Your Spine Surgery Recovery

Spine surgery recovery is different for each patient. The speed of recovery and the physical therapy that is required depends on the type of surgery that is performed. Patients who have endoscopic surgery will have a faster spine surgery recovery than those who have an open procedure. Doctors give patients specific instructions for their recovery that will help eliminate injury and can speed the recovery process. Spine surgery recovery has improved over the years with advancements in surgical techniques and procedures.

Spine Surgery Recovery in the Hospital

Spine surgery recovery begins immediately after the procedure. Patients will be confined to their hospital bed immediately after surgery. In patients who have had an endoscopic procedure, recovery will be much faster and some patients are able to get up and move around within just a few hours. Physical therapy exercises in bed and walking in the hospital corridors are the beginning steps in a full spine surgery recovery. Walking promotes circulation in the body, which is beneficial for healing. Patients are instructed on the proper way to roll the body and move after a spine surgery that will not injure the back after the procedure. Spine surgery recovery may also involve wearing a back brace in the hospital and upon returning home.

Spine Surgery Recovery When You Get Home

Patients will need some extra help at home during spine surgery recovery. Activity will be significantly limited in the early days after returning home. Patients will be instructed on the amount that they are able to lift after the procedure and the activities that they can engage in during spine surgery recovery. Home nursing may be required in some cases after the procedure. Patients must be active participants in spine surgery recovery for the best results.

Spine Surgery Recovery and Returning to Work

The doctor will advise patients when it is appropriate to return to work during spine surgery recovery. Patients who do not have physically active jobs may be able to return to work faster than those who are engaged in demanding jobs. There may be some restrictions on patients when returning to work such as the amount of time that a patient should sit in one position, stand on their feet and other activities that should be modified during spine surgery recovery. Patients must follow the doctor’s orders completely for a successful spine surgery recovery.

Considerations for Your Spine Surgery Recovery

Patient must plan for their spine surgery recovery by preparing the home, asking for help in the home and scheduling sufficient time off from work. The doctor can help patients determine how much time off is needed and what kind of restrictions they should expect during the recovery process. Each patient responds to spine surgery differently and some patients may require more time off than others may. There may also be setbacks during a spine surgery recovery that must be addressed as they occur. A spine surgery recovery takes time and patients should not try to rush the process or engage in physical activities too soon.