A spinal fusion surgery is performed to stabilize your spine, relieve pain, or treat spine disorders such as scoliosis. It is a serious procedure that requires a lengthy recovery period.
Most patients cannot resume all of their normal activities for at least six months, and some activities may require a year or more before they can be performed.
However, spinal fusion can significantly improve people's lives. Patients with successful spinal fusion can usually return to their previous activities very soon.
But there is no single way to recover from spinal fusion surgery. Everyone's recovery timeline will fluctuate significantly depending on their overall health, physical activity, healing ability, weight, and other things.
It's critical not to become disheartened or to set standards and goals that aren't appropriate for your circumstances.
There are, however, some typical milestones you might expect to reach while you recover.
The first few days after spinal fusion
After your spinal fusion surgery, you will be hospitalized for 2 to 4 days. If you are at risk of infection or other issues, you may need to stay longer.
Healthcare personnel will monitor you for pain and to confirm that your operation was successful while you are in the hospital. You'll also see physical and occupational therapists to get your recovery started. Therapists will assist you in engaging in activities such as:
- caring for your incision
- sitting up in bed
- getting in and out of bed
- standing
- walking safely without bending
- getting dressed
Your doctor may also prescribe a back brace. A back brace restricts your motion, allowing you to recuperate properly. A therapist can assist you in putting on and managing your back brace.
1 to 4 weeks
At this point in your recovery, the goal is to let your spine repair, your vertebrae to fuse, and your back muscles strengthen. Physical therapy and sessions may be required. You will continue to take drugs to help you control your pain.
You may be able to return to work during this period, depending on your job. However, your options will be limited. You will have to avoid:
- bending your back
- twisting your spine
- lifting anything heavier than 8 pounds, maybe less
- driving
5 to 9 weeks
Physical therapy sessions are critical at this point in the healing process. By this point, your spine has fused and grown together. Physical therapy might assist you in regaining your strength. You'll start with simple activities like walking. You'll create simple daily jobs like driving and cleaning.
Bending, lifting large things, and twisting activities must still be avoided. Your physical therapist will walk you through the healing process. They can also provide suggestions to make activities at home or work easier to handle.
10 to 24 weeks
The first three months of spinal fusion rehabilitation are spent resting and strengthening. After ten weeks, exercise and physical activity will emphasize your recovery process.
You'll still need to avoid bending and lifting large objects, but you'll be able to stretch and exercise.
Your physical therapist can assist you in developing a training regimen, and you will also be able to exercise on your own.
6 months to 1 year
Around the 6-month point, you'll meet with an orthopedic specialist. They will check that your spinal fusion was effective and that your vertebrae have successfully fused.
You can resume almost all of your normal activities as long as everything is healed and appears to be in order. Bending, twisting, and lifting will be required.
In general, avoiding things like intense sports is still advisable, but once you achieve this milestone, you can explore your options with your doctor.
1 to 2 years
Most people will feel completely recovered around a year after their spinal fusion. They've resumed all of their normal activities and are no longer in pain.
Your vertebrae, on the other hand, will continue to mend and fuse for up to 18 months. Any nerve injury to your spine can take up to two years to recover.
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