When non-operative measures have failed to significantly improve symptoms or have significantly disrupted daily activities, spine surgery is frequently suggested as a last resort.

If you’ve been thinking about having spine surgery, you probably have some concerns about how long it might take you to resume your regular activities and what the healing process will entail in general. Here are some details to assist you prepare for the recovery from spine surgery.

Recovery Time for Spine Surgery

Everyone’s recovery from spine surgery takes a varied amount of time. The extent of your ailment, the type and surgical method chosen, as well as your general health, will all be determining considerations.

Laminectomy recuperation time, for instance, can range from four weeks to a few months. Recovery may take longer if you concurrently underwent spinal fusion surgery. During your appointment, your orthopaedic surgeon will go over each of these with you.

What Recovery from Spine Surgery Entails

Expect some pain following your spine surgery, just like you would with any other kind of surgery. To control your pain and maintain your comfort as you recuperate, your care team will give you analgesics.

In order to support and maintain the alignment of your spine and lessen your risk of damage while it recovers, your medical team may also advise you to wear a brace. A day following surgery, or as soon as your anaesthetic wears off, your care team will probably advise you to walk and move around (under supervision). You need to wait until they indicate it is safe to perform a number of actions and positions, such as lifting, twisting, sitting for prolonged periods of time, or extreme bending. A walker and other assisted devices may be required initially.

Your care team will provide you with a thorough set of postoperative instructions before you are discharged, which you must adhere to in order to reduce your risk for problems.

During the first few days or weeks, you might need someone to drive you home and assist you with chores around the house, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.

Four to six weeks following your procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up visit with you to evaluate your incision and recovery status. Physical therapy, which typically begins four to seven weeks following discharge depending on the treatment you had, will likely be advised by your doctor. You must diligently cooperate with your PT as physical therapy is a crucial part of your rehabilitation strategy as it promotes a secure and effective recovery.

Based on the specifics of your profession, your surgeon will advise you on when you should go back to work. Your doctor may advise you to postpone returning to work for a number of months if you underwent open surgery and have a physically demanding profession (such as one that involves heavy lifting or using vibrating equipment).