One important consideration when traveling for spinal fusion is giving enough time for initial recovery before flying and being stuck in a seat for a potentially long period of time.
About a week is the recommended amount of time between the surgery date and heading home
.
Can I ride in a car after spinal fusion surgery?
You can drive when you feel up to driving and are not taking narcotic pain medications or after clearance by your surgeon
. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after a laminectomy and discectomy and 4 to 6 weeks after a lumbar fusion.
What are permanent restrictions after spinal fusion?
Don’t do any bending, lifting, or twisting at all during this phase
. Three to six months after surgery: You can advance your level of activity but avoid lifting, twisting, and bending in combination. Doing two or more of these movements together puts your back at high exposure to stress.
What is life like after spinal fusion?
Recovery time for spinal fusion surgery varies significantly from patient to patient, but the average spans between three and six months before the patient is back to their daily routine;
working, traveling, and even exercising with more freedom and less pain than they could before the surgery
.
How do you poop after back surgery?
While recovering from spine surgery, some people may need to
use a fiber laxative to help promote bowel movements by bulking up the stool and keeping more water in the colon
. Some examples of over-the-counter options include Citrucel and Metamucil, which are typically taken on an as-needed basis.
How many years does a spinal fusion last?
That said, the vertebrae typically need to continue healing and fusing for between
12 to 18 months
. In addition, if there was any nerve damage, it may take up to 2 years for the nerve tissue to heal and return to normal.
How painful is spinal fusion recovery?
As the back continues to heal, patients usually start to feel better and find they can take on more activities.
The worst pain is generally over by 4 weeks after surgery
. Pain is likely to continue to decrease gradually, but some patients continue to have pain 3 to 6 months after surgery.
Are spinal fusions worth it?
Results. Spinal fusion is
typically an effective treatment for fractures, deformities or instability in the spine
. But study results are more mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is unclear. In many cases, spinal fusion is no more effective than nonsurgical treatments for nonspecific back pain.
Will I need a walker after spinal fusion?
Your physician will encourage you to walk as much as possible.
You will need an assistance device such as a walker or cane for the first week
; however, you should strive to limit the use of this device after the first two to three weeks when you are on stable ground.
Can you cross your legs after spinal fusion?
Never cross your legs
. Adjust the backrest to support your lumbar spine (at waist level). If your seat is not adjustable, use a folded/rolled towel or pillow for support in the small of your back.
Is a spinal fusion major surgery?
Spinal fusion is major surgery
. It usually lasts several hours. It involves making a cut in your back or your belly, or sometimes both. The cuts, called incisions, leave scars that fade with time.
How long does it take to walk after spinal fusion?
You’ll be encouraged to walk and move
around the day after surgery
and it’s likely you’ll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation).
Does spinal fusion last a lifetime?
The results of a fusion are permanent
. When the bones fuse as intended, it changes the natural mobility of your spine, affecting the area around the surgical site and in various body parts as well.
What happens if I bend after spinal fusion?
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
.
What should I wear after spinal fusion surgery?
For your comfort, you will want to bring your own toiletries to the hospital. Also pack
underwear and comfortable, loose pajamas or nightgowns
. You will also need a robe (not floor length), and slippers or soft, low-heeled shoes with closed backs, such as sneakers, walking shoes or loafers.
How do you wash your hair after back surgery?
Use a hand-held shower to wash your hair
. Or bend at the knees and hips under the showerhead to avoid arching your back. To avoid bending, use a long-handled scrub brush. Use liquid soap so you don’t need to pick up a dropped bar of soap.
Do you wear a back brace after spinal fusion?
You will need to wear a brace at all times when you are up, for 3 months following surgery
. You may remove the brace for brief periods to shower and attend to personal hygiene, but remember to maintain your back in a neutral position and avoid any bending.
Is spinal fusion a disability?
If you have suffered from a spinal disorder that has resulted in you undergoing spinal fusion, but you are still unable to work,
you may be eligible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits
.
Is spinal fusion a high risk surgery?
Spinal fusion surgery is generally a very safe procedure, and advances in minimally invasive techniques have allowed fusions to be performed using smaller incisions, causing less trauma and reducing risks further. However, as with all forms of surgery,
there is the potential risk of complications
.
What are the cons of spinal fusion?
- Limited Mobility – In some instances where pain is severely limiting you mobility, a spinal fusion operation may actually be able to increase your mobility. …
- Complications – Like any procedure, there are potential complications, like bleeding, nerve damage or issues with the anesthesia.
Can I climb stairs after spinal fusion?
While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery.
You can go upstairs in the couple weeks following surgery, but it’s best to limit stairs to once or twice a day in the first few weeks
.
Why do my legs hurt after spinal fusion?
The formation of scar tissue near the nerve root (also called epidural fibrosis) is a common occurrence after back surgery
—so common, in fact, it is so common that it often occurs for patients with successful surgical outcomes as well as for patients with continued or recurrent leg pain and back pain.
Why is spinal fusion so painful?
When the vertebrae involved in a surgical fusion do not heal and fuse together, there is usually continued pain. The pain may actually increase over time.
The spinal motion can also stress the metal hardware used to hold the fusion. The screws and rods may break, leading to an increase in pain
.
Can you feel the screws after spinal fusion?
Often,
excessive pain is a symptom of a loose screw after spinal fusion or other hardware complication
. “If the hardware is prominent under the skin the patient may feel a painful bump,” Dr. Lieberman explains.
How do you sleep after spinal fusion?
Doctors recommend
sleeping on your back or your side
as you heal from spine surgery. Sleeping on your belly is generally not recommended because your spine is not in a neutral position for a prolonged period. Consider wearing satin pajamas to bed to help it make it easier for you to adjust your sleeping position.
