11th ed. 1 -2 wks. Spinal fusion isnt right for everyone, but if youre struggling with back pain, you might consider spinal fusion when conservative options just arent working. I needed help with just about everything else, including getting in and out of the shower and dressing myself. Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF), Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), Smoking, along with other nicotine products (nicotine constricts blood vessels and slows bone growth). Hardware including rods, pedicle screws, cages, and spacers may be used for stability in lumbar spinal fusion. If you had spinal fusion, you will probably be off work for 4 to 6 weeks if you are young and healthy and your job is not very strenuous. 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. Numbness. This includes driving, household chores, shopping, more strenuous exercise, and most work-related activities. All the information in this article is meant to be a general guideline for spinal fusion recovery. 3.4 Diet And Rest. Youll talk with an orthopedic specialist at around the 6-month mark. Your instructions are informed by your individual body and other any other conditions you may have. It treats disorders such as herniated discs. At Home: Wound Care 9 /13 It's important to. You can check out: Spinal fusion surgery can have a long recovery process. 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. . Was it worth it? One year after 3 levels of spinal fusion back surgery This depends on the extent of your surgery. 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. hbbd``b`@ $X\W+Y@BEHx4?C7 * Heavy work included activities such as construction work or bricklaying. In younger and/or more physically fit individuals, recovery time can range anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Additionally, inflammation in the tissues surrounding spinal nerves can cause nerve damage after fusion. 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. https://www.clinicalkey.com. 1-3 months after Spine Surgery This is a tough period for the healing process. Support groups and forums are great places to build community during your recovery. The lamina may be causing tightness around the spinal cord or nerve(s). I get a lot of messages from people who've had spinal fusion surgery. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. There was variability in recommendations about resuming medium work, which included nursing and truck driving, but surgeons recommended an average of 6 weeks. A herniated disc pushes into the spinal canal. All rights reserved. The symptoms of arachnoiditis are numbness, tingling, stinging, and burning in the legs. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Read about treatment options, including various types of. This is because it can take up to a year for a bone graft to properly fuse. Surgery for Spondylolisthesis | NYU Langone Health If only one lamina is removed, the procedure is called a hemilaminectomy. However, there are some general milestones you can expect to hit as you recover. if possible, as bending or twisting can interfere with the way the fusion heals and even damage the work that was done. Guglielmi GN, et al. Baron EM, et al. In a large 2020 study, researchers found that the risk of developing a complication within 30 days of single-level laminectomy was 6.7% for inpatient procedures and 1.9% for outpatient. So you've begun to prepare for spinal fusion. Its anchored to the spine and includes a patented crossbar configuration, which exerts less impact on the screws than fusion implant devices. Please Note: This is a general guide only of when you may return to these activities. 1999-2023 Veritas Health, LLC. 5 Roundwood Lane From the back, it's known as posterior spinal fusion. Though its designed for lifetime use, this hardware can wear out and break over time. In this blog, Dr. Regan highlights what to expect immediately after surgery and in the weeks and months following your spinal fusion. This typically occurs three months after surgery. The spine may be unstable because of an injury, or needs to be fixed in place because of pain. In the earlier stages of the recovery process, vigorous exercise is not advised. Putting undue stress on a bone that needs healing often exacerbates an injury. 360 0 obj <> endobj To be eligible, you need to be in good overall health and be able to undergo general anesthesia. However, in 10-20% of cases, the pain continues until the nerve fully heals. For now, lift nothing heavier than 8-10 pounds. Recovering From Back Surgery - WebMD Any nerve damage to your spine will take up to 2 years to completely heal. My pain was manageable; most of the time I felt stiffness and/or discomfort, rather than actual pain. Press your back up to the wall of the pool and bend your knees so that you are mimicking a sitting position. Surgeons recommended 8 weeks before starting heavy work after a single-level laminectomy and 8 to 12 weeks for multi-level. 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. Spinal fusion surgery is a life-changing procedure for those in chronic pain from scoliosis, arthritis, an accident, a herniated disk, or some serious back injuries. Update it with a new topper for just-right comfort. It takes at least 3 to 4 months after surgery for bones to heal well, and healing may continue for at least a year. Despite returning to all activities, it is advised to maintain many of the good habits that were required during the recovery process, such as performing exercises to stretch and strengthen the back, aerobic exercise and bending at the knees while lifting heavy items, and not smoking. Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery: What To Expect Spinal fusion surgery connects two or more vertebrae of your spine together. Spinal Fusion. In this blog, Dr. Regan highlights what to expect immediately after surgery and in the weeks and months following your spinal fusion. (C), F.A.C.S., Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery, Diplomate American Board of Neurosurgery, Fellowship in Spine Surgery. We avoid using tertiary references. Most people dont have any restrictions on their activity by about 6 to 8 months after spinal fusion surgery. If youve already tried conservative treatments, consider an artificial disc replacement. Although the recovery process can be frustrating, a successful surgery is so worth the result! Aftermath of Spinal Fusion Surgery: Complications, Potential - Cellaxys What to Expect After Spinal Fusion Surgery - Spine Group Beverly Hills It involves removing the rear of one or more vertebrae. Ignore that temptation, even if you feel like your body is recovering more quickly than the timeline your physician gave you. Shah N. Siddiqi, M.D., F.R.C.S. I had 3 levels fused together with a 3 level fusion. Once youve got the go-ahead from your orthopedic specialist, you can start returning to normal