3 iii) Laminectomy. However, spinal fusion, like any surgery comes with some risks. It follows that you should try to avoid bending, lifting, and twisting with your back muscles at all for the first few weeks after surgery (consult with your surgeon to determine an exact timeline). But as with any surgery, spinal fusion carries some risks. Non-contact sports can be resumed after about 8 weeks. Spinal fusion is performed with a general anesthetic so you will be unconscious during the procedure. Your surgeon will make an incision in the middle of your lower back. Following any physical therapy recommendations, Getting enough sleep, as a lack of sleep can decrease your pain tolerance. To prevent rolling around or turning in your sleep, place a pillow on either side of your head. If you need to bend down, keep your spine in a neutral position while you hinge at the hips or bend at your knees. I have had the hardware removed from a prior surgery during current a current surgery as long as the prior fusion has fused. After a lumbar spinal fusion has had 3 months of healing, it is time for physical activity and exercise to become a central component of the recovery process. Three to six months restrictions after surgery At this stage, your bones are pretty much restored and allow slight movements of the spine. (2022). However, spinal fusion can greatly improve the quality of life for people who have it. The surgery involves removing all or part of your vertebra called the lamina. For more recent updates on my post-op life, read these posts: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), NATHAN Run@Work Day Giveaway + Hurricane Irma Update, 21 Day Fix Review (We Spent $77, But YOU Dont Have To) , Spinal Fusion: Frequently Asked Questions, One Year Post-Op:Spinal Fusion Update: One Year Later (A Letter to Myself). 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. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The lamina is the part of your vertebra that connects the body to the spiny part you can feel along your neck and back. 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. Getting enough sleep gives your body a chance to heal your incision site, restore your energy levels, and help your muscles recover. 2020; doi:10.21037/jss-20-492. Spinal fusion surgery connects two or more vertebrae of your spine together. The inability to walk even short distances. Not only that, but eating. The first 3 months of spinal fusion recovery are focused on rest and building strength. With all motion eliminated at the fused segment, patients cant bend, twist, and flex as much as they used to. Chou R. Subacute and chronic low-back pain: Surgical treatment. I was only taking pain medication at night, so my head was clearer. Realistically it will be another 3-4 months before I expect it to become strong. will tell you the specific Dos and Don'ts of your surgery when the time comes, but there are some general guidelines to follow. It relieves pressure on the nerves and decreases symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness. Youll be asked to avoid: Physical therapy sessions are very important during this stage of the healing process. Patient-reported outcomes following lumbar decompression surgery: A review of 2699 cases. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. All rights reserved. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. The age, overall health, and physical condition of a patient influence how soon they recuperate and return to their normal activities. Your physical therapist will guide you through your recovery. So far, I have had 4 sets of hardware removed. They can also help you determine which type of spinal decompressive surgery is best for you. Prep your kitchen with ready-made and throw-together meals. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Compression in your lower back can cause the following symptoms: Typically during a laminectomy, the surgeon will remove the entire rear of a vertebra. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Spinal fusion is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and herniated discs. As long as everything is healed and looks right, youll be cleared to return to nearly all your typical activities. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Youll be positioned face down and be given general anesthesia through an IV inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. This prepares your body for your regular work and teaches you to perform work tasks safely. Mayo Clinic. Putting undue stress on a bone that needs healing often exacerbates an injury. To be eligible, you need to be in good overall health and be able to undergo general anesthesia. These restrictions may include: 1 No bending, lifting, or twisting No lifting anything that weighs more than 5 pounds No strenuous physical activity, including exercising, housework, yardwork, or sexual activity No driving or operating a vehicle of any kind until discussed with your surgeon Generally, its still best to avoid things such as extreme sports, but you can discuss limitations with your doctor once you reach this milestone. Let's look at what your doctor may recommend and their side. Most people can start some form of prescribed exercise during spinal fusion recovery after being cleared at your 2-week post-op visit. Spinal fusion isnt right for everyone, but if youre struggling with back pain, you might consider spinal fusion when conservative options just arent working. They can do it as an open surgery, which is most common, or as a minimally invasive procedure called microlaminectomy, which is performed under microscopic magnification with a smaller incision. Symptoms of hardware failure are often similar to the symptoms that patients experience before spinal fusion: persistent back pain and/or weakness, tingling, and numbness. Lundberg J, et al. If you have a physically strenuous job, your physical therapist can tailor your exercise program to include work conditioning. Netanya, Israel 4250407, Premia Spine UK Thats why we recommend the following care tips for your recovery. Progress in daily activities is usually readily apparent at this stage, and many patients are already working with a physical therapist. More specialized physical therapy (called work hardening or work conditioning programs) may be done in situations requiring a return to work involving physical labor. Nerve damage is a serious problem that may require immediate medical attention. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. A plastic tube will be inserted into your throat to help you breathe during the procedure. Oct. 4, 2022. Getting enough sleep gives your body a chance to heal your incision site, restore your energy levels, and help your muscles recover. Most kids can return to school three to four weeks after spinal fusion surgery. Three Level Lumbar Spine Fusion. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Some recommendations are going to be similar to what people tell you to do even when your back is healthy. 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. Your doctor may recommend that you only undertake light activities like walking. Spinal fusion can help restore pain-free function in a deformed, damaged or diseased spine. 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. After about 3 months, we may recommend a graduated exercise program to strengthen your back with exercises you can do at home. The symptoms of arachnoiditis are numbness, tingling, stinging, and burning in the legs. Youll start your recovery with rest and gentle stretching, and youll slowly build to more intense exercise. Surgeons perform spinal fusion while the person having the procedure is unconscious, known as general anesthesia. Sunderland G, et al. Clinical Overview: Chronic low back pain in adults. Either way, a metal plate or rods and screws will hold the bones together until the bones heal. There is so much to consider long-term. Youll also meet with physical and occupational therapists to begin your recovery. However, the next few months are pivotal to ensure a full recovery. Post-Surgery Activities. Additionally, while youll be able to resume exercise, lifting, and other activities, you might be told to limit your activities to certain amounts, depending on how your spine heals. I was mostly weaned off of daytime pain meds, but I still took them in the evenings and before bed. We will be in touch with you shortly. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I walked slowly, but I was steady on my feet. Post-op isnt the time to diet. Minerva Anestesiologica. Patients who are concerned about the complications from spinal fusion can speak with a specialist in their area to learn more about the available alternatives. You may have less invasive treatment options available. Suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? As the fused sections of the spine start to grow together at this point in time. The main activity or exercise is walking. It involves removing the rear of one or more vertebrae. If a nerve that supplies the pelvis becomes damaged, you may also experience sexual dysfunction. P.O. 85356 Mnchen, Premia Spine Israel 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The vertebrae in your spine continue to heal and fuse up for up to 18 months post-surgery. McGraw-Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Driving can be safely resumed an average of 1 week after one-level laminectomy. During this time, its important to keep moving and to follow instructions from your physical therapist and your surgeon. It treats disorders such as herniated discs. Surprisingly, what you eat or dont eat can also make your back pain worse. They teach you modified ways to do the following: At this stage, any bending or twisting of the spine can disrupt the healing process. The TOPS System works by replacing the spinal structures removed during spinal decompression. Pain medication can also contribute to nausea and constipation. Youll talk with an orthopedic specialist at around the 6-month mark. Recovery from a decompression alone is usually quicker than from a decompression with stabilization. Within six months to a year, the fused vertebrae will heal into solid, stable bone. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 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. This content does not have an Arabic version. Not only that, but eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water can also help you avoid post-op constipation. Following your post-op instructions can help reduce these symptoms. Your spinal cord is the main nerve that runs from your brain down your spine. Spine: Basic concepts. Walking and gentle movement are important parts of the recovery process. 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. As previously mentioned, follow the advice of your surgeon and/or physical therapist to ensure that you have a speedy and effective recovery. Our backs are the part of our bodies that allow us to perform nearly all, . Patients with a failed fusion may experience spinal mobility limitations that go beyond the normal restrictions associated with fusion. Microlaminectomy is considered a minimally invasive procedure because it requires a smaller incision. Older patients or those with lower fitness levels can take up to 4-6 months to heal properly. These things are often possible long-term, but put too much impact on your spine at this stage of healing. All rights reserved. During the surgery, vertebrae are fused together to heal into a single solid bone, eliminating movement between them and relieving pain. You may be tempted to try certain activities earlier than recommended, especially if you were active before your surgery. Hopefully replacing badly done surgery hardware will allow fusion to be successful. The disc is named for the two spinal bones it is sandwiched between. You can read more about these broad milestones and when theyll occur below. It has been a year since my back surgery. Ask a friend or family member to drive you home, and limit car rides to protect your spine from accidental twisting. Radicular pain is a type of neuropathic pain that radiates from one part of the body to another. 