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Lower-Back Surgery Recovery

If you have experienced persistent pain in your lower back that has not been resolved through nonsurgical methods, you may be advised to have surgery. Lower back surgery is very common, and it has a high success rate.

  1. Hospital Stay

    • The normal length of stay after lower back surgery is two to five days. Of course, age and prior health condition are determining factors.

    Pain Medicine

    • IV

      It is normal to experience some pain after lower back surgery. You will have a pain medication that is administered via IV for the first day after surgery. Your physician will prescribe pain medication for you to take for a few weeks after your surgery.

    Physical Therapy

    • You will be expected to get up out of bed and walk almost immediately after your surgery. A physical therapist or your nurse will show you the proper way to get out of bed. She will also advise you to walk as much as you can tolerate. You may have to wear a brace while out of bed.

    After Discharge

    • Your body is going through a period of healing after lower-back surgery, so it is important to get plenty of rest. You should also continue taking short walks throughout the day. Most important, you should avoid bending, twisting and lifting heavy objects.

    Back to Work

    • Lower-back surgery recovery time may be longer for those with physically demanding jobs.

      Most people are able to return to their jobs after about six weeks following lower-back surgery. If you have a job that is physically intensive, such as construction work, you will probably have to wait longer before you are able to return to work. You may even consider doing another type of work.

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