How long are you in the hospital after a spinal fusion?

Hospital recovery after a fusion surgery focuses on managing pain and learning how to move safely while the lumbar spinal fusion solidifies. solidifies. A hospital stay of between 2 and 4 days is typical.

Can you go home after a spinal fusion?

Spinal Fusion Recovery Time

Most people are able to return home from the hospital about 2 to 4 days after lumbar spinal fusion surgery (if there are other people at home). Driving may be resumed a couple weeks after that if off opioid medications.

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 surgery require hospital stay?

A hospital stay of two to three days is usually required following spinal fusion. Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort but the pain can usually be controlled well with medications.

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.

Your Hospital Stay after Spine Surgery

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 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.

Do you get a catheter during spinal fusion surgery?

The surgery usually takes about 4 hours, but you will be in the operating room a total of 4 to 5 hours. A tube, called a Foley catheter, is placed in your bladder while you are asleep.

Can you live a normal life after spinal fusion?

Even people requiring bigger surgeries like spinal fusion are 90% likely to return to work and stay at work long term. While most people recover from back pain through exercise and healthy lifestyles, those who require surgery can expect to return to work and "get their life back" too.

What do I need at home after spinal fusion surgery?

What can you not do after spinal fusion?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

Do you have to wear a 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?

There is no specific disability listing for back surgery or spinal fusion, but if the surgery didn't correct your impairments, you might meet the requirements of a listing based on the impairments that led you to need back surgery or spinal fusion.

How long does a spinal fusion operation take?

A traditional spinal fusion surgery with general anesthesia takes about four hours and requires a hospital stay of three to four days as well as IV painkillers. The awake spine surgery takes half the time and typically has patients out of the hospital within 24 hours.

How should I 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.

How long do you stay in hospital after back surgery?

On the day of your back surgery, your main objective will be to rest. While some patients are discharged on the day of their operation, most stay in the hospital for one to five days. You will be able to go home once you have good control of your pain and are able to walk, eat and use the restroom independently.

Will I be shorter after spinal fusion?

The surgery often adds to the patient's over-all height. Growth will continue normally in the unfused portions of the spine as well as in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body.

Are there any permanent restrictions after spinal fusion?

You may find that after you spinal fusion, you run into some restrictions like being unable to lift, bend or twist. Many of these permanent restrictions are not actually permanent. After a 3 to 6 month healing process, you may find that your restrictions lessen and are able to get back to work.

Is spinal fusion a last resort?

Spine surgery, in most instances, should be considered a last resort.

How do you pee after back surgery?

During surgery, a urinary catheter may be inserted to allow the bladder to fill and drain normally. Depending on the type of procedure performed and how long you're expected to be in the hospital, you may still have the catheter in place when you wake up. Not all patients will have a catheter during surgery.

Do you go to ICU after back surgery?

While not every patient requires critical care after spine surgery, those with major revision surgeries, front and back (anterior and posterior) surgeries, and those patients with complicated medical histories are more likely to spend their initial postoperative time in a critical care monitoring environment.

What should I pack for 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.

What clothes wear after back surgery?

Getting dressed

Putting on and taking off socks, slacks, and underwear may be easier to do lying on your back. A tool called a dressing reacher can be of help. To make dressing and undressing easier, wear loose clothes and slip-on shoes with closed backs. You may want to have someone help you dress and undress.

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.

What is the fastest way to recover from a spinal fusion?