The Caretaker’s Role in Your Recovery

caretakerWhen you have a serious problem with your back and your doctor decides that it is necessary to have surgery in order to recover from the problem, it may not be something that you can manage on your own. At times, there may be surgical options available that would only put you down for a short amount of time and then you can manage fine but in many cases, it is going to require the use of a caretaker. These are the individual or individuals that will see to everything that you need during the time that you are recovering.

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to the caretaker's role is the planning that is involved. The surgeon is going to review information as to what you can expect once the procedure has been completed. You may have friends or family members that you can rely on during that time, but unless you plan ahead, you may find that you are lacking in some way or another. Make sure that all of the details are considered ahead of time to reduce any problems that occur after the surgery has been completed.

Some people are confused over the difference between a caretaker and a caregiver but in reality, there is not a difference between those two terms. The one thing to keep in mind, however, is that care is going to be involved, regardless of who it is that is providing the care for you.

The doctor may have specific instructions for you, such as when you can get out of bed, the type of exercise that is appropriate for your needs and the meals that you will be eating. These are some of the things that your caretaker is going to be providing for you during that time. Since you will be recovering from a serious operation, it is best if you don't have to consider those things and deal with the stress that is associated with them.

At times, it may be necessary to have somebody help to manage your pain medication and arrange for any recreation that can keep you from going stir crazy during that time. In addition, the caretaker will see to your personal needs, including bathing and grooming, getting to the bathroom when necessary, getting dressed and even taking care of any pets that you may have in the home.

Having a caretaker lined up in advance is imperative when you are having any type of serious back operation. Your recovery time is the time for you to get back on your feet again, not for you to worry about the specifics of life that may be rather difficult to manage during that time.

Treatments for Sports Injuries to Your Back

sports related back injuriesIt is important to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle and to ensure that you are staying in shape but, even though that is the case, there may still be some issues that occur as a result of exercise. That is especially true when sports are concerned, and injuries are likely to occur in any sport. Although you may be able to do some things to limit those injuries, there are going to be times when they are a problem. When they occur, it can cause difficulties that may last anywhere from a few hours to a lifetime.

Although sports injuries can occur on any part of the body, in 20% of the injuries, the lower back is going to be involved. In fact, lower back injuries are common in any type of problem, regardless of whether it is a sports related injury or not. Just because you have lower back pain, however, does not necessarily mean that you are limited from playing sports altogether. In some cases, you may be able to continue to play sports, provided you pay attention to any issues that occur.

A number of different back related injuries may exist when it comes to sports. Participating in the sport can produce these injuries, particularly if you are playing beyond your limits or if problems occur, such as sudden trauma that takes place in the area of the back. Some of the more common injuries that may occur to the back as a result of sports include a lower back injury, upper back injury or a neck injury. Any of them can be a serious problem that must be addressed by a physician.

Prior to the time that you play sports, it would be to your benefit to ensure that your warming up and doing any stretching that is necessary. This type of preventative measure can help you to avoid back injuries in some cases. If you are already dealing with a back injury but have been cleared to continue to play sports, warming up and stretching can help the problem from getting any worse.

At times, it may be necessary to work with a professional to manage the back injury that you have experienced. The physician may provide you with a number of different options to treat the back injury, from physical therapy or chiropractic care to home-based care, including stretching and exercise.

In extreme conditions, the doctor may suggest that you have some type of surgery for your sports related injury. A nonsurgical option is always going to be considered but if the pain is persistent and the injury could benefit from a surgical procedure, it may be something that you want to consider. Your doctor will go over the specific type of procedure that may be available for your type of injury.

When Is Spinal Fusion Surgery Necessary?

when is spinal fusion necessaryWhen you have any problems with serious spine pain, one of the most important things is to remove that pain and any related symptoms. For many individuals, the pain is experienced in the lower back and it may occur for a number of different reasons. Regardless of the reason why you are experiencing back pain, one of the options that may be offered is spinal fusion surgery. Of course, it is not a type of surgery that is offered for every type of pain so it is important to understand why it is offered in the first place.

Lower back pain is relatively common, but the symptoms that people experience as a result of it is anything but common. Not only could it lead to extreme pain in the general area where the issue exists, it could also cause pain to extend down the legs along with numbness, weakness and tingling. For some individuals, lower back pain may also result in issues with their bladder or bowels, which could be a serious medical issue.

The most important part in determining if spinal fusion surgery is right for you is to have a proper diagnosis for your problem. Anybody can experience lower back issues but it is only if you have a specific diagnosis that this type of procedure will be considered. In addition, there is often some specifics associated with the lower back pain that would be considered as well. What are some of those specifics?

In the first place, most people who are a candidate for spinal fusion surgery will have to suffer from lower back pain for at least six months. In addition, it is typically necessary for there to be some type of a large deformity, including scoliosis. It is more common, however, for spinal fusion surgery to be performed when you have specific types of back pain that do not get better over the course of time.

As is the case with many spinal injuries or problems, nonsurgical treatments are going to be considered before surgery is suggested. In some cases, however, the pain may continue and surgery would be the best course of action. Spinal fusion surgery is usually recommended for issues such as mechanical back pain, degenerative disc disease, tumors, fractures and spinal stenosis. Your doctor will provide you with additional information as to whether you are a proper candidate for this type of procedure or not.

Depending upon the condition that you have, spinal fusion surgery may be able to help address the pain that you are experiencing. One of the more difficult parts of the process is determining where the pain is coming from and from that point, it can be determined if surgery is an option that should be considered.

Waking up Without Back Pain

proper sleeping positionsBack pain is a problem that can occur at any time when we have a problem with our spine. One of the more common times that it occurs, however, is when we wake up in the morning. It can be discouraging, as well as affecting your life in multiple ways to wake up with severe back pain but it is not something that is without hope. As a matter of fact, there are ways to wake up in the morning with less pain and at times, you may even be able to get rid of the pain altogether.

One of the primary reasons why we experience pain when we wake up from sleep is because of the amount of time that we spend sleeping. On average, humans sleep about eight hours per day and that is one third of their life. Although they may do many other activities throughout the day, it is sleeping that leads the list. The unfortunate thing is, sleeping is supposed to be a time when we are able to relax and prepare for the day ahead but for most people, it is quite uncomfortable. It can lead to back and neck pain, issues that may stay with you all day long.

One important thing to consider is to sleep in the proper position that would maintain the curves that are natural to the spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, because it can put unusual and unnatural pressure on your back. It is better to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This helps to keep your spine in proper alignment. Along with sleeping in a proper position, it is also important to sleep with the proper equipment. Many people tend to sleep on older mattresses or use feather pillows that do not provide the support that we need. If you find that you are waking up with headaches or with neck pain, it may be because you are not using the proper pillow.

Waking up on the right side of bed may also make a difference in how you feel in the morning. Believe it or not, getting out of bed improperly is one of the more common reasons why people tend to hurt her back and wake up with back pain. One principle to keep in mind is that you should never do two different the same time. For example, you would not want to lift and twist at the same time.

Exiting the bed properly can surely make a difference in the way that your back feels when you wake up. Many people tend to twist their back and use it to lift themselves into a standing position. Exiting the bed properly, by rolling on your side and using the arms to push up from that position will help to save your back.

Advancements in Artificial Disc Replacement

lumbar disc prosthesis implantation surgeryThere are many issues that could occur with the human body that would lead to pain and other difficulties. One of the more common of those problems exists in the back. Because of abuse over the years or perhaps because of an accident, we may find ourselves in the position in which one of the discs has ruptured in our back, leading to severe pain. That pain exists because of pressure being applied to a nerve in the area.

At one time, the options were fairly limited as what could be done if you had a ruptured disc. There were various nonsurgical options have been considered but, at some point, your doctor may also have considered one of the surgical options as well. In today's advancing medical field, one of the options that is open to you is an artificial disc replacement. This is a relatively new type of surgical procedure but it is one that is quickly gaining popularity. After all, it is one of the medical choices that can help to relieve some of the symptoms that you are experiencing, including the pain and the restricted movement.

Although the actual procedure that replaces a disc with an artificial disc has not been around very long, the concept of doing so has been around for many decades. The real problem in taking it from a conceptual idea to the surgery table is the issue of finding a material that would be suitable for replacement. After all, it was not only necessary for it to be strong but it also had to be flexible as well. In essence, it had to work like a natural disc so that further problems were less likely to occur.

It was in 2005 that a material came on the market that allowed an artificial disc replacement to occur. This material included in upper plate, a lower plate and an insert in the middle. The insert was a type of polyethylene that were react similarly to the way that your actual disc would operate. The plates on the top and the bottom were able to be connected to the vertebrae both above and below the disc material.

