Spinal fusion surgery recovery typically takes anywhere from three to six months, and this time frame includes the various types of physical therapy that each patient must undergo. Back braces are an effective treatment, but not everyone needs one. Shah N. Siddiqi, M.D., F.R.C.S. After visiting with Dr. Huddleston at Mayo- he has recommended this fusion. Spinal fusion uses techniques that mimic the bodys healing process when youve broken a bone. 370 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<156CCA0520B2DDF2C068ADB2D244FA7F>]/Index[360 23]/Info 359 0 R/Length 67/Prev 487989/Root 361 0 R/Size 383/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream If you have a physically strenuous job, your physical therapist can tailor your exercise program to include work conditioning. In the earlier stages of the recovery process, vigorous exercise is not advised. Inpatient means spending one or more nights in the hospital and outpatient means going home the same day. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. However, due to the trauma of surgery, the patients trunk muscles, and overall condition become somewhat weakened. 3 -4 wks. These things are often possible long-term, but put too much impact on your spine at this stage of healing. Additionally, while youll be able to resume exercise, lifting, and other activities, you might be told to limit your activities to certain amounts, depending on how your spine heals. Either way, a metal plate or rods and screws will hold the bones together until the bones heal. After a lumbar spinal fusion has had 3 months of healing, it is time for physical activity and exercise to become a central component of the recovery process. They may extend a hospital stay depending on the location and the extent of the surgery, as well as other recent surgeries youve gone through. It may result from one of the following problems during the procedure: The best alternative to lumbar spinal fusion is an advanced non-fusion implant, like the TOPS System. However, there are a few simple exercises you can take on at home that are part of nearly all spinal fusion recovery programs. Depending on what type of other exercise you want to do, you may have to wait anywhere between 4-6 weeks, even up to 3 months, before you start working out again. Its important to seek immediate medical treatment if you have symptoms of either complication. Brunicardi FC, et al. Read on to learn more about this surgery and how it can help. We will be in touch with you shortly. Twisting, no matter what the angle. Although the recovery process can be frustrating, a successful surgery is so worth the result! During this time, you will probably start to feel the positive effects of the surgery, including less pain and newly regained mobility. It follows that you should try to. Its important to remember that spinal fusion is designed to take away your spinal pain. Return to work guidelines following neurosurgical procedures. 3.2 The First Few Weeks. In most cases, spinal fusion is a generally safe treatment. By six months after fusion surgery, most patients should expect to be cleared to resume most if not all daily activities. There's a reason why people use the word "backbone" to describe the crucial sense of support something providessomething that cannot be done without. However, if it's possible, do not rush into it and take your full time to recover to avoid future problems. If youre having severe pain, tenderness, or swelling following your surgery, contact your surgeon immediately. Support groups and forums are great places to build community during your recovery. Once you recover, you should be in much less pain than before spinal fusion. Accessed Nov. 18, 2022. I was only taking pain medication at night, so my head was clearer. You may be given a soft brace to help with incisional pain. back and leg pain limiting normal activity or quality of life, progressive neurological conditions like leg weakness, no relief from medications and physical therapy. Thats why we recommend the following care tips for your recovery. In younger and/or more physically fit individuals, recovery time can range anywhere from 4-6 weeks. You should stretch and move around to take the pressure off of your lower back. Your doctor will have specific guidelines for you. In this case, you and your doctor might need to work out a new treatment plan. Spinal fusion can help correct problems with the way the spine is formed. Youll still need to avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, and twisting motions. I have had the hardware removed from a prior surgery during current a current surgery as long as the prior fusion has fused. . They will work closely with you to determine the best course of action to help you enjoy life the way you want to. In a 2015 study, researchers reported the following complications in a group of 500 people: In very rare cases, spinal decompression surgery can lead to damage to the spinal cord, which may cause weakness and numbness in your legs. These results showed that TOPS can continue to provide a clinical improvement over time. See why our top picks are highly rated and provide. after spinal fusion, but your recovery journey starts immediately after your surgery. Spinal fusion is a surgical intervention that treats herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and even vertebrae fractures. Then the spine might need more surgery in the future. Light work, such as clerical work, can usually be resumed after 2 weeks. Youll likely be able to return to light activities within days or weeks of your operation, but itll take longer to resume heavier, more physical activity. Dont hesitate to ask any questions about your at-home recovery. endstream endobj startxref Bonnie explains why TOPS surgery was the right decision for her. Three Years Post-Op: Life After Spinal Fusion: I Went Skiing at 3 Years Post-Op! You can check out: Spinal fusion surgery can have a long recovery process. You will remain in the hospital for around 2-5 days following your surgery while doctors and nurses monitor your healing. Some recommendations are going to be similar to what people tell you to do even when your back is healthy. This surgery often includes the removal of part of or all of the bone that covers the back of the spinal column called the lamina. Fusion permanently removes all motion at the fused vertebrae, which can alter how the rest of the spine bears weight. Spinal Fusion. Heavy work included activities such as construction work or. Radicular pain is a type of neuropathic pain that radiates from one part of the body to another. My car was written off when a midi-bus tried to park in my boot at 80km/h and the only plus side to the accident is that I seem to be a textbook case for this surgery, according to the South African Spine Society: I just got back into playing competitive League squash again after taking a 3 year break . Back pain can develop for a variety of reasons, but