Samantha Williams

ISM-Period 7

Ullrich, Peter F. “Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery.” Spine, 11 Apr. 2009, www.spine-

health.com/treatment/back-surgery/rehabilitation-after-spine-surgery.

• An incorrect diagnosis leading to an incorrect surgery is second main reason why

people who get back surgeries still have pain post-surgery
• The bigger the back surgery, the longer that patient probably was experiencing the
painful symptoms
• It often takes months to a year to fully recover from a spinal reconstruction surgery/
scoliosis surgery
• A post-surgery physical therapy program for patients who recently undergo a spinal
surgery is vital to rehabilitation and getting back to everyday life
• Unless a person has a herniated disk after their surgery, it is most recommended to
continue rehabilitation rather than get another surgery if one still experiences pain
after their previous surgery
• Patients who undergo surgeries that involve removing or replacing a disk often
need to strengthen the surrounding muscles to prevent further injury to the new
insert
• Custom orthotics are necessary when rehabilitating/ recovering from a back surgery
• They are also usually needed/ used before a surgery to help the pain and provide
support
• A protein filled diet is encouraged to promote muscle growth to the weakened areas
after spine surgery
• More activity (without it causing pain) is also encouraged so that the patient can
adjust to the new change and strengthen the area
• Immediately after surgery patients are required to not lift anything above 5-8
pounds and typically can’t do everyday tasks like brushing their hair
• Within the first few weeks of surgery it is important to not put your body through
too much work because that is the main healing time
• It takes 3-4 months for bones affected during the surgery to fully heal so most
patients will not be able to return to labor involved work environments for some
time- this can affect the job status of a patient which means they might not be able
to keep their job, this is a main reason why most people put off surgery
• Cutting of nerves during a back surgical procedure can be a main cause of patients
experiencing pain after their surgery

This article was very in depth about the process of a spinal reconstruction surgery and
all necessary procedures or measures that may need to be taken after the surgery such
as physical therapy, down time from a job and/ or a custom orthotic back brace.
 Samantha Williams

ISM-Period 7

Kushwaha, Vivek P. “Dr. Kushwaha – Houston Orthopedic Surgeon.” Dr. Kushwaha - Houston

Orthopedic Surgeon, 8 Jan. 2019, www.drkushwaha.com/education/top-10-worst-jobs-

back/.

• A driver, such as one for an Uber or a taxi driver, is the number one worst job in the
United States for your back
• Working as a construction worker of most types is the second worst job on your
back in the United States
• Due to lots of time spent working on their feet or bending over to assist with
procedures, nurses also have job that have harsh effects on their back’s safety and
pain
• Unlike the previous point to be made about standing hurting your back, office
workers that sit for long periods of time may experience lower back pain- usually
from an uncomfortable chair
• As expected, many manual laborers that usually involve lifting heavy things or
preforming repeated acts of twisting or reaching, have a hard impact on the back
and can often lead to a herniated disk
• Due to bending over for most of their day when preforming procedures or even
check-ups, dentists also have jobs that rely on their back and can cause pain when
done on a day to day basis
• Anyone working in a warehouse likely has a physically demanding line of work,
that is why they make the top ten list of worst jobs for the back
• Any job that involves lots of hunching, such as a car mechanic, can be very
damaging to ones back
• Factory workers also typically experience a larger amount of back pain because of
the repetitive movements carried out during day to day work so it is recommended
that anyone in that line of work takes a “posture break” to stretch and strengthen
one’s muscles
• Pregnant women, as expected, have a larger amount of back pain due to the fact
they are carrying a child
• Parents also make the list because of the constant catering to children or holding
them when going places

This article did a great job of clearly stating what occupations involve work that could
potentially be harmful to ones back and also provides alternatives and helpful tips to ease
ones back pain as well
 Samantha Williams

ISM-Period 7

Francis, Kate. “Pros and Cons of Using a Back Brace.” QualityHealth, 2010,

www.qualityhealth.com/pain-articles/pros-cons-using-back-brace.

• Approximately 4 out of 5 people in the United States each year will experience
back pain at least once in their lives
• Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work in the United
States each year
• Back braces used immediately after surgery can be very helpful for spine
stabilization
• Store bought lumbar support braces, typically bought at a Walgreens or Walmart,
can help after an initial lower back injury by limiting the movement of the lower
spine in that area
• Many users of back braces also say that along with taking pain off of their back,
they also tend to find it improves your posture and takes the load off of your lower
back when lifting heavy things
• Back braces can make transitional movements, such as sitting from a standing
position, more comfortable during an episode of back pain
• If you have a labor-intensive job that places stress on your lower back, a back brace
can help you first return back to work after a back injury by avoiding too much
strain on your spine
• There is concern in the medical industry that long term use of a back brace may
result in atrophy of certain muscles that support the spine through lack of use
• When you wear a lumbar support brace, it can take the pain that you were once
experiencing in the lower back area to a new area
• Since the muscles in the lower back weaken during the time a back brace is worn, it
can cause damage to the spine when taken off
• In adolescents with scoliosis, it hasn’t been proved that wearing a back brace
directly helps their scoliosis
• It is suggested to only wear a back brace for a few hours at a time as it can be more
harm than good when worn for too long

This article was very helpful and informative on the pros and cons of wearing a back
brace with its proven benefits and also proven down sides, it also gives a good
description on those who would be more susceptible to not getting healed by a brace.