Your Recovery

Your back will likely feel stiff and sore You may find it uncomfortable to sit or stand in one position for very long These symptoms typically improve with time Return to work timeline:

• Many people return to desk jobs within 1-2 weeks after surgery
• Jobs requiring physical labor (lifting or twisting) may require 4-8 weeks

Consult your doctor about when you can resume your favorite activities.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• Early Mobilization: Patients are encouraged to start walking as soon as possible after surgery to promote circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis. There is no strong evidence supporting strict activity restrictions post-surgery, and early mobilization is generally recommended.
• Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds for the first 4-6 weeks post-surgery to avoid strain on the surgical site.
• Gradual Increase in Activity: Gradually increase activity levels based on comfort and tolerance. Avoid high-impact activities and twisting motions for the first few weeks.

Diet

• Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healing. Ensure adequate hydration.
• Fiber Intake: Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation, which can be a side effect of pain medications.

Medications

• Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Commonly prescribed medications include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioids for severe pain. Use opioids sparingly and only as needed to avoid dependency.
• Stool Softeners: Consider using stool softeners or laxatives if taking opioid medications to prevent constipation.

Incision Care

• Keep Incision Clean and Dry: Follow specific instructions provided by the surgical team. Generally, keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid submerging the incision in water (e.g., baths, swimming) until cleared by the surgeon.

• Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge from the incision site. Contact the healthcare provider if any of these symptoms occur.

Exercise

• Physical Therapy: