what to expect 6 months after spinal fusion
And, if youre wondering What happens if I bend after spinal fusion surgery?, it's important to follow all medical advice during the recovery process to ensure that we heal as quickly and completely as possible. Immediately after spinal fusion surgery, recovery begins with a stay in the hospital for at least the first 2-4 days. This is what they wrote: Spinal fusion is the most widely accepted treatment for lumbar disc degenerative disease. Foraminotomy is the widening of the opening where the nerve roots leave the spinal canal. Your physical therapist creates a unique training plan to match your needs and ability, your available training space, and your work requirements. They teach you modified ways to do the following: At this stage, any bending or twisting of the spine can disrupt the healing process. You may need help getting around initially, and thats okay. to ensure that we heal as quickly and completely as possible. Your surgeon will likely give you specific instructions on when you can start to climb stairs and how often you should do it. . Spinal fusion isnt right for everyone, but if youre struggling with back pain, you might consider spinal fusion when conservative options just arent working. Bending, either forward or backward. Though its designed for lifetime use, this hardware can wear out and break over time. If you have been in severe pain for longer than 3 months, its likely your pain system has become sensitised, and this can have a big effect on your successful recovery. You can read more about these broad milestones and when theyll occur below. Today, Dr. Fineberg consistently interacts with and contributes to a growing body of research regarding the identification and treatment of congenital deformations, spinal defects, and diseases of the vertebral column. Spinal fusion surgery is, usually, a highly effective procedure. Radicular pain is a type of neuropathic pain that radiates from one part of the body to another. What Are The Signs of Nerve Damage After Spinal Fusion? Your medical staff will administer pain medication, but much of your pain can be reduced by applying cold packs. Over time, theres an increasing proportion of people where the segments above and below the fusion quickly become worn. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 21, 73 . As Healthline explains, your symptoms and comfort level will gradually improve as you gain strength and confidence in your movements. Protein, vitamin D, and calcium are especially beneficial nutrients after spinal fusion. You must keep your appointments with your doctor and physical therapist and follow their recommendations. Gentle movement promotes healing of the vertebrae and strengthens the back muscles that support your spine. After spine surgery, you expect your back or neck problem to be resolved. If spinal fusion is the best course of treatment, our comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation center can help patients maximize their recovery period in one convenient location. In fact, experts often encourage patients to get up and start moving around the morning after their surgery. Its anchored to the spine and includes a patented crossbar configuration, which exerts less impact on the screws than fusion implant devices. Do nothing. Spinal fusion is a common surgical procedure thats done for conditions like spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. I've defi. and medical team. Sometimes back pain is caused by nerve impingement brought on by herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Most patients find that sleeping in a reclined position is the most comfortable way to rest. You still need to avoid bending, twisting, and lifting, but should be able to resume cardio and stretching your stiff muscles. Recommended Reading: Is It Normal To Have Pain Months After Hernia Surgery. The possible signs of a failed fusion include chronic back pain, reduced mobility, neuropathic pain, and radicular pain. we got home, I somehow managed to walk through the front door, hobble up the stairs, and heave myself into bed, where I would stay for most of the next 10 days. Thats why we recommend the following care tips for your recovery. After 3 months of rest, exercise is now the primary focus of your healing and recovery process. [emailprotected], Premia Spine Germany GmbH X-rays may be taken after several weeks to verify that fusion is occurring. Please call Inspired Spine at (952) 225-5266 for all refill requests. When Does Your Back Pain Require Medical Comprehensive Centers For Pain Management, Practical Advice for Recovering from Back Surgery, How to Prep Your Home for Spine Surgery Recovery Video, Is It Normal To Have Pain Months After Hernia Surgery, Paraspinal muscle changes after single-level posterior lumbar fusion: volumetric analyses and literature review, Reoperation rate after instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report on 1680 cases, When To Seek Medical Attention For Lower Back Pain. Walking and gentle movement are important parts of the recovery process. Walking is very important, and patients should expect to set goals for themselves to walk a little more each day. Spinal fusion is a common form of back surgery used to treat several kinds of back problems, including scoliosis, vertebral weakness, and herniated discs. For example, if you break an