How to Recover From Spinal Fusion

A spinal fusion is a back surgery to help treat degenerative disc disease, spinal disc herniation, a spinal tumor, discogenic pain, verbretal fracture and spondylosis. Surgery is different for everyone, so the recovery process varies. However, the tools for a healthy recovery remain the same.

Instructions

• 1

  Plan to take time for recovery from your spinal fusion. Let your employer know that you are going in for this surgery and that you will need some time off. Let them know about the surgery as soon as you have it scheduled. It can take anywhere from two to 12 weeks. Have someone available to help you.

• 2

  You'll need to get creative in order to entertain yourself during the healing process from a spinal fusion. Since you will be spending time in the hospital and in bed and resting you will need to have some things in your reach to help you fight off boredom such as books, playing cards, drawing pads, laptop, television, DVD player and phone.

• 3

  Get up and walk when you are ready, or when your surgeon recommends it. Start with walking around your home, then to go for walks outside every day. Have someone walk with you to help you if needed. Bring a cane if you need it. Walking every day can help you recover from spinal fusion.

• 4

  Exercise every day when your surgeon recommends movement. Your surgeon will also recommend specific exercises to help you recover from the spinal fusion. Do these exercises every day to help gain muscle, strength and reduce pain. These exercises are important for your recovery and regaining movement.

• 5

  Avoid movements that will cause pain and could reverse the spinal fusion surgery's intended outcome. Movements to avoid when recovering from a spinal fusion are twisting, stooping, bending, turning, and lifting more than five pounds. Avoid these movements for at least eight weeks.