Recovery from spinal fusion surgery is a lengthy process that involves wound healing and rehabilitation. The duration may vary significantly depending on a person’s situation.
Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that permanently joins two or more of the spine’s vertebrae, or bones. It is a major procedure that requires extensive healing time for the bones to fuse fully and for the body to recover from the surgical trauma.
As a guide, some people can return to lighter work that involves sitting down around 2–4 weeks after the surgery. Those who do manual labor may need several months before they go back to work. Physiotherapy typically begins between 6 and 12 weeks after surgery.
This article explores recovery from spinal fusion and what a person can expect each week following their surgery.
The total recovery time for spinal fusion surgery can span several months. Complete healing and returning to all activities, especially those that are physically demanding, may take up to a year.
A full recovery can take this long because spinal fusion involves using bone grafts that grow and fuse. This process takes time, as bones grow more slowly than other types of tissue.
People can still return to less strenuous activities when their doctor says this is okay. However, if a person plays contact sports or those involving twisting or changing direction quickly, such as golf or skiing, they may need to wait for 12 months after surgery to return to those activities.
Doctors encourage most people to start walking with assistance as soon as possible after spinal fusion. This could be the same day after surgery if they feel a person is ready.
Walking is a
Recovery from spinal fusion surgery varies for individuals. It depends on the specific surgical process and the person’s overall health, exercise capacity, and healing speed.
Here is a general overview of what a person may expect:
- Weeks 1–2: Most people remain in the hospital for 3 or 4 days after surgery to monitor immediate recovery. A doctor may recommend gentle walking and carrying out basic daily living activities but avoiding bending, lifting, or twisting motions. Doctors may recommend wearing a back brace to limit motion and taking medications to ease pain.
- Weeks 3–6: Some people may be able to return to work if their jobs are not strenuous, but this will depend on the type of work they do. They should still limit activity that involves bending, twisting, or lifting.
- Weeks 7–12: Physiotherapy begins around this time, focusing first on helping a person walk safely. People still need to avoid heavy lifting and high impact activities.
- Months 3–6: At this stage, a person may undergo continued physical therapy and a gradual return to their usual activities, possibly with modifications according to their recovery and comfort.
- After 6 months: Most individuals can return to regular activities at this point as long as they do not cause discomfort.
- After 12 months: People can return to more physically demanding sports after around 1 year.
Here are some practical spinal fusion recovery tips:
- Follow guidelines: People need to adhere to the guidelines the healthcare team provides. This could include taking prescribed medications on schedule, attending all follow-up appointments, and following restrictions on activities to ensure proper healing of the spine.
- Listen to the body: A person needs to recognize and respect the body’s signals. If people experience pain or discomfort with certain activities or find the recovery plan difficult to follow, they need to consult their healthcare team. They also need to avoid pushing through movements or activities that are overexerting.
- Physical therapy: When a doctor approves this, a person can engage in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.
- Eat a nutritious diet: A person needs to maintain a balanced diet to support the body’s healing processes. They can focus on foods high in calcium and vitamin D to aid bone health, along with proteins, fruits, and vegetables. If a person cannot get enough of these nutrients due to dietary restrictions, they can discuss whether supplements could be useful with their doctor.
After spinal fusion surgery, individuals need to avoid:
- lifting heavy objects
- participating in high impact activities such as jogging, basketball, or other sports
- twisting and bending motions that strain the spine
- smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which may interfere with recovery and
increase the risk of complications after surgery
A person may gradually return to more strenuous physical exercise when a doctor approves it.
Individuals need to contact their doctor if they experience:
- increased back pain after surgery that does not improve with prescribed medications
- unpleasant side effects from prescribed medications
- signs of infection, such as inflammation or pus coming from the surgical wound
- mental health symptoms after surgery, such as anxiety, depression, or nightmares
If a person develops any of the following, a person needs to call 911 or go to an emergency department:
Recovery from spinal fusion surgery is gradual and may take up to 12 months. The body needs time to heal tissues and recover strength, and the bones also take time to fuse.
During this period, people need to adhere to medical advice and undertake gentle movement. Under guidance, individuals can gradually return to their usual activities and build up to more intense exercise or sports.
Regular follow-up with the healthcare team is essential to monitor healing and address any concerns during the recovery period.