As you can imagine, it took quite some time for this particular operation to gain speed and for surgeons to begin recommending it to their patients. Now that some years have passed since the surgical procedure took place, it can be said that in the majority of the cases, the artificial disc is going to continue to work properly, even after years have passed. For 95% of the individuals provided with an artificial disc, it resulted in a full range of motion and no pain with no relapses as well. I would call that a significant advancement.

What Is a Kyphoplasty?

KyphoplastyWhen we have a problem with one or more of our vertebrae, it can be an issue that affects our life on a large scale. For many people, it limits their ability to live life to the full and it can even stop them from earning a living or being a productive part of the family. Unfortunately, spinal fractures occur on a regular basis but there is help through a type of procedure that is known as a kyphoplasty. This type of procedure may be able to help fix the bone and get you back on your feet again.

Kyphoplasty is often performed when a spinal fracture occurs. It is not only able to help correct the issue by strengthening the vertebrae and making any repairs that are necessary, it can also stabilize the bone. In addition, when you experience a fracture of the vertebrae, it may compress to a certain extent and that can cause additional problems, perhaps pinching the nerve or damaging nearby tissue. The kyphoplasty may be able to help restore the height of the vertebrae that was lost due to the compression fracture.

Kyphoplasty surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, so it is going to be less of a problem than a full surgical procedure. Not only are you likely to experience fewer difficulties with pain, the recovery time may be greatly improved as well. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery is also beneficial because it reduces the possibility that you will experience a postoperative infection. When you have a kyphoplasty surgery, a small incision is made in the back and a narrow tube will be inserted. It is guided to the proper position using fluoroscopy so that it is able to access the fractured part of the vertebrae.

A balloon is going to be inserted through the tube with the use of x-ray images. Once it is positioned properly, the balloon will be inflated. Doing so inside of a fractured area will help to elevate the fracture and return the pieces to a position that is closer to where it should be. The soft inner bone is also compacted during the time that the balloon is inflated to create a cavity that will be used in the following step.

After the balloon is inflated, it will be deflated and removed from the area. At that point, the doctor will use the tube to direct a type of material that is similar to cement to fill the cavity that was left by the balloon. It hardens quickly, so the bone is stabilized. Typically, this procedure will only take about an hour for each vertebrae and the patients will be observed in the recovery room carefully. It may require a stay in the hospital for one day.

What Is a Rhizotomy?

rhizotomyThe spinal column is one of the most intricate parts of the human body. It is a series of small bones, known as vertebrae, that work independently from each other and are attached by ligaments and tendons. In between each of the vertebrae is a small sack of gel like material, known as the intervertebral discs. It allows the spine to work independently and without them, you would not be able to twist, bend or even stand erect.

When you take care of your spine, the issues that you may experience are likely to be few and far between. Unfortunately, many people tend to abuse their spine by lifting things improperly or they may have issues because of slip and fall accidents, automobile accidents or other type of trauma. When you have a problem with your spine, it may result in damage to one of the intervertebral discs or to the vertebrae. In either case, it could cause severe pain because of pressure that is applied to one of the nerve endings in the area. This is not only something that may result in pain to the specific area, it can cause numbness, weakness and tingling in the extremities and nearby area as well.

If you suffer from chronic back pain or muscle spasms, it can truly affect your quality of life. Many individuals find it difficult to earn a living because of the pain they are experiencing and, although they may try a number of different remedies, it may seem as if nothing is going to work. Your doctor may suggest that you have a procedure that is known as a rhizotomy. This type of procedure is for spinal joint pain, and it can help to relieve the pain by disabling the sensory nerve that is located in the area.

The nerves that are located in the area of the spine provide many functions in the human body. One of those functions is to transmit feeling, including pain, from the area or from a specific part of the body to the brain and to send instructions from the brain back to the area again. Anytime that this is disrupted, as is the case if the nerve is being pinched, it can result in severe problems. A rhizotomy may be able to help.

During the rhizotomy procedure, a hot probe that is electrified is inserted at the sensory nerve. This takes place just outside of the area where it is a problem. The probe deadens the nerve, so that it is no longer able to send the pain signals and they cannot reach the brain any longer. The nerve itself may still be pinched or may be experiencing problems, but because it is no longer transmitting signals to the brain, you are not going to feel the pain that you are experiencing any longer.

