Cervical Spine Fusion Recovery

Most people have a cervical spine fusion to correct scoliosis. For back-pain patients who do not respond to non-surgical therapies, spinal fusion is done as a last resort. It is hoped that this procedure removes pressure on the nerves and stops motion between vertebrae. Recovery lasts about six months. During that time, you can expect moderate pain, limited range of motion, some loss of strength and limited activity.

Hospitalization

• The amount of time patients are hospitalized following spinal-fusion surgery has been reduced drastically due to the pressure on doctors to reduce medical costs. Two-thirds of patients stay in the hospital for two nights while the remainder stays one additional night.

Pain Management

• Moderate pain is to be expected following fusion surgery. Your doctor can prescribe medication to manage your pain. Most patients will need pain medication for two or three weeks.

Home Modifications

• Specially molded pillows keep your head parallel to your hips. You may also need bars in your shower and around the toilet to give you support when squatting and stepping over the side of the tub.

Physical Therapy

• Recuperating range of movement and building muscles around your spine is crucial following spine surgery. Your physical therapist can design an exercise program to accommodate your unique needs.

Activity

• You will need to refrain from physical activity and lifting more than ten pounds for about six weeks following surgery. After three months, you can return to light activity like jogging, swimming and riding a bike. Six-months following surgery, you can resume normal activity.