Bathing and Swimming After Interventional Spine Procedures

Abstract

B restrictions for patients vary among interventional spine practices. Mitigation of infection risk through strict sterile technique is a high priority for spine interventionists. Theoretically, allowing a patient to bathe immediately following a procedure may expose the procedure site to pathogens, which could travel directly to the spinal canal via the needle tract. Conversely, restricting patients from bathing may promote immobility and allow for the development of a nidus for infection. Furthermore, many patients with chronic severe pain report substantial therapeutic benefit from showering or bathing in a tub. Therefore some interventionists may enact a restriction in regard to bathing and swimming after procedures, but others may not. The benefit of bathing restrictions is not established, possibly deeming it unnecessary for most interventional spine procedures.