Abdominal Binder or Back Brace?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Which is more appropriate for at home post-surgical recovery from an L-5 S-1 Laminectomy: an abdominal binder or a back brace? I am supposed to do no "bending, twisting, or lifting" for 2 weeks post surgery. I can comply with the lifting part, it is the bending and/or twisting I am worried about and was thinking a binder might help "remind" me not to move inappropriately.

Any thoughts? And, by the way, here's wishing all my fellow nurses an early Happy Nurses Week!

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Did the team not fit you for a brace.. My hubby had L4-5 done and he had to wear a brace for a while, sorry I don't remember the time frame.. I think this is a question for your surgeon to be on the safe side, follow their instructions.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I go on Monday, the 6th, for a 0730 surgery. They said I would be going home Tuesday afternoon. No one said anything about a brace or measured me yet, it is all happening so fast. From my time working the floor it took day(s) for fitted equipment to arrive, but then that was on a Medical Floor not Ortho, so maybe I am just jumping ahead and need to slow my mind down. I will do as you say and try to trust the team. If a brace is not provided, then I will ask the surgeon (before D/C for sure). Thanks!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

These are questions you need to address with your surgeon. We aren't permitted to give medical advice.

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