How many weeks does it take to recover from back surgery?
On average, back surgery recovery takes 12 weeks. However, it can take up to six months for your back to fully heal, depending on the correction.
How long does it take to walk after back surgery?
Walking is the best activity you can do for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You should start out slowly and work up to walking 30 minutes at least twice a day.
How long does a 2 level spinal fusion take?
This surgery helps join two or more vertebrae so they’ll grow into a solid piece of bone. This surgery can take anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 6 or 7 hours. It can even go longer than this, and every situation is unique.
How long after lower back surgery can you bend over?
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. This approval typically occurs about 6 months after the surgery, but sometimes it may take closer to 12 months.
What is the fastest way to recover from back surgery?
Back surgery recovery tips
- Create an exercise plan.
- Stop smoking.
- Fuel your body.
- Prepare your home.
- Find a caregiver.
- Walk often during your back surgery recovery.
- Be careful bathing and grooming.
- Follow basic mobility instructions.
How painful is back surgery?
After surgery, pain is no longer achy and arthritic but stems from wound healing, swelling and inflammation. You will experience some pain outside of the hospital. For most back surgeries, it will take 1-1.5 months to resume “normal” mobility and function. During this time, pain should be tolerable and controlled.
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 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.
How long after spinal fusion can I walk?
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).
How should I sleep after lower back surgery?
Sleep Comfortably Minimizing low back strain through better body positioning can improve rest. It is generally OK after back surgery to sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. Some prefer to sleep on one side or the other with a pillow between their knees and/or behind them to support the back.