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Spinal Surgery Recovery

If you are suffering from back or neck pain and have not responded well to pain medication or other nonsurgical treatments, you may be a candidate for spinal surgery. Spinal surgery patients can expect a recovery period of several weeks.

  1. Hospital Stay

    • Patient

      The hospital stay after spinal surgery varies for each individual. It takes less time for a younger, healthier person to recover than it does for someone who is older and has other health issues. The normal length of stay is two to five days.

    Pain Medication

    • IV

      Some pain is normal after spinal surgery. For the first 24 hours after surgery, the doctor will likely give you pain medication through your IV. The physician will prescribe pain medication for you to take after you go home.

    Activity

    • You will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk the same day you have surgery. This is important because it will not only help prevent pneumonia, but it will also encourage healing. Your doctor may prescribe a brace to be worn while out of bed.

    Attitude

    • Your attitude has a lot to do with your recovery period after any surgery. Determine to do everything required by the physician and physical therapist to ensure a rapid recovery.

    Returning to Work

    • Most people are able to return to work within six weeks after spinal surgery. Of course, this depends on the type of work you do. If you have a job that requires a lot of physical activity, you will more than likely be out of work for a longer period of time.

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