Ice packs or heat wraps may be used to supplement pain medication, but applications should be limited to 15 or 20 minutes with at least 2 hours of rest in between to protect the skin. New regulations may make it more complicated than before to renew pain relief medication prescriptions, such as opioids.
As opioids will be prescribed for a limited amount of time, the doses taken should be diminished daily, with the goal to off opioids by 4 weeks after surgery. When recovering from lumbar fusion surgery, the spine should be kept straight even when getting into and out of bed. This process is accomplished by the log-roll technique, which involves keeping the knees together and maintaining a straight back while:.
See Different Types of Pillows. Some people may also find that sleeping in a reclined position is more comfortable shortly after surgery. The surgical incision site needs to be cleaned daily and checked for signs of infection.
Possible signs and symptoms of infection at the incision site include:. Rehabilitation Following Lumbar Fusion. Failed Spinal Fusion Surgery. You are here Treatment Spinal Fusion. By John Sherman, MD. Peer Reviewed. While the fusion is growing together and strengthening, these movements should continue to be avoided to prevent stress at the fused segments: Excess lifting anything over 10 to 15 pounds Bending forward and backward Twisting the upper body to the sides See Practical Advice for Recovering from Back Surgery advertisement.
After your operation, a physiotherapist will help you safely regain strength and movement. They'll teach you some simple exercises you can do at home to help your recovery. You'll usually be able to go home about 1 to 4 days after your operation. How long you need to stay in hospital will depend on the specific type of surgery you had and your general health. When you get home, it's important to take things easy at first, gradually increasing your level of activity every day.
Some help at home is usually needed for at least the first week after surgery. Being active will speed up your recovery. Make sure you do the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist, and try not to sit or stand in the same position for more than minutes at a time, because this can make you feel stiff and sore. Walking is a good way to keep active, but you should avoid heavy lifting, awkward twisting and leaning when you do everyday tasks until you're feeling better.
You may be asked to return to hospital for one or more follow-up appointments in the weeks after your operation to check how you're doing. When you can go back to work will depend on how quickly you heal after surgery and the type of job you do. Most people return to work after 4 to 6 weeks, if their job isn't too strenuous.
Alan S. Hilibrand, M. December 22nd, While the potential for pain relief is an inspiration for many who seek spinal decompression and fusion surgery, most patients also experience some degree of nervousness about their upcoming procedure.
This apprehension is completely normal, especially in cases of spinal surgery. The recovery time for spinal fusion surgery can vary from one individual to the next, depending on a variety of factors including age, health, and weight. However, for most the full recovery process takes somewhere between three to six months.
On average, the journey of recovery may progress as described below. The first few days are spent in the hospital, receiving wound care, managing pain, and learning proper movement techniques to ensure safe and effective healing.
At home, the patient will spend about four weeks continuing wound care and restoring various movements to your routine. Then, a physical therapist may help you learn stretches and exercises which will aid progress. These stretches and physical therapy will continue for up to three months, during which time your doctor can advise you about returning to your former activities.
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