Heavy work included activities such as construction work or. After you go home, contact your doctor if you exhibit signs of infection, such as: It may take several months for the affected bones in your spine to heal and fuse together. 2020; doi:10.21037/jss-20-492. The better you adhere to the recovery plan, the sooner you'll be able to return to your normal. An open fusion. See additional information. 2. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. At this stage, you will visit your orthopedic specialist to confirm the surgery was successful and that your vertebrae have fused as expected. A surgeon will get to the spine through the front (anterior), taking out the disc in question, and using a bone graft to stabilize the area. All the information in this article is meant to be a general guideline for spinal fusion recovery. Though its designed for lifetime use, this hardware can wear out and break over time. Once you make it to 10 weeks, exercise and physical activity will become the focus of your recovery. Back support belts are used to reduce the risk of back injury and relieve pain in the short term. See Rehabilitation Following Lumbar Fusion. Our backs are the part of our bodies that allow us to perform nearly all daily activities. 2.1 ii) Discectomy. Generally, no brace is needed. It treats disorders such as herniated discs. A spine fusion for spinal instability (e.g. Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine. And, if youre wondering What happens if I bend after spinal fusion surgery?, it's important to follow all medical advice during the recovery process to ensure that we heal as quickly and completely as possible. After 3 months of rest, exercise is now the primary focus of your healing and recovery process. Some factors can slow your healing and result in a longer recovery time. 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. Last medically reviewed on March 23, 2022. Central cord syndrome is a spinal cord injury that commonly happens after a fall or car accident. Journal of Spine Surgery. There are several ways to do spinal fusion surgery. . A month or two after your surgery, your back should be well on its way to healing. Lumbar spinal stenosis: An update on the epidemiology diagnosis and treatment. recovery is a must. Connecting them prevents movement between them. Any nerve damage to your spine will take up to 2 years to completely heal. Paralysis is an uncommon but serious complication. we got home, I somehow managed to walk through the front door, hobble up the stairs, and heave myself into bed, where I would stay for most of the next 10 days. You should walk every day to assist with healing and build up your strength. Keep reading to learn more about lumbar laminectomies, including what happens during the procedure, how long it takes to recover, and if there are any potential side effects. Non-contact sports can be resumed after about 8 weeks. There are 5 spinal bones in the low back which are numbered from top to bottom L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. Spinal fusion connects two or more bones in the spine to make it more stable, correct a problem or reduce pain. (2017). provides to you, and exercise will help strength in your back, but you must wait until the fusion itself wouldn't be at risk of damage. These things are often possible long-term, but put too much impact on your spine at this stage of healing. Hopefully replacing badly done surgery hardware will allow fusion to be successful. This stage of healing can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but it is an essential part of rebuilding your spines strength. Accessed Nov. 22, 2022. 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. Protein, vitamin D, and calcium are especially beneficial nutrients after spinal fusion. Many patients are understandably worried that they might damage the fusion through exercise, but activity at this point promotes further healing. See Rehabilitation Following Lumbar Fusion Spinal weakness or instability. If you have a physically strenuous job, your physical therapist can tailor your exercise program to include work conditioning. 6 mths. There was no impact, no floor to jolt my spine. Walking around your house can help the healing process, reduce your risk of blood clots, and help combat post-op constipation. can put unnecessary stress on the fusion site. Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You? However, the next few months are pivotal to ensure a full recovery. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion. Most people will feel that they are fully recovered by about 1 year following their spinal fusion. Read on to learn what to expect at each stage of the recovery process after spinal fusion surgery. Its important to seek immediate medical treatment if you have symptoms of either complication. During this stage, your spinal surgeon will likely be able to confirm that the vertebrae have successfully fused. When problems do occur, one of the most common ones is that the spinal fusion fails to relieve pain. Read on to learn the warning signs of disc herniation and what we can do to help you find relief. They then can fuse and heal as one bone. Youll still need to avoid bending and lifting heavy objects, but youll be able to stretch and engage in cardiovascular workouts. The surgeon will then use harvested bone graft to pack around the disc area. Log in, The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. Bydon M, et al. You can add more advanced exercises under the supervision of your physical therapist and surgeon. Spinal fusion is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and herniated discs. They teach you modified ways to do the following: At this stage, any bending or twisting of the spine can disrupt the healing process. Contact and high risk sports shouldnt be resumed for at least 3 months. Use the modified movements that were taught to you by the physical or occupational therapist to avoid any bending or twisting of your back. A surgeon can get to the spine from the front, known as an anterior spinal fusion. But as with any surgery, spinal fusion carries some risks. They can also help you determine which type of spinal decompressive surgery is best for you. Many are in the first few months of their recovery. Life After Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Month-By-Month Breakdown of My Spinal Fusion Recovery. You might need to stay longer if youre at risk of an infection or other complications. Post-Surgery Activities. A physical therapist may help guide the start of this exercise program. Spinal fusion isnt right for everyone, but if youre struggling with back pain, you might consider spinal fusion when conservative options just arent working. In this case, you and your doctor might need to work out a new treatment plan. You can even tilt your back left or right. What to expect after spinal fusion surgery? There is so much to consider long-term. Accessed Nov. 22, 2022. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 3. Avoid any activity that is not urgent. Read on to learn more. Keep in mind that even after the fused vertebrae have fully healed, patients must still adhere to certain restrictions. Patients with a failed fusion may experience spinal mobility limitations that go beyond the normal restrictions associated with fusion. Light work, such as clerical work, can usually be resumed after 2 weeks. Who should get lumbar laminectomy surgery? You still need to avoid bending at the back, twisting your spine, and lifting heavy objects because these activities put strain on the segments of your spine before theyve fully fused together. Back braces provide mechanical stabilization of the spine, helping to limit motion and avoid any bending or twisting. In the case of the TOPS System, the device moves with the spine to create a controlled range of motion. This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Its usually a safe and effective treatment for spinal compression, but you need to be in good overall health to undergo general anesthesia. Shah N. Siddiqi, M.D., F.R.C.S. The pre-op pain in my right hip is 100% gone. 3 mths. Generally, its still best to avoid things such as extreme sports, but you can discuss limitations with your doctor once you reach this milestone. You should stretch and move around to take the pressure off of your lower back. Lumbar microlaminectomy vs. traditional laminectomy. Well show you, A range of technological innovations and advancements in treatment have emerged in recent years to create more long-lasting, effective treatments to, A range of medications, from NSAIDs to opioids, can be used to treat pain from TMJD. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Spinal fusion connects two or more bones in the spine to make it more stable, correct a problem or reduce pain. It follows that you should try to. Read on to learn what to expect at each stage of the recovery process after spinal fusion surgery. With all motion eliminated at the fused segment, patients cant bend, twist, and flex as much as they used to. The surgery helps to . The inability to walk even short distances. Once a year has passed, you can likely return to all your usual activities. An example is when the spine curves sideways, also known as scoliosis. They will work closely with you to determine the best course of action to help you enjoy life the way you want to. at our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, California office today. For example, the lowest disc in the low back is the L5/S1 disc. Allscripts EPSi. (consult with your surgeon to determine an exact timeline). Lumbar laminectomy in the outpatient setting is associated with lower 30-day complication rates. The signs of nerve damage after spinal fusion include tingling, numbness, burning, and weakness. Either way, a metal plate or rods and screws will hold the bones together until the bones heal. Older patients or those with lower fitness levels can take up to 46 months to. In fact, loading up your plate with nutrient-dense foods can help your body recover. Spinal fusion is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and herniated discs. If you sustained nerve damage before or during the surgery, the timeline can extend to 2 full years of healing time. These results showed that TOPS can continue to provide a clinical improvement over time. Surgeons recommended 8 weeks before starting heavy work after a single-level laminectomy and 8 to 12 weeks for multi-level. Ice packs and heat wraps can assist with pain management and are applied for 15 minutes, followed by a 2-hour rest period. This procedure is called anterior diskectomy and fusion. If youre experiencing signs of nerve damage after spinal fusion, contact your doctor right away. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. As you regain strength and mobility through training, you can slowly start returning to your regular activities, such as driving, light chores, and work (as long as it isnt physically demanding). They will clear you for most activities as long as everything is healing correctly. . Consuming a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich diet before and after spinal fusion promotes healing and prevents constipation, which can be caused by prescription pain medications. A Beginners Guide, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Central Cord Syndrome: Causes and How to Treat It, Decompression Therapy: What You Should Know About This Technique, What Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is and How It Works, lifting anything heavier than about 8 pounds, pain and redness in your lower legs that might extend above your knee, redness and swelling and the incision site, drainage or pus coming from the incision site. Dont hesitate to ask any questions about your at-home recovery. This prepares your body for your regular work and teaches you to perform work tasks safely. I had 3 levels fused together with a 3 level fusion. Most people dont have any restrictions on their activity by about 6 to 8 months after spinal fusion surgery. It runs through a hole in the middle of each vertebra called the spinal canal. We will be in touch with you shortly. Dr. John Regan and our expert team at Spine Group Beverly Hills perform minimally invasive spinal fusions at our offices in Beverley Hills and Santa Monica, California. Its important to take care of yourself after spinal fusion. Sunderland G, et al. (C), F.A.C.S., Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery, Diplomate American Board of Neurosurgery, Fellowship in Spine Surgery. All rights reserved. Lumbar decompression surgery: Risks. Decompression therapy is considered an effective treatment for pain caused by compressed nerves that's severe or chronic and disrupts your daily life. Vitamin D and calcium are well-known for promoting bone health, so be sure to include dark leafy greens, fortified dairy food, full-fat Greek yogurt, salmon, and sardines into your diet. Over the months, your symptoms will start to improve gradually and so will your activity level. After recovery, people who have had successful spinal fusions are generally able to become more active than they were before. 19255 Park Row, Suite 205, Houston, Texas 77084, Common Cervical & Lumbar Spinal Conditions. helps you heal after surgery. 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. Now you know what to expect after spinal fusion surgery. You will still be taking medications to help manage your pain. So you've begun to prepare for spinal fusion. Please Note: This is a general guide only of when you may return to these activities. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Radicular pain is a type of neuropathic pain that radiates from one part of the body to another. Bending, either forward or backward. Read on to learn more. I was only taking pain medication at night, so my head was clearer. hbbd``b`@ $X\W+Y@BEHx4?C7 * 1999-2023 Veritas Health, LLC. Apart from permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery, it is important to know what to expect during the first three months subsequent to surgery. Tell your health care provider about medicines you take. Doctors prescribe opioid painkillers to ease pain and discomfort. For example, objects if possible. To reach the spine the surgeon creates an incision in the lower abdomen. Spinal fusion is a surgical intervention that treats herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and even vertebrae fractures. In: Operative Techniques: Spine Surgery. 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. I have had the hardware removed from a prior surgery during current a current surgery as long as the prior fusion has fused. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. During the three to six months following spinal fusion surgery, the lumbar fusion bone mass starts becoming established. This will include bending, twisting, and lifting. 5 Roundwood Lane For a lumbar fusion you will stay in the hospital 3 days. , 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. Anterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion is the placement of a cage and possibly a plate with screws to steady the spine. In some situations where the nerves had significant injury prior to surgery, it may take up to 1 to 2 years to see how well the nerves will heal. Three Level Lumbar Spine Fusion. Youll stay in the hospital for about 2 to 4 days following your spinal fusion surgery. %%EOF 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 $77, But YOU Dont Have To) , Spinal Fusion: Frequently Asked Questions, One Year Post-Op:Spinal Fusion Update: One Year Later (A Letter to Myself). z2[nf 1/X$AA-u1ak. Most kids can return to school three to four weeks after spinal fusion surgery. Once they identify the correct location, theyll cut the laminae and remove the rear part of the vertebra. Post-op isnt the time to diet. This content does not have an Arabic version. 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. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. When conservative treatments arent working for your herniated disc, surgery might be the right path forward. I currently have hardware from C4-C7 & T12 to L3. In a 2021 study, researchers found that 73% of 2,699 people who underwent lumbar decompression surgery experienced clinically significant symptom improvements within 2 years. This can lead to back pain and neurological symptoms years after the fusion. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Spinal fusion surgery is a major procedure with a lengthy recovery time. It involves removing the rear of one or more vertebrae. In the first few weeks after surgery, our focus is helping your body continue to heal and getting you moving again. Some people may also undergo spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, receive a special implant that will help stabilize the bones in the lower back but not restrict motion in the same way a fusion . If you need to bend down, keep your spine in a neutral position while you hinge at the hips or bend at your knees. is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and, . 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 endstream endobj startxref While you may not feel like getting up and being active, its important to move around slowly and carefully after your surgery. Medications can help manage this pain for many people. 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. For a laminectomy you may be discharged the same day or kept overnight. How soon you can return to work will depend on the physical demands of your job. Back braces are an effective treatment, but not everyone needs one. In other words, if youre suffering from chronic back pain, focusing on the end goal of spinal pain relief can get you through your early recovery days. However, your activity will still be limited. What Are The Signs of Nerve Damage After Spinal Fusion? What to Expect after Spinal Fusion Surgery? 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. The age, overall health, and physical condition of a patient influence how soon they recuperate and return to their normal activities. Neither does your pharmacist or your physical therapist. Your body needs plenty of rest to heal and recover. Most people are not able to resume all their usual activities for at least 6 months, and it may be 1 year or more before some activities can be attempted. 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. [emailprotected], Premia Spine Germany GmbH Our minimally invasive surgical techniques tend to cause less bleeding, less post-op pain, and speedier recoveries. This is because spinal surgery involves navigating delicate nerve structures, including the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. Two other complications to watch out for include infections and blood clots. However, your vertebrae will continue to heal and fuse for up to 18 months. Accessed Nov. 22, 2022. For instance, some people who have had a spinal fusion in multiple places might be advised to avoid contact sports. I get a lot of messages from people who've had spinal fusion surgery. Spinal fusion isnt right for everyone, but if youre struggling with back pain, you might consider spinal fusion when conservative options just arent working. involves a large incision in the back to expose the spine. Baron EM, et al. You should aim to be off your pain medication at 4 weeks post-surgery. 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. Frequent walking is a great way to incorporate movement into your day without putting your spines healing at risk. All rights reserved. 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If your back pain isnt responding to conservative treatments, a, can help you find the relief you need from. Heres a general idea of what you can expect during the classic open laminectomy: According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, you may be a candidate for surgery if you have: Doctors usually try to treat spinal compression with more conservative methods before recommending surgery. Surprisingly, what you eat or dont eat can also make your back pain worse. 3.3 Exercise And Regular Activities. Your instructions are informed by your individual body and other any other conditions you may have. Spinal fusion surgery connects two or more vertebrae of your spine together. Within six months to a year, the fused vertebrae will heal into solid, stable bone. A few months after surgery, you will be expected to follow a routine your physical therapist provides to you, and exercise will help strength in your back, but you must wait until the fusion itself wouldn't be at risk of damage. 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. Elsevier Point of Care. 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.