Spinal fusion surgery represents a significant decision that can profoundly influence your daily life. This is typically considered a final option after other non-surgical treatments have not effectively addressed conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, trauma, deformities, or unsuccessful prior surgeries. The primary objective of spinal fusion is to bring stability to the spine, alleviate persistent pain, and halt the advancement of spinal conditions to improve overall spine health and functionality.
If you or a loved one has or will undergo spinal fusion surgery, it is important to understand the severity of the procedure and the challenging road to recovery. This major surgery involves rods, screws, and bone grafts placed in the spine. The recovery process can be challenging and daunting, lasting up to six months in some cases.
Understanding and setting expectations is a crucial component of the recovery process and the path toward healing.
Major steps to recovering from spinal fusion surgery:
- Hospitalization: After the procedure, the patient typically stays in the hospital for one to three days, depending on the type of spinal fusion surgery.
- Patience: After being released from the hospital, the patient's back will likely feel stiff and sore, and it will be difficult to sit or stand in one position for a long time. However, usual activities are tolerated with the following restrictions: no bending, twisting, or lifting more than 10 to 20 lbs. for the first three to six months.
- Support: Emotional and physical support from family, friends, or caregiver will positively impact your recovery journey.
- Healthy Choices: Avoid smoking and alcohol, which will prohibit your body from healing properly. Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins and nutrients that support bone health and healing. Proper protein intake can help improve tissue repair.
- Slow Increase in Activity: At the instruction of your orthopedic surgeon, the patient may slowly start increasing activity after a few weeks of bed rest. This activity can be light walking around the house or housework -- no lifting anything or twisting your back.
- Physical Therapy & Exercise: About four to six weeks after the procedure, physical therapy is recommended. Exercises will be prescribed and designed to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and help your recovery, under the direction of your healthcare team.
- Return to Normal Activity: The end goal! Normal daily activities are typically performed within four to six months after the procedure, with the ultimate goal of living a pain-free life.
Spinal fusion surgery is a major medical procedure with a lengthy recovery time, requiring support, motivation, and patience. Seeking a second opinion before spinal fusion surgery can help confirm the diagnosis and ensure that surgery is indeed the most appropriate treatment option.
About the Author
William Mosenthal, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with extensive training in specialized back, neck, and spine care at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute.
Illinois Bone & Joint Institute’s board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons can empower you to make a well-informed decision about your treatment, especially when considering a major spinal surgery. Our experienced team of spine specialists offer minimally invasive procedures using cutting-edge technology in imaging, disc replacement, motion preservation, spinal stabilization and reconstruction to help you achieve the best quality of life possible.
