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Spinal Fusion Healing

There are many reasons to undergo a spinal fusion surgery. You might do so to treat a fractured vertebra or cervical disc herniation. Spinal fusion surgeries are used to correct spinal curves and other deformities. There is a great deal of discomfort immediately following spinal fusions. Fortunately, there are many postoperative options for healing from this type of surgery.

  1. Identification

    • Spinal fusion surgery involves "fusing" or uniting together one or more vertebrae in your spine. It is similar to welding. Spinal fusion surgery, however, does not involve welding the vertebrae during surgery. Bone grafts are instead placed around the spine during surgery. The body then heals from the grafts. Once this happens, the vertebrae are welded together.

    Time Frame

    • The immediate healing process following spinal fusion is longer than that of other types of spinal surgery. Patients usually remain in the hospital for three or four days. Staying longer than that following more extensive surgery is also common. The spinal fusion healing process length varies greatly in each person, as you must wait until your surgeon sees bone healing evidence. It usually takes at least six weeks after surgery for the earliest bone healing evidence to appear in an X-ray. It generally takes three or four months after surgery for substantial bone healing to take place. Complete bone healing and remodeling may take up to a year after surgery.

    Pain Control

    • Examples of pain control methods include intravenous injections and oral pain medications. Patient-controlled postoperative pain control pumps are another option. With this device, you press a button that delivers a specific amount of narcotic pain medication to you through an intravenous line. This technique is often used during the first few days after surgery.

    Braces

    • Along with activity restrictions, a brace is often recommended for the early spinal healing period immediately following surgery. There are many kinds of available braces. Some are more restrictive. Others are designed mostly for comfort and to provide support. Your surgeon can recommend whether you should use a brace, and if so, which is the best kind for you.

    Rehabilitation Programs

    • Your surgeon may recommend a postoperative rehabilitation program for you to heal from your spinal fusion surgery. Rehabilitation programs often include exercises to strengthen your back. It is possible to experience a comprehensive rehabilitation program custom-designed to help you return to work safely and quickly. The factors involved with deciding whether to enroll in a postoperative rehabilitation program include the type and extent of your surgery, your age, health and anticipated level of activity.

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