arm, you're likely going to protect it in a cast or sling and keep from using it until it's had time to heal, right? At first, it may be several days a week. In a study of the TOPS System for lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis, the visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain lowered from 56.2 before the procedure to 12.5 at six weeks, 13.7 at one-year follow-up, 3.6 at two years follow-up, and 19 at seven years follow-up. Placement is maintained by the use of the appropriate size titanium screws and perhaps a plate or rod if the pathology is severe. Read on to learn more. , you need to allow the fusion an adequate amount of time to heal and progress before testing its strength through exercise and rigorous physical therapy. The device recreates motion in every direction, including flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. Six months after spinal fusion, you can expect to start the final stages of the recovery process. In younger and/or more physically fit individuals, recovery time can range anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Please fill out the form below to speak with Dr. Siddiqi regarding your spine surgery questions. Patients experience less postoperative pain and a lower risk of infection. This helps promote circulation and rebuild important supporting muscles, among many other benefits. The state-of-the-art facilities and board-certified surgeons at Spine Center Atlanta are dedicated to minimally invasive techniques and a streamlined patient experience. Some recommendations are going to be similar to what people tell you to do even when your back is healthy. Vitamin D and calcium are well-known for promoting bone health, so be sure to include dark leafy greens, fortified dairy food, full-fat Greek yogurt, salmon, and sardines into your diet. Recovery Guide - What to Expect 6 Months after Spinal Fusion Sep 29, 2021 Thanks to the development of minimally invasive techniques, patients undergoing fusion surgery can expect a procedure that involves a smaller incision and less disruption of soft tissue. When Can I Travel After Spinal Fusion Surgery The recovery process from lumbar fusion surgery is a lengthy recovery process. You might experience back sore after you wake up in the morning, no matter what level of surgery you had. Spinal fusion surgery recovery typically takes anywhere from three to six months, and this time frame includes the various types of physical therapy that each patient must undergo. Spine Conditions that the TOPS System Cures. After a lumbar fusion surgery, you need to allow the fusion an adequate amount of time to heal and progress before testing its strength through exercise and rigorous physical therapy. All of these problems can lead to new or reoccurring back pain and neurological symptoms. The first way is that when the surgeon does the laminectomy, theyre using a sharp instrument to cut through bone. The next 3 months are all about reducing overall stiffness and gaining back your strength. In the United States - Caution: The TOPS System is an investigational Device. is a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon who has been practicing since 1999 and specializes in complex spinal treatment. These include: Knowing what to expect after a spinal fusion is the best way to prepare yourself for the months ahead. Fusion takes time. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely. Its important to take care of yourself after spinal fusion. ** You are welcome . Post-laminectomy syndrome is a misnomer, as it is not actually a syndrome - it is a very generalized term that is often used to describe the condition of patients who have not had a successful result with back surgery or spine surgery and have experienced continued pain after surgery. After that, he or she will receive thorough postsurgical instructions. During your first few days at home, you should: Once you return home, you may still experience pain, swelling, and fatigue. It'sBeen an incredibly emotional six weeks since my spinal fusion, the mental battle is equally as challenging if not more and the physical battle. Most of the motion in the spine is at the L4-L5 level, and to a lesser extent at L3-L4. These things are often possible long-term, but put too much impact on your spine at this stage of healing. Other problems such as blood clots and deep vein thrombosis can be painful and deadly if they migrate to the brain or lungs. It is even possible to perform fusion surgery on an outpatient basis in certain cases. Think that means sex is off-limits? Twisting, no matter what the angle. Doctors prescribe opioid painkillers to ease pain and discomfort. [2] The curve is usually "S"- or "C"-shaped over three dimensions. If your back still hurts years after spinal fusion, its likely due to increased stress and degeneration of the adjacent spinal segments. What To Expect 6 Months After Spinal Fusion The first 6 months after a lumbar fusion surgery, your body is healing the bones and muscles that were stretched. The better you adhere to the recovery plan, the sooner you'll be able to return to your normal. Work with a physical therapist to find a long-term exercise program to stick to. After you go home, contact your doctor if you exhibit signs of infection, such as: Redness, tenderness or swelling Wound drainage Shaking chills Fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C) It may take several months for the affected bones in your spine to heal and fuse together. There are several types and variations of fusion surgery, but it is mainly an open or a minimally invasive operation. Our backs are the part of our bodies that allow us to perform nearly all daily activities. Dont twist or bend at the back. The SI fusion system follows the principles of arthrodesis: aggressive joint preparation, enhanced compression and stability. For example, objects if possible. As previously mentioned, follow the advice of your surgeon and/or physical therapist to ensure that you have a speedy and effective recovery. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS for Windows version 25. If you have questions about your upcoming spinal fusion surgery, be sure to reach out to our team at (212) 506-0232, so we can put your mind at ease. Read on to find out how a discectomy helps treat your damaged spinal disc. Walking is the main exercise. Basic care at this point includes: By one to three months after surgery, you are feeling better and able to resume more demanding activities. Between six months and one-year post-op, patients can typically start returning to all of their normal activities, including some bending and twisting. In this situation, decompression surgery is necessary to relieve the pressure and pain. . The surgeon will decide when to release you back to work at your follow-up visit. You may be tempted to try certain activities earlier than recommended, especially if you were active before your surgery. But how does that help? Ask your doctor when its safe and which positions cause less back strain. Mindful exercise now aids the fusion process happening at your spine, as movement stimulates healing and helps your bones to fuse. Fusion permanently removes all motion at the fused vertebrae, which can alter how the rest of the spine bears weight. Disagreement was defined as the situation in which at least one-third of the panellists scored in each of the sections 13 and 79 . After the fusion surgery, the postoperative team will check vitals and ensure the patient is in stable condition. Log in, The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. While every surgery is different, there are recovery milestones that you can expect as you heal. Ice packs and heat wraps can assist with pain management and are applied for 15 minutes, followed by a 2-hour rest period. Log in, The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. Avoid lifting or carry anything heavier than around 2-3kg (e.g.a kettle of water). I had my fusion on March 6. An October 2021 paper published in the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Open Review examined who was at higher risk for developing adjacent segment degeneration following a spinal fusion. Non-fusion implants work by stabilizing the affected vertebrae with a device. For now, its recommended that you still avoid high-impact activities, such as contact sports and extreme sports. Lifting heavy objects Carrying objects for long distances Running errands We do encourage walking. By six months after fusion surgery, most patients should expect to be cleared to resume most if not all daily activities. The bigger the length of the fused spine, the more work the joints above and below it have to do. You've had posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) surgery, a step toward the goals of decreasing neck and arm pain, and stopping symptoms of nerve compression or an unstable spine from getting worse. Failed spinal fusion typically causes chronic back pain that doesnt improve, even after the expected recovery period. While the fusion is growing together and strengthening, these movements should continue to be avoided to prevent stress at the fused segments: See Practical Advice for Recovering from Back Surgery. This degeneration is most likely to happen after a two-level fusion and in a young patient . If you absolutely have to, be sure to lift by bending your knees, not your back. Every patient is different, and a patients continued treatment and workup need to be individualized to his or her particular problem and situation. Read on to learn the warning signs of disc herniation and what we can do to help you find relief. Five Years Post-Op: Five Years After My Spinal Fusion: An Update, 21 Day Fix Review (We Spent $77, But YOU Don't Have To), NATHAN Run@Work Day Giveaway + Hurricane Irma Update, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sha33g5qV6M, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKt5QdAcNRc, Click here to learn more about Sharon's spinal fusion. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. Dont lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Advertisement Your doctor may prescribe a combination of these medications to improve your symptoms and also minimize the need for taking too many opioids. To get access to the disc, you need to pull nerves aside. We use natural substances derived from the patients body like growth factors derived from platelets to prompt or stimulate healing in these beat-up areas. It follows that you should try to avoid bending, lifting, and twisting with your back muscles at all for the first few weeks after surgery (consult with your surgeon to determine an exact timeline). Wearing a back brace or wrap eases stress and tension on the spine, muscles, and bones. Spinal fusion. After a spinal fusion surgery, patients can expect to stay in the hospital for two to three days while you're monitored by your medical team. These are some of the risks of the spinal fusion operation, and why its never something to be entered into lightly. Learn more about our treatments for back pain. If these people then get back pain in the adjacent segments to the fusion, youre faced with a difficult problem. From walking and dancing to bathing and just putting on a pair of pants, the healthier our back is, the easier it is to go about our business as usual. You may need to wear a neck brace for a while. What to expect 1-4 days after surgery When you are discharged, you receive instructions for incision site care as well as any prescriptions you may need. However, there is limited evidence that MBSR can improve pain acceptance. Box 8630 She had the fusion done in her neck and the surgeon took too much bone from her pelvis. In some cases, the pain may even be worse for a while after the back surgery because operating around the nerve root creates some increased swelling and this leads to pain. How long after spinal fusion can I bend? Every patient has a different recovery journey, depending on the specific type of spinal fusion surgery, whether it was minimally invasive and a patients specific medical history. . One of the goals of spinal fusion is to improve mobility. Physical and occupational therapists will work closely with patients to teach certain things. Post-op isnt the time to diet. Dr. Fineberg is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at The Spine Center in Park Ridge. Following your post-op instructions can help reduce these symptoms. Its a pain like sciatica: a sharp stabbing pain that runs in a thin band down your leg. Six months after spinal fusion, you can expect to start the final stages of the recovery process. 1. I had a patient once who had a problem with her neck. Swimming or walking wont be affected. Enterprise House, My pain was manageable; most of the time I felt stiffness and/or discomfort, rather than actual pain. Premia Spine USA I was sleeping fairly well at night, usually only waking when I needed pain meds. After surgery, you can expect your neck to feel stiff and sore. It doesnt have to be. [3] Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, but more severe cases can affect breathing and movement. With most cervical fusion surgeries, hospital stays are typically one to two days. Keep in mind, your pain medication can and will manage your pain to a certain extent as long as you're taking it properly, but even if you don't feel pain when performing some activities, you can still damage your spinal fusion if you forget to be patient with yourself. Spinal fusion can cause paralysis, but its one of the rarest possible complications. Your surgeon and physical therapist will tell you the specific Dos and Don'ts of your surgery when the time comes, but there are some general guidelines to follow post-surgery in order to help your body heal. Realize that you still need to be careful and follow your doctors recommendations, but you will be able to perform more daily activities during this time. Even a chocolate pudding can be a tasty way to sneak in more calcium! In this blog, Dr. Regan highlights what to expect immediately after surgery and in the weeks and months following your spinal fusion. In addition to getting the rest needed for proper healing. While a patient can hardly control their age, and there's little that can be done to improve fitness levels by the time you're discussing surgery, there are still several aspects of recovery that are within the patient's control, which we will discuss in detail below. Although the recovery process can be frustrating, a successful surgery is so worth the result! You May Like: Can Anxiety Cause Nerve Pain. Photo Source: 123RF.com. If you are experiencing severe leg pain after a fusion operation, its important to determine the cause. Advanced imaging technology used to plan the surgery with 3D images of the patient, Microscopes used to light and magnify the operative field, Detailed intraoperative imaging and visualization that allows for precise instrument and implant positioning, Extradural spinal hematoma, which involves bleeding within the spinal column, Incidental durotomy, which occurs when spinal fluid leaks, Accidental injury to the nerves when theyre repositioned during the operation, Accidental injury to the blood vessels that deliver blood to the spinal cord. This approval typically occurs about 6 months after the surgery, but sometimes it may take closer to 12 months. The medications prescribed at discharge may not last until your one-month follow up appointment. If youre experiencing signs of nerve damage after spinal fusion, contact your doctor right away. Heat or Ice for Lower Back Pain? One type of surgery is spinal fusion. Scoliosis can develop at any age, but the most common age range for diagnosis is between 10 and 15. The upshot? For best recovery, you should: Exercise is an important part of your recovery at this point. Putting undue stress on a bone that needs healing often exacerbates an injury. As you regain strength and mobility through training, you can slowly start returning to your regular activities, such as driving, light chores, and work (as long as it isnt physically demanding). Lastly, damage can happen when they put the screws in.