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. Ignore that temptation, even if you feel like your body is recovering more quickly than the timeline your physician gave you. is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and, . A spine fusion for spinal instability (e.g. Although nerve damage is possible during spinal surgery, surgeons use many different techniques to prevent this complication. The Best Alternative to Lumbar Spinal Fusion. Please Note: This is a general guide only of when you may return to these activities. However, there are a few simple exercises you can take on at home that are part of nearly all spinal fusion recovery programs. If your back pain isnt responding to conservative treatments, a spinal fusion can help you find the relief you need from spinal pain. Hardware including rods, pedicle screws, cages, and spacers may be used for stability in lumbar spinal fusion. A herniated disc pushes into the spinal canal. Heavy work included activities such as construction work or. Avoid long car rides and strenuous activities until Dr. Regan gives you the green light. In a 2020 study that surveyed 56 spinal surgeons, researchers reported the following recommendations: A laminectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, but like all surgeries, it comes with some risks. Fusing usually takes about 3 to 6 months. Depending on the type of procedure or back surgery you've had, you should expect to spend from one to several days in the hospital following your procedure. Doctors prescribe opioid painkillers to ease pain and discomfort. Gradual wear and tear of your vertebrae and conditions like herniated discs can compress your spinal cord. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. What you eat plays a big role in your overall mental and physical health. You still need to avoid bending, twisting, and lifting, but should be able to resume cardio and stretching your stiff muscles. As a result, those areas of the spine might break down faster. You might need to stay longer if youre at risk of an infection or other complications. Here are our top 11 picks. Meanwhile, between 1998 and 2008, the number of annual hospital discharges for lumbar fusions increased by 170.9%, while the rate of laminectomies increased by 11.3%. Mayo Clinic; 2021. A few. You will work with physical and occupational therapists to learn how to move safely following your surgery. (The pain was severe and was actually the symptom that caused me to seek medical treatmentin the first place - not back pain.) This is because spinal surgery involves navigating delicate nerve structures, including the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. How soon you can return to work will depend on the physical demands of your job. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. After a lumbar spinal fusion has had 3 months of healing, it is time for physical activity and exercise to become a central component of the recovery process. However, your activity will still be limited. 360 0 obj
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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. Spinal fusion surgery is a major procedure with a lengthy recovery time. For example, the patient may want to discuss high-impact activities with the surgeon, such as full-contact sports. They will clear you for most activities as long as everything is healing correctly. Some recommendations are going to be similar to what people tell you to do even when your back is healthy. This surgery often includes the removal of part of or all of the bone that covers the back of the spinal column called the lamina. Log in, The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. While youre at the hospital, healthcare professionals will monitor you for pain and to ensure your surgery was successful. The next portion of your recovery process is when the fused sections of your spine begin to grow together. Spinal fusion is a procedure that permanently joins two vertebrae into one solid bone. Harpenden, Herts AL5 3BW. Your doctor and physical therapy teams will have suggestions, but weve also rounded up some recovery tips: Problems after a spinal fusion surgery are relatively rare. See why our top picks are highly rated and provide. It can help to talk with other people who have had spinal fusion surgery and understand the day-to-day successes and struggles. (2017). ACTIVITY. Fusion permanently removes all motion at the fused vertebrae, which can alter how the rest of the spine bears weight. Spinal fusion can be used to: Reshape the spine. Surgeons recommended 8 weeks before starting heavy work after a single-level laminectomy and 8 to 12 weeks for multi-level. Due to disease, damage, or genetics, you need to have two or more vertebrae combined into a single unit. Walking around your house can help the healing process, reduce your risk of blood clots, and help combat post-op constipation. Spinal fusion connects two or more bones in the spine to make it more stable, correct a problem or reduce pain. Between six months and one-year post-op, patients can typically start returning to all of their normal activities, including some bending and twisting. For some patients, this stabilization is essential to ensure proper healing. Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine. For a lumbar fusion you will stay in the hospital 3 days. 18 Mitte My pain was manageable; most of the time I felt stiffness and/or discomfort, rather than actual pain.
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