Walk for a Healthy Back

walking for back healthInjuries can occur to any part of the human body but one of the more common areas where they take place is the lower back. As a matter of fact, lower back pain is one of the most common reasons why people miss work due to injury. Not only can it result in pain in the direct area, it may also cause other symptoms, such as radiating numbness, weakness and tingling to the extremities. In addition, spine pain can certainly affect your quality of life but there are some things you can do to help.

When it comes to back pain, you really need to consider it from two different directions. One of the factors that needs to be considered is the possibility of limiting the amount of pain that you are experiencing, once the problem has already occurred. There may also be things that you can do to keep injury from occurring in the first place. The combination of preventative measures along with any proactive options that may be available can really help you to get back to your life again as quickly as possible.

walking for back health 2One of the options that is available, and many people find it to be most beneficial, is walking. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have recurrent episodes or ongoing problems with lower back pain. It is a form of low impact aerobic exercise and it may help to reduce the amount of pain that you are experiencing as well as reducing the possibility that you may experience further back pain in the future. Of course, before you take part of any type of exercise program, it is important to discuss it with your doctor. That is especially the case when you are dealing with any type of spinal injury.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the fact that it is best if you start slow and build your way up over the course of time. Some people may start too quickly and they find that it is really going to aggravate the situation or perhaps even lead to additional pain. Some people may even feel as if the walking exercise is too painful to continue and maintain a level of good health.

The benefits of walking can be seen in a number of different areas. One of the benefits is the strengthening of the muscles that takes place, not only of the legs but also in the feet, torso and hips. When you have any problems with your spine, walking may help to stabilize the spine and muscles that keep your body in an upright position. Walking also nourishes spinal structures and improves both your flexibility and posture. When you do it regularly along with the clearance from your doctor, it can go a long way in helping you to have a healthy spine.

The Limitations after Back Surgery

surgeryThe spine is one of the most intricate parts of the human body. It is a series of bones known as vertebrae that are interconnected with ligaments and tendons and separated from each other by small discs. Those discs allow your spine to move independently and give you the ability to do everything from standing erect to bending and lifting. Unfortunately, there can also be problems that occur with the spine and when that happens, a solution needs to be found to get you back on your feet again.

Your doctor will likely consider any nonsurgical options that may be available but from time to time, surgery may be required. The type of surgery that is necessary is going to differ from one person to another and from one type of back problem to another. One of the questions that many people will ask, however, is in regards to the limitations after back surgery. The fact of the matter is, there is not a clear-cut answer as to what those limitations may be but there are some things that need to be considered on the subject so that you can be comfortable with the answer associated with your situation.

The most important thing to consider on any limitations is your specific situation. Rather than trying to find a solution by researching online, it is best if you talk to your doctor and come up with the solution that is going to be right for you. Not only is your doctor familiar with the type of procedure that was done on your spine, he is also familiar with your overall health and recovery time. Following your doctor's instructions in this regard can make quite a difference in your ability to recover from spine surgery successfully.

Some type of surgeries may also require that you get plenty of bed rest and that you ease your way back into your normal lifestyle again. For example, if you had an active lifestyle before your back surgery, you may not be able to jump right back into it again as if nothing had happened. It may even be necessary for you to work your way up to that normal level of activity over the course of time. Don't feel as if it is a failure for you to need to do this, follow the instructions and take it slow and you will avoid reinjuring your back again.

Your doctor may also require that you avoid certain activities and continue to avoid them until you are given clearance. These may include participating in some type of sports or in activities that you may do around the house. It can be difficult to listen to your doctor when you have these types of limitations after back surgery but when you do listen to the suggestions, you will benefit from it.

Getting Intimate after Back Surgery

post surgery intimacyWhen you have any type of surgery on your spine, it is more than just a simple procedure. Although the doctor will ensure that you are able to recover as quickly as possible, there may still be some rehabilitation time that is associated with it. That rehabilitation is going to differ from one patient to another, and there may be limitations as to what you can do after surgery occurs. This could include physical movements, such as exercise or how quickly you can get back to work.

One of the questions that many people have when it comes to back surgery is how much it is going to affect their personal life. They may desire to get back to having intimate relations with their partner again but they may be worried about the possible effect that could have on their health. This is a legitimate question and it is one that you should be prepared to ask your physician directly. After all, they are the ones who are going to understand your situation more than any other and they will be able to give you the instructions that deal with your specific case.

