Spinal Fusion Recovery Time

Lumbar Spine Fusion Recovery

Following spinal fusion surgery, you may be wondering how long the recovery time for a spinal fusion surgery is. With two board certified Neurosurgeons in our practice, Florida Surgery Consultants have successfully performed thousands of spinal fusions. We also can tell you that the recovery time for a spinal fusion surgery typically takes between three to six months.

While there are many factors that can reduce the recovery process, there are also several factors which can lengthen it. The most common being your age, weight, diet, lifestyle habits or physical fitness.

One of the biggest factors may be if you are doing any type of physical therapy in order to help the healing process. At Florida Surgery Consultants, our neurosurgeons always recommend physical therapy for patients who have undergone spinal fusion surgery.

It’s also not uncommon for spinal fusion patients to also have herniated discs that are causing sharp pain. The herniated disc is impinging on the spinal nerve roots, which in turn sends sharp pain signals to your brain.

There are some non-surgical ways to treat a herniated disc, but if pain persists and everything else you tried has failed (including injections, minimally invasive procedures, or conservative care such as chiropractic) a Spinal Fusion may be what you need in order to relieve your pain.

The Basics of Spinal Fusion Recovery Time

Ask any neurosurgeon in Florida, and they will typically tell you that a Spinal Fusion takes anywhere from three to six months to heal completely. Want to speed up your recovery time? Here are some suggested things you can do to recover after your spinal fusion surgery.

Start Walking

Just a few hours after the surgery the anesthesia will wear off and you will feel stiff and sore. Some patients will freak out because they think they cannot go to the bathroom (this usually happens because the anesthesia has not wear off) If you have leg pain, it generally goes away after you have had the spinal surgery.

The patient needs to move frequently beginning the first day after surgery. Walking as often as possible until there may be minor aches, but immediately stop if there is any sharp pain. Continue to walk throughout the recovery process.

Overall, physical activity will be restricted significantly during the first four weeks. While some may require pain medication in order to alleviate the pain, it is recommended that you try to wean off the pain medicine as soon as possible. It can take up to 4 to 6 weeks for you to be able to do simple activities such as cleaning the house or playing with your dog.

Pain Medication Recommendations

To wean off the pain medications, you should extend your time before taking a pill or you can also reduce the amount you take each time. As you take the pain medication, make sure you log the amount and time you take them to keep track. Using ice / heat may also be a better alternative than pain medicine. Weaning off the pain pills is suggested.

Incision Recovery after a Spinal Fusion Surgery

There is not much care needed for your wound. The most vital thing you can do is to keep the wound dry and clean for the first 72 hours. A nurse will call in periodically to check on your healing progress and will answer any questions you may have. We will see you back in our office for a post-op visit in order to access how you are healing. This is when we will take a look at your incision to determine if it has healed. If it has healed we will remove the sutures.

DO NOT apply any ointments, lotions, or solutions to the incision.

As for showering your surgical team will be able to tell you when you will be able to do so, but taking baths is typically discouraged to avoid having the wound submerged in water for an extended period of time. Also the patient runs the risk of injuring themselves getting in and out of the bathtub.

DO NOT Scrub Your Incision!

Just let the warm soapy water wash over your incision and do not try to itch it.

If you notice yourself getting chills, sweats, or a fever above 100 degrees this can be a sign of a infection and you should call us immediately.

Getting Back to Your Normal Routine

If you are anxious to get back to work, please consider your health first. If your job does not require much physical effort, you may be able to return to work after 1 or 2 months. Physically demanding jobs will require 3 to 6 months before you are able to safely return to work.

Please note that some patients who have received a spinal fusion surgery may not be able to work a physically stressful job ever again.

We also recommend that you ask your doctor for a good physical therapist recommendation. This will aid in speeding up your recovery time. Physical therapy will usually start around 6 weeks after your surgery and can last anywhere from two to three months. A good physical therapists can help you “relearn” how to do the most basic tasks such as lifting something or sitting in order to avoid future injury.

While there is pain after a surgery like this, it will gradually decrease over time. The worst pain is usually over by the fourth week following your surgery. Pain is there to also to remind you to slow down and take it easy at times. Try not to stay stagnant all day such as sitting down for long periods of time or laying down. Moving around lightly will aid in Spinal Fusion Recovery Time.

Questions? Schedule Consultation

If you have any questions about your spinal fusion recovery time, our nurses or surgeons will be able to answer concerns you may have. Please fill out the contact form on the side or give our office a call at (888) 411-6824. Our Neurosurgeons have performed thousands of Spinal Fusion surgeries and are experts in the field.

Spinal Fusion Recovery and Success

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently joined or “fused” together. This eliminates any movement between the fused vertebrae, which can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness. The success and recovery from spinal fusion depend on a variety of factors, including the reason for the surgery, the specific technique used, the individual’s overall health, and adherence to post-operative recommendations.

Recovery Timeline

  1. Immediate Post-Operative Period: After the surgery, most patients are monitored in a recovery room for a few hours and then shifted to their room. Depending on the extent and location of the fusion, patients might stay in the hospital for several days.

  2. First Few Weeks: During this time, patients may experience pain at the site of surgery. It’s essential to limit activities and avoid bending, lifting, or twisting. Pain medications and physical therapy often start during this period.

  3. Several Months Post-Surgery: Physical therapy becomes crucial as it helps improve flexibility, strength, and posture. Patients are gradually allowed to increase their activity levels. Depending on the fusion’s location and reason, some people might be able to return to work.

  4. 6-12 Months and Beyond: By this time, the bone graft used in the fusion should be solidly in place. Most patients will have significantly reduced or completely eliminated their pre-surgical symptoms. However, complete bone healing might take up to 12 months or longer in some individuals.

Success Rates

  1. Pain Relief: Studies suggest that spinal fusion surgery has a success rate of about 70-90% in terms of pain relief, especially when the surgery is performed for conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or lumbar spinal stenosis.

  2. Fusion Success: With modern surgical techniques and materials, the rate of successful bone fusion (where the vertebrae successfully join together) is very high. However, there’s a small percentage of patients where the fusion doesn’t “take.” This is termed pseudoarthrosis.

  3. Return to Activity: A significant number of patients are able to return to their daily activities and even some form of work within a few months post-surgery. However, heavy lifting or intense physical activities might be restricted depending on the surgery’s location and extent.

Factors Influencing Success

  • Overall Health: Patients who are in good health, non-smokers, and without other underlying conditions often experience better outcomes.

  • Adherence to Post-Operative Guidelines: Following the surgeon’s recommendations for activity restrictions, physical therapy, and other care is vital for successful recovery.

  • Surgical Technique: Success can vary based on the surgical approach (anterior, posterior, or lateral), the materials used, and the surgeon’s experience.

Conclusion

Spinal fusion has demonstrated significant success in terms of pain relief, improved function, and overall quality of life for many patients. However, it’s crucial for individuals to have realistic expectations and understand that, like all surgeries, spinal fusion comes with risks. A comprehensive discussion with a spinal surgeon, understanding potential complications, and actively participating in post-operative care can optimize the chances of a successful outcome.

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