how do you know if your pain is related to a herniated disc? This, combined with possible surgical complications, can (understandably) leave patients with many questions. What to expect after lumbar fusion surgery during recovery includes post-operative activities, discharge instructions, and warning signs that warrant calling your spine surgeon. Perform any exercises your physical therapist or doctor gave you to prepare your spine for the next stage of recovery. In other words, if youre suffering from chronic back pain, focusing on the end goal of spinal pain relief can get you through your early recovery days. Hardware including rods, pedicle screws, cages, and spacers may be used for stability in lumbar spinal fusion. Once youve got the go-ahead from your orthopedic specialist, you can start returning to normal life, including bending, twisting, and lifting! They can slow healing. You still need to avoid bending at the back, twisting your spine, and lifting heavy objects because these activities put strain on the segments of your spine before theyve fully fused together. For example, avoid lifting heavy objects if possible. Spinal fusion is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and herniated discs. They may extend a hospital stay depending on the location and the extent of the surgery, as well as other recent surgeries . Surgeons almost always perform spinal fusion for spondylolisthesis. Spinal fusion is a procedure that permanently joins two vertebrae into one solid bone. Average scores on the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) exam are 80%, 91% and 96% at eight weeks, six months and 12 months after surgery, respectively. (2020). I was able to do small household tasks, like folding laundry and making a grilled cheese sandwich. Spinal fusion surgery is a major procedure with a lengthy recovery time. Clinical utility of enhanced recovery after surgery pathways in pediatric spinal deformity surgery: Systematic review of the literature. Perioperative management in complex spine surgery. If these rare but serious complications happen, its usually within the first few weeks following surgery. During a spinal fusion surgery, Dr. Regan uses screws or rods to fuse two of your vertebrae together, resulting in a more stabilized spine. Lundberg J, et al. The purpose of spinal fusion surgery is to stabilize your spine and relieve the pressure on the nerves that are causing the pain. spondylolisthesis) is a relatively predictable operation. All rights reserved. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. 85356 Mnchen, Premia Spine Israel laminectomy is a procedure which involves removing bone of the vertebrae to allow for more space for the nerves. L5 S1 Fusion refers to the level of the surgery. Read on to learn more. Optimize your diet. 3-6 Months Post-Surgery The 3 months of rest after your surgery are essential, but they result in a loss of muscle tone, muscle strength, and range of motion. When conservative treatments arent working for your herniated disc, surgery might be the right path forward. Netanya, Israel 4250407, Premia Spine UK Keep reading to learn more about lumbar laminectomies, including what happens during the procedure, how long it takes to recover, and if there are any potential side effects. Youll be positioned face down and be given general anesthesia through an IV inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. Pain is considered chronic if its significant, continuous, and lasts for over 12 weeks. Depending on your job, you might be allowed to return to work during this stage. It may cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Your surgeon and physical therapist will tell you the specific Dos and Don'ts of your surgery when the time comes, but there are some general guidelines to follow post-surgery in order to help your body heal. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that links bones in the spinal column together to treat back problems such as herniated disks, fractures, or scoliosis. Our backs are the part of our bodies that allow us to perform nearly all, . What to Expect 6 Months After Spinal Fusion? Complications Following Spinal Fusion. In this article, well explore common problems from spinal fusion to consider before undergoing the procedure. Ask a friend or family member to drive you home, and limit car rides to protect your spine from accidental twisting. and our expert team at Spine Group Beverly Hills perform minimally invasive spinal fusions at our offices in Beverley Hills and Santa Monica, California. Older patients or those with lower fitness levels can take up to 4-6 months to heal properly. Because of this, as well as the effect that opioids have on coordination and drowsiness, there is absolutely no driving allowed after your surgery. Bending, either forward or backward. Surgery doesn't cure arthritis. Spinal fusion can be used to: Reshape the spine. Read on to learn more. Putting undue stress on a bone that needs healing often exacerbates an injury. Between six months and one-year post-op, patients can typically start returning to all of their normal activities, including some bending and twisting. I no longer needed the walker. See additional information. My legs and arms were coordinated, my entire body rising and stretching in one, united movement. Progress in daily activities is usually readily apparent at this stage, and many patients are already working with a physical therapist. (consult with your surgeon to determine an exact timeline). And, if youre wondering What happens if I bend after spinal fusion surgery?, it's important to follow all medical advice during the recovery process to ensure that we heal as quickly and completely as possible. . helps you heal after surgery. While youre at the hospital, healthcare professionals will monitor you for pain and to ensure your surgery was successful. 3.1 iv) Spinal decompression and fusion. By fusing two or more vertebrae together, you gain spinal stability and strength. Life After Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Month-By-Month Breakdown of My Spinal Fusion Recovery. Spine Conditions that the TOPS System Cures. Learn about Medicare coverage of back surgery including types of back surgery, plus cost estimates of what you can expect to pay. Not only that, but eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water can also help you avoid post-op constipation. What to expect 4 months after spinal fusion? Connecting them prevents movement between them. But it . . Guide to Physical Therapy After Spinal Fusion. The researchers speculated that the shorter hospital stays were due to a reduction in post-surgery pain and avoiding the need for a wound drain. We dive into two common treatments physical therapy and steroid injections and share tips for identifying the right path forward. The surgery involves removing all or part of your vertebra called the lamina.
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