One of the first things that you should realize is that you may not get the answer that you want from the start. In fact, you may be quite displeased over the answer, as your doctor may tell you that you can't get back to intimacy as quickly as what you would like. Admittedly, the type of activity that you plan on doing is also going to have an impact on your ability to get back to it as well. It may be an uncomfortable conversation, but your physician should know the details so that he can give you specifics on it as well.

If you do decide to return to intimacy too soon, it could lead to some issues that can be quite unpleasant. Some of the problems that you may experience can include muscle spasms, vaginal dryness, pelvic numbness, nausea, pain near the incision and even a difficulty obtaining an erection. Some of these can be quite disconcerting and uncomfortable as well. If you do experience any of these problems, even if you follow your doctor's instructions, they should be discussed with your physician as soon as possible.

At times, you may find that it is beneficial to bring your partner in on a physical therapy session or to have them speak with your physician along with you. This can help you to bridge the subject with them so that they don't feel as if it is you that is coming up with unnecessary rules on the subject. Your doctor will not only provide you with information on when you get back to intimacy but he will also provide information as to how to do so safely.

Recuperating at Home

recuperating at homeWhen we have any type of problem with our back, it may eventually lead to the need for some type of surgical procedure. More than likely, your physician is going to try everything possible to come up with a nonsurgical solution to your issue but there are going to be times when surgery is necessary to repair the problem and to get you back on your feet again. In some cases, it may require an extensive hospital stay but in all cases, there will be some recuperation that is necessary at home.

One of the first things to consider when recuperating at home is that proper planning needs to take place. You need to ensure that everything is prepared in advance so that you can go home and begin recuperating without the stress of having to figure everything out at that time. As an example, make sure that you have your house secured so that it is less likely for you to experience a slip and fall accident after your surgical procedure. In addition, any type of care that is necessary from an outside source should be planned in advance so you don't need to worry with it at the very end.

In some cases, you may be experiencing some significant pain after surgery and it is going to be necessary for you to have a pain management solution in place. At times, this may include some type of narcotic pain pill and an anti-inflammatory drug. Although it may help you to get over some of the pain that you are experiencing, the side effects of the medication could cause problems if you are trying to move about in the house on your own. Make sure that you have someone there to help you in that case.

Your doctor may give you specific instructions on how to help ease some of the pain that you are experiencing. In some cases, it may include icing or heating the area where the surgery took place. Doing so can help to limit inflammation and the pain that may be experienced because of the procedure. In addition, it may help to increase the blood flow to the surgical area and doing so can help to decrease the amount of recovery time that you are experiencing.

Make sure than any type of rehabilitation instructions that were given by your physician are followed carefully. In some cases, these may include stretching or other types of exercises and if you are not doing them properly and on a regular basis, you are really extending the amount of time that it takes for you to recover. Gentle movement may also be necessary at times, but try not to overdo it. Follow all of your doctor's instructions and it will be more likely for you to get through your recovery time at home successfully.

7 Tips to Prevent Falls after Surgery

falling preventionOne of the problems that we may experience after we have had surgery is a difficulty walking around us we would typically do. It may be much more likely for us to fall after surgery, and that could be something that would cause additional problems. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid falling after surgery and the following 7 tips will help you to avoid it to the greatest extent possible. If you do happen to fall, make sure that you seek medical attention right away.

Throw rugs - If you have any throw rugs at your house, make sure that they are either up and off of the floor or you can tape them down with two-sided tape. If there are other items lying about, including electrical cords or shoes, make sure that they are picked up and put away as well.

Lighting - One of the issues that can often lead to a fall after surgery is trying to stumble through a house in the middle of the night without the proper lighting. Some houses may even experience problems in the middle of the day if they don't have enough lighting. You need to see where you're going, especially considering the fact that you may be on pain medication.

Reaching - Many of us don't really consider the fact that we often have to reach to get the things that we use on a regular basis. Anything that you use regularly, such as dishes or utensils should be moved to a lower drawer. If they are well within reach, you won't have to stretch to reach them.

falling prevention 2Pets - Yes, we love our pets but they can be a problem after you have had surgery. First of all, they may not have seen you for a while so they could jump up on you and knock you down or they may get under your feet and trip you when you come back home again. If you need to have your pets nearby, make sure they are crated so they are not moving around.

