See Avoid Back Injury with the Right Lifting Techniques. Learn How Bone Growth Therapy Can Help You, Get a Comprehensive Evaluation from Mayo Clinic's Spine Care Experts. Start with bending slightly and slowly. Many patients are surprised to hear that not only are they able to walk soon after surgery, but they are encouraged to do so. Chronic neck pain is nothing short of misery, but which treatment is right for you? Your Guide to the Spinal Fusion Recovery Process (2023) Immediately after the spinal fusion surgery, though, you will have to restrict your activities. A full recovery typically occurs between two and six months after cervical spinal stenosis surgery. The most commonly offered procedures, which all address the aforementioned issues, are: Anterior cervical discectomy, whereby the pain of a degenerated or herniated disc is addressed. Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery: 3 Months and After - Spine-health Mindful exercise now aids the fusion process happening at your spine, as movement stimulates healing and helps your bones to fuse. Many activities that were performed prior to the surgery can be resumed after the fusion has reached full strength, but there may be some exceptions. During the surgery, vertebrae are fused together to heal into a single solid bone, eliminating movement between them and relieving pain. The surgery helps to . (2020). The first 3 months of spinal fusion recovery are focused on rest and building strength. Because of this, as well as the effect that opioids have on coordination and drowsiness, there is absolutely no driving allowed after your surgery. See additional information. Yes, you absolutely can. Next Page: Reisener MJ, et al. You may be tempted to try certain activities earlier than recommended, especially if you were active before your surgery. 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. 18 Mitte For now, its recommended that you still avoid high-impact activities, such as contact sports and extreme sports. Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine. While a patient can hardly control their age, and there's little that can be done to improve fitness levels by the time you're discussing surgery, there are still several aspects of recovery that are within the patient's control, which we will discuss in detail below. For example, if you break an arm, you're likely going to protect it in a cast or sling and keep from using it until it's had time to heal, right? , 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. (2017). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Youll build light daily tasks, such as driving and simple daily chores. It may cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Hi Jennifer, I'm scheduled for a L4/L5 Spinal Fusion with Laminectomy on Friday 09/04/2010. Once youve returned home after surgery, you start to find a balance between moving and resting. Within six months to a year, the fused vertebrae will heal into solid, stable bone. Accessed Nov. 22, 2022. I have degenerative disk disease through out my entire spine. Additionally, inflammation in the tissues surrounding spinal nerves can cause nerve damage after fusion. Willowbrook Professional Complex 13323 Dotson Road, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77070, Southwest Houston/Sugar Land 1601 Main Street, Suite 301, Richmond, Texas 77469, Woodlands Office17191 Saint Lukes Way, Suite 200The Woodlands, TX 77384, Memorial/Katy19255 Park Row, Suite 205, Houston, Texas 77084, Baytown1626 W. Baker RoadBaytown, TX 77521, CALL NOW FOR A VIRTUAL E- VISITS, TELEMEDICINE, AND ONLINE VISITS WITH DR. SHAH SIDDIQI, There's a reason why people use the word "backbone" to describe the crucial sense of support something providessomething that cannot be done without. Its important not to get discouraged or hold yourself to standards and goals that arent a good fit for your circumstances. Some recommendations are going to be similar to what people tell you to do even when your back is healthy. Two other complications to watch out for include infections and blood clots. There was no impact, no floor to jolt my spine. Spinal stenosis occurs when cartilage around your spine wears away, causing back pain or leg problems. Lumbar laminectomy in the outpatient setting is associated with lower 30-day complication rates. Tell your health care provider about medicines you take. While a patient can hardly control their age, and there's little that can be done to improve fitness levels by the time you're discussing surgery, there are still several aspects of recovery that are within the patient's control, which we will discuss in detail below. You can reduce any discomfort throughout your recovery by: It can take up to six months for your bones to fully heal after spinal fusion, but your recovery journey starts immediately after your surgery. Assistive devices, such as a cane, can be handy. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Some recommendations are going to be similar to what people tell you to do even when your back is healthy. Box 8630 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. If youve already tried conservative treatments, consider an artificial disc replacement.