life, including bending, twisting, and lifting! Bydon M, et al. Most people will feel that they are fully recovered by about 1 year following their spinal fusion. They then can fuse and heal as one bone. Lumbar spinal stenosis (adult). Youll be asked to avoid: Physical therapy sessions are very important during this stage of the healing process. Five Years Post-Op: Five Years After My Spinal Fusion: An Update, 21 Day Fix Review (We Spent $77, But YOU Don't Have To), NATHAN Run@Work Day Giveaway + Hurricane Irma Update, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sha33g5qV6M, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKt5QdAcNRc, Click here to learn more about Sharon's spinal fusion. If you have back problems that are interfering with your daily life, talk to your doctor and medical team. For example, avoid lifting heavy objects if possible. A laminectomy is one of the most common procedures for decompressing the spinal cord and nerve roots. Focus on keeping your incision clean and dry, Follow all post-op instructions as thoroughly as possible, Take medication as directed, even if you feel you dont need it, Post-op isnt the time to diet. After a lumbar fusion surgery, you need to allow the fusion an adequate amount of time to heal and progress before testing its strength through exercise and rigorous physical therapy. Work with a physical therapist to find a long-term exercise program to stick to. Three Level Lumbar Spine Fusion. Fusion permanently removes all motion at the fused vertebrae, which can alter how the rest of the spine bears weight. 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. At this stage, you will also begin outpatient physical therapy to restore regular movement. Spinal fusion can cause paralysis, but its one of the rarest possible complications. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you need to bend down, keep your spine in a neutral position while you hinge at the hips or bend at your knees. Avoid long car rides and strenuous activities until Dr. Regan gives you the green light. Anterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion What is Anterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion? recovery is a must. You may recover faster and it is often successful with results similar to more invasive back. In fact, loading up your plate with nutrient-dense foods can help your body recover. Neuropathic pain occurs when the nerves or spinal cord become damaged. Prep your kitchen with ready-made and throw-together meals. Once theyre finished, theyll close the wounds with stitches. For a laminectomy you may be discharged the same day or kept overnight. Its usually the procedure of choice for middle aged and older adults with compression caused by degeneration. In younger and/or more physically fit individuals, recovery time can range anywhere from 46 weeks. Wu A-M, et al. Your doctor may recommend that you only undertake light activities like walking. Return to work guidelines following neurosurgical procedures. When conservative treatments arent working for your herniated disc, surgery might be the right path forward. The first 3 months of spinal fusion recovery are focused on rest and building strength. You will remain in the hospital for around 2-5 days following your surgery while doctors and nurses monitor your healing. No difficulty in walking. What to Expect After Laminectomy Surgery - The Spine Institute CSR You can even tilt your back left or right. Do's and Don'ts for a Successful Back Surgery Recovery - SpineUniverse Spinal fusion typically works for fixing broken bones, reshaping the spine or making the spine more stable. These things are often possible long-term, but put too much impact on your spine at this stage of healing. Older patients or those with lower fitness levels can take up to 46 months to. 3.1 iv) Spinal decompression and fusion. Frequent walking is a great way to incorporate movement into your day without putting your spines healing at risk. What to expect after lumbar fusion surgery during recovery includes post-operative activities, discharge instructions, and warning signs that warrant calling your spine surgeon. To learn more about spinal fusions. I didnt do any intentional exercise just relied on caring for the kids and walking up & down the stairs 100 times a day to keep active. While youre at the hospital, healthcare professionals will monitor you for pain and to ensure your surgery was successful. In most cases, spinal fusion is a generally safe treatment. Spinal fusion surgery connects two or more vertebrae of your spine together. The most severe pain will be in the days immediately following surgery. Arthritis causes much of back pain. The surgeon will then use harvested bone graft to pack around the disc area. To prevent rolling around or turning in your sleep, place a pillow on either side of your head. You should aim to be off your pain medication at 4 weeks post-surgery. You may need help getting around initially, and thats okay. Temporary & Permanent Restrictions After Spinal Fusion - Epainassist 3.5 The First Few Months. Still, any surgery is likely to cause some degree of discomfort. Bending, either forward or backward. You might need to stay longer if youre at risk of an infection or other complications. What is the recovery time for this procedure? Not only that, but eating. Back pain can develop for a variety of reasons, but how do you know if your pain is related to a herniated disc? This prepares your body for your regular work and teaches you to perform work tasks safely. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines for a time before the surgery. Assistive devices, such as a cane, can be handy. Nerve damage is a serious problem that may require immediate medical attention. Youll also meet with physical and occupational therapists to begin your recovery. As previously mentioned, follow the advice of your surgeon and/or physical therapist to ensure that you have a speedy and effective recovery. Is Sacroiliitis the Same Thing as Sciatica? I rarely, if ever, experience numbness or tingling in my feet (also a frequent occurrence before surgery). Are there complications from this surgery? Fact_Sheet_Failed_Back_Surgery_Syndrome - Neuromodulation Call us today to schedule a virtual visit, What to Expect After Spinal Fusion Surgery. will tell you the specific Dos and Don'ts of your surgery when the time comes, but there are some general guidelines to follow. But as with any surgery, spinal fusion carries some risks. From walking and dancing to bathing and just putting on a pair of pants, the healthier our back is, the easier it is to go about our business as usual. I no longer needed the walker. I was sleeping fairly well at night, usually only waking when I needed pain meds. Doctors usually try to treat it with nonsurgical methods first, but they may recommend laminectomy or another surgery if those methods arent effective.