Five (OK TEN) things no back patient should ever do…how many are you guilty of?

Five (OK TEN) things no back patient should ever do…how many are you guilty of?

1. Shovel snow. Ever. Period. I mean, come-on guys!
2. Drive to Florida… (lots of people do that…) the week after back surgery? Plan ahead and give it a little time!
3. Trying to move “that rock”…this is the gardener’s favorite. Sure….it looked like such a little rock… before you started digging!!! Know when to quit.
4. Losing your pain medications – down the sink, down the toilet, off the front seat of the car – it doesn’t matter.  You can’t just call in for a refill.  Because your pharmacist won’t buy it no matter what I say…
5. Walking the dog(s) before you’re ready…they love you, they’re glad to have you home!!! But they’re going to try to kill you.  The big ones will bolt and drag you, the little ones will wrap the leash around your feet and trip you.  Be careful and have someone else give them a walk ‘til your good on your feet.
6. Hosting Christmas, Thanksgiving, or anything involving lots of food, decorations, or furniture arranging at your house, three weeks after surgery! Like driving to Florida, give it a little time!
7. Anything involving a horse, less than 6 weeks after surgery. Except maybe combing.  But no riding and nothing that’s measured in buckets, bales, or bags.
8. Deciding a tall stack of books will make an excellent step-ladder. Please!!
9. General Gardening.  Of course! – no bending, lifting, or twisting for 8 weeks after surgery. “But it’s spring and those roses won’t plant themselves!”  Again, Puh-leassse!
10. Anything involving a chainsaw, engine hoist, or a bungee cord. Do I have to actually say that…?

​So, please be careful…I want you to be active, but take care of your back and use good common sense!
 
I hope you find this discussion interesting and useful.  If you have other questions that I can answer for you, please comment below.  And feel free to like and share this content with others that might find it beneficial!