Bathing - It is typically a good idea to skip any long showers or baths after you have had surgery. If you feel unsteady, it is also good to use a shower chair. Tub baths tend to cause us to twist unnecessarily and it increases the risk that you will slip and fall.

Footwear - Although it can be enjoyable to wear high heels or other designer shoes, it is best for you to keep the fancy footwear until a later time.

Exercise - Make sure that you are following any exercise routines that your doctor has given you but get enough rest in between exercises so you don't become fatigued.

Can You Go Running after Back Surgery?

safe to run 2One of the activities that many people enjoy is running. It gives them the opportunity to get out for a while and, in some cases, they may enjoy some solitude in an otherwise busy life. Just because you enjoy running, however, does not mean it is always the best idea and that is especially true after you had back surgery. As a runner, you are likely wondering when you can get back to running after surgery so we have provided the following information for your convenience.

First of all, it is very important for you to listen to your physician when it comes to any suggestions as to when you can get back to running again. Each person is going to be different in their recovery time and the type of surgery that you have may differ as well. Don't simply get back out there and run again without asking your doctor, because you could cause further injury and may undo any of the good that the surgery did for you. Your doctor is the one that can provide you with the best answer to this question.

Most runners tend to be rather healthy individuals before they had back surgery, so they may be able to recover faster than somebody who is not healthy. That being said, there is still going to be some recovery time that is associated with your surgery. Don't simply try to get out there and do everything that you can possibly do from the very start. Consider that your body has just been through quite a trauma, not only from the back injury but also from the surgery that took place.

safe to runEven if your doctor does give you clearance to begin normal activities again, you may need to start slow and work your way up to your regular routine. Some runners would feel as if it was beneath them to walk around the block a few times rather than getting out and pounding the pavement. The fact of the matter is, however, your body may need the recovery time so working your way up to your normal run is something that is important.

Finally, most runners are accustomed to running through the pain that they are experiencing. That shouldn't be the case, however, after you have had spine surgery. If you try to run through the pain and ignore what your body is trying to tell you, you could very easily end up injuring yourself further. Your body is a machine, and when a problem occurs within the machine, it will send off signals and one of those signals is pain. Make sure that you are listening to what your body is telling you and you are more likely to be able to get back out running again and to enjoy it for the long term.

Boating after Back Surgery

post surgery boatingAlthough there may be many different enjoyable activities, some people enjoy the experience of being out on a boat more than any other. It doesn't matter if they are fishing or simply enjoying a day out in the sun, being on the water is certainly relaxing and a lot of fun. Unfortunately, being out on a boat can also be rather difficult on the body and that is especially true if you have recently had back surgery. As you are recovering, it is important for you to listen, not only to your body but also to your physician.

The first thing that we need to get out of the way is the fact that everybody is different when it comes to recovery. Before you decide that it is time to get out on the boat again after back surgery, it is important for you to consider a number of different factors and your recovery is perhaps at the top of the list. You should never do anything unless your physician gives you clearance to do so, because you could easily injure your back or cause additional damage. Take it slow and listen to your doctor.

post surgery boating 2You also need to consider your personal recovery from back surgery. Recuperation is not something that can be put on the calendar but rather, it has to do with you and your individual circumstances. Some people are healthier than others before they have an operation and as we age, our recuperation time tends to slow down as well. If you have been given any type of physical therapy or exercises to do after the operation, your dedication to them will also make a difference in how quickly you will be able to get back to boating after back surgery.

Different procedures may also extend time that it would take for you to get back on the boat again. In some cases, a minimally invasive procedure may only require a few days of recuperation but in other cases, serious spinal surgeries could take months to heal properly. Your doctor will be able to give you further information as to how long you can expect your recovery time to take.

What you plan on doing when you are on the boat? If you are going on a rowboat, it may be a very bad idea to start with. Rowing is extremely difficult on the back and it is something that is best avoided, especially after you have had surgery. More strenuous activities may also need to be avoided, such as deep-sea fishing or waterskiing.

Finally, consider the type of boat and your position on it. You will typically experience less bouncing if you stay close to the stern and as close to water level as you possibly can. Also, avoid sitting in one place for an extended amount of time. These tips can make a difference in how quickly you can get back on the water.