How to Heal After Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is a treatment for many disorders of the spine. It is a way to fix the vertebrae, limiting the movement and thus further damage. Spinal fusion surgery is performed to treat spinal deformities, breaks, hernias in the disc between vertebrae and other issues. The North American Spine Society (NASS) describes the spinal fusion surgery as the grafting of bone around the spinal column. Hardware, screws and rods are used to immobilize the spine. Over time, the bone will heal, solidifying across vertebrae to prevent movement. According to the NASS, this process may take months.

Instructions

• 1

  Stick to the movement restrictions with the first six weeks of surgery. The bone graft must grow over the spinal column. This requires little movement and even a brace and/or cast. Rehabilitation sessions will begin as soon as the day after surgery. These sessions will teach you how to move during this period. Adhere to the information given as it will give your spine the best chance at healing. One of those instructions will be to walk daily, first with the walker.

• 2

  Care for the wound as instructed by the hospital to avoid infection. Get help to keep the wound clean. Have the stitches removed by the doctor two weeks after surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons urges patients to see their doctors about wounds that continue to drain after being discharged from the hospital.

• 3

  Take your pain medication. You must manage the pain to manage the rehabilitation sessions. The pain medication will also allow you to be as independent as possible. Pain inhibits movement, and although you will have restrictions in those first weeks, you must be able to move as much as allowed.

• 4

  Stay home from work until your doctor gives the OK. It could take weeks or months to return to work. However, each moment of rest and light activity is necessary for the spinal fusion site to fully heal. Even after returning to work, your movements will be limited because the spine is still healing. Even after the healing is done, some patients must continue the restrictions.