How long should you rest after back surgery?

Many patients start about 3 weeks after surgery. When you go back to work depends on the type of surgery you had and what kind of work you do. It may take as long as 2-3 months to fully recover. Keep in touch with your employer as you get well, and let them know your progress.

How long after 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.

How much activity can you do after back surgery?

For a spinal fusion surgery, the typical recovery period before being able to exercise again is between six weeks to three months after surgery. A decompression procedure using more complex techniques can require between four to six months before it is safe to exercise again.

What can you not do after lower back surgery?

Avoid activities that require bending, twisting, lifting more than 5 pounds (about 1 gallon of milk), or push/pulling. Do not stand or sit for too long. If you have had a spinal fusion, avoid lifting objects above your head until the fusion is fully healed.

What is the fastest way to recover from back surgery?

General wellness plan

1. A good pain doctor/physical therapist. Make sure you know who to call if you are still in pain after surgery.
2. Sleep. Your body will do most of its healing while you sleep.
3. Walks.
4. Patience.
5. Massage therapy.
6. Good attitude.

How do you move after back surgery?

Walking and Moving After Spinal Fusion Surgery Even getting out of bed requires a special technique—known as log-rolling—to avoid twisting the spine. In some cases, the physical therapist may advise the patient to use a walker for stability.

How should I sit after back surgery?

It is important to maintain your normal spinal curves by sitting down to help minimize this stress, after surgery, avoid sitting on soft chairs and on couches where your hips fall under your knees.

How should I lay down after back surgery?

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.

How long does it take to recover from lower back surgery?

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). When you wake up after lumbar decompression surgery, your back may feel sore and you’ll probably be attached to 1 or more tubes.

How do you sit on the toilet after back surgery?

Use an elevated toilet seat or commode to raise the level of the toilet. Do NOT lean over your legs while sitting. 2. Wear your brace while using the bathroom.

How do you shower after back surgery?

DO NOT shower until 4 days after your surgery or follow the advice your surgical team gave you. After you shower, gently pat the incision dry with a clean towel. Shampoo your hair while you are in the shower. DO NOT take a bath, swim or use a hot tub for at least 2 weeks.

How long did it take you to recover from spinal surgery?

Chances are, it took several years. Recovery after an operation, and getting back to where you were, is not a quick process. Think about the fact that your bones will not fully fuse (after spinal fusion surgery) for 12 to 18 months. Yes, you’ll be back to some semblance of “normal” well before that.

How should I move after spine surgery?

When getting up from a seated position, slowly move to the end of the seat and use arm supports to push up while pushing down firmly with the legs. While moving regularly after surgery is important, there are some movements that a surgeon will likely recommend avoiding. Lifting, twisting, and push/pull movements can put stress on the healing spine.

How often should I go for walking after spinal surgery?

Walking is good therapy for both upper and lower spinal surgery. After you leave the hospital, you’ll need to keep doing exercises to strengthen your spine. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to go. At first, it may be several days a week.

How long does it take to go home after a operation?

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.