recliner chair for elderly for reading, TV watching, napping. Ergonomic pwoer recliner lift chair design, soft round padding on both arms offer extra comfort. High density elastic sponge. Durable velboa slipcover. This high quality reclining lift chair can make you feel very comfortable and help you relax fully.
- ❤Vibration Massage & Soothing Heating: The power lift recliner chair with heat and massage with remote control, has 8 vibration massage motors, 2 intensity levels, 3-time modes, 5 massage modes, 4 custom area settings (back, thigh, lumbar, leg), and soothing waist heating function. Which is functional for optimal comfort, perfect for reading, sleeping or napping. After hard work, the massage recliner chair with lifting function will bring you the best massage and the most complete relaxation.
This PU Leather, black, or dark brown wingback electric option offers all you need. It has massage and heat functions, an overstuffed headrest and seat, a lumbar cushion, USB ports, and generous side pockets. This highly functional choice is most suitable for shorter patients (28.3” x 31.5” x 40.9”.) The URRED Power Lift Recliner is easy to assemble and has a one-year warranty.
Overall Customer Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars
| What we like | What we don’t like: |
| PU leather is easy to keep clean Comfortable Compact for smaller spaces Durable steel frame | The heating is too mild Not ideal for individuals taller than 5’9 |
YITAHOME Electric Power Lift Recliner
- POWER LIFT & RECLINE- The electric recliner chair was powered by a TUV certified motor mechanism for smooth lifting and reclining; Use remote to adjust to the optimal position; Offers immense relaxation for adults, the elderly, the disabled and pregnant women when watching TV, reading books, or resting (Recommended height ≤5'7")
- VIBRATIONAL MASSAGE & LUMBAR HEATING- This power lift recliner chair comes with 8 vibrating points and lumbar heating to comfort your back, lumbar, thighs, and legs; Offers 5 modes including pulse, press, wave, auto, and normal; Switch the massage on or off with the power button
- REBOUNDED FOAM & DELICATE FABRIC- Lean back into the unique, bouncy foam to enjoy amazing comfort; This power lift recliner chair for elderly is covered in soft, delicate fabric that is durable yet features soft hand feel; The head padding is ergonomically designed to relax your head and neck
The spacious (32.7” x 28.1” x 40.7”) YITAHOME Electric Power Lift Recliner provides remote-controlled position adjustment, cup holders, side pockets to store your small items, USB ports, and heat and massage settings. The fabric is available in brown to suit most color schemes.
Overall Customer Score: 4.4 out of 5 stars
| What we like | What we don’t like: |
| Affordable value for money Quiet motor Perfect for smaller patients Easy assembly Great lift function | Heat and massage a little mild for some It may be too small for larger patients Not enough padding Frame less durable |
Best Choice Products PU Leather Electric Power Lift Recliner
This versatile option offers three positions: heat and massage settings, USB ports to charge your mobile, and convenient cupholders. Available in four colors, it is well-sized for most at 38” x 33” x 40”, with a load capacity of 330 lbs.
Overall Customer Score: 4.2 out of 5 stars
| What we like: | What we don’t like: |
| Easy to assemble Roomy Easy to clean Firm Well padded Nice slow stand-up and sit-down Easy-to-clean PU leather | Massage is just a vibration Heat setting too low Large for small spaces Less durable |
Using a motorized recliner helps with easier and safer transitions, reduces pressure on the spine and muscle strain, and assists with spinal alignment. In addition, raising the feet helps to increase blood circulation and sleep support.
Support Enhanced Rest and Healing With a Recliner
Now that you have a seat in mind, check with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your condition and needs. Their recommendations and the best recliner can speed and smooth your recovery.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.
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