What Happens After Spine Surgery

For patients who are considering a surgical procedure to remedy back problems, many may wonder what happens after spine surgery. The recovery time after spine surgery depends on the type of procedure that was performed. Many patients recover after spine surgery with physical therapy that gets the body moving and healing after the procedure. The benefits after spine surgery can add significantly to the quality of life that patients enjoy and it is a worthwhile consideration for many patients with chronic and debilitating pain.

Immediately After Spine Surgery

Patients who have an open surgery will be required to stay in the hospital for a longer period of time after spine surgery. An open procedure requires a large incision that requires patients to go under general anesthesia. Endoscopic procedures use a smaller incision and in many cases, patients only require a local anesthetic with IV sedation. The difference in anesthesia alone can help shorten the recovery time in patients receiving endoscopic surgery. Patients who have had endoscopic spine surgery are typically able to go home within only a few days after spine surgery.

Going Home after Spine Surgery

No matter what type of procedure that was performed on the spine, patients will require some extra help at home after spine surgery. Making plans in advance to have help at home, taking time off from work and limiting the activities that must be done after spine surgery is something that patients should prepare for in advance. The doctor will instruct the patient on the type of activities that they can and cannot engage in after spine surgery. Activities such as lifting, aerobic exercise, working and household chores will be severely limited after spine surgery. Patients must follow doctor’s orders in regards to recovery after spine surgery.

Return to Normal Activities after Spine Surgery

The doctor will give the patient a time frame for returning to normal activities after spine surgery. This will include returning to work outside of the home and inside the home. Patients must have help for some of the activities that they will not be able to do in the days and weeks after spine surgery. Lifting will be limited and even light housework can be restricted after spine surgery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within several weeks of the procedure. Each patient recovers at his or her own pace after spine surgery.

Pain Elimination after Spine Surgery

After spine surgery, most patients experience a significant reduction in chronic pain. Spine surgery helps to eliminate abnormal movement of the spine, fuses the spine together and eliminates many of the conditions that cause chronic pain. After spine surgery, patients can engage in activities that were not possible before the procedure because of the pain that they experienced. Chronic back pain has a devastating impact on the quality of life of patients. After spine surgery, patients must begin a physical therapy regimen that strengthens the muscles of the back, eliminates back pain and improves the quality of life for most patients.