Doing so could result in inflammation, which may irritate spinal nerves enough to cause some discomfort. Even if reherniation or reinjury does not occur, placing too much stress on the affected area could extend your recovery.
Therefore, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid bending for the first 2–3 weeks or so post-surgery unless your doctor says otherwise. Approximately six weeks or so after your discectomy, you should be able to start bending again. This is when most activities can be resumed as well.
Avoid bending at all after a lumbar fusion if possible, as bending or twisting can interfere with the way the fusion heals and even damage the work that was done.
Symptoms may include chronic pain in the back, neck, or legs, which can be dull or sharp, aching, burning, or radiating. The pain may continue after surgery or reappear several days or weeks afterward. It can worsen as scar tissue builds in the spinal nerve roots, which extend from the spinal cord.
Don't Push Yourself Too Hard. If you're eager to return to your pre-surgery physical activity, remind yourself that recovery takes time. Avoid overdoing movement and exercise, and remember to pace yourself. After surgery, it's important to listen to your body and slow down if you feel worsening pain.
Excessive straining of any sort (including working out at the gym) may not only cause wounds to open, but it can also invite infection into the areas of broken or disrupted skin. Make sure to take all the rest you need and then some.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
When Bending, Lifting, and Twisting Are Allowed. Once the surgeon confirms on x-ray imaging that the fusion has completely solidified into one bone, a full return to an active lifestyle—including bending, lifting, and twisting—is permitted.
While it typically takes 3 to 6 months for adjacent vertebrae to fuse into one solid bone after surgery, the healing and fusion process may take longer in some patients due to: Smoking or other nicotine products (which contain toxins that hamper bone growth) Obesity and osteoporosis.
You might experience numbness or a tingling sensation in the region of the damaged nerve. This is sometimes referred to as loss of innervation or “pins and needles.” The symptoms do not have to be in the area where the nerve was actually damaged due to the complex nature of the nervous system's network structure.
While wiping, bend from the knees rather than at the hips. A long- handled device may help to reach all areas. 4. The use of pre-moistened, flushable wipes is strongly recommended.
At this point, patients may be able to partake in all of their normal activities. However, spinal fusion patients will never regain the ability to bend, twist, or flex the fused segment. This is because spinal fusion eradicates all motion at the fused segment.
In general, most people are advised to limit their activities for two to four weeks after herniated disc surgery. However, some people may need to remain on bed rest for up to eight weeks. Your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your individual situation.
The best position to sleep in after spine surgery is lying flat on your back, placing a pillow below your knees or lying sideways with a pillow between your bent knees. If you find lying on your side the most relaxing, make sure both legs are one above the other with your knees bent.
Just like sleeping on your back, sleeping on your side helps reduce pain and pressure. Try to alternate between sleeping on your left and right side to distribute the pressure and benefit your spine's alignment. Right after surgery, you can also place a pillow under or in between your knees.
Nonunion may cause pain in the back or at the surgical site, lasting for months or years. It can be a continuous pain or associated with spine movements.
This may have resulted in the stimulation and/or compression of nerve roots. In addition, tractions of nerve roots during surgery and a congestive reaction after surgery can lead to an edema of nerve roots, thus resulting in radiculopathy, neuropathic pain, and motor weakness.
Sit with both feet flat on the ground (you may need to use a low stool). Your hips should be just higher than your knees, and you should have equal weight through both hips. With your hips at the back of the chair, the front of the seat should not place pressure on the backs of your knees or calves.
Activity precautions
for at least 4-6 weeks. Lifting more than this can put undue pressure on the spine and interfere with recovery.
Yes, it is possible to live a normal life after spinal fusion surgery.
Spinal fusion can cause problems later in life, namely hardware failure, adjacent segment disease (ASD), or spinal muscle injuries. All of these problems can lead to new or reoccurring back pain and neurological symptoms.
IT IS NORMAL FOR YOUR BACK PAIN TO GET WORSE FOR 3-5 DAYS AFTER SURGERY. PLEASE TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS AS INSTRUCTED DURING THIS TIME. STOOL SOFTENERS ARE ALSO ADVISED FOR THE FIRST 3 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY.
Complete recovery after spinal fusion can take up to 8-9 months. But if the nerves had suffered severe damage before the surgery, it can take up to 12-24 months for the nerves to heal.
Going up and down stairs is permissible. Be sure to use the handrails and take one step at a time until comfortable. Take precautions to prevent falls and use assistance if unsure. If you were given TED hose stockings you may discontinue once you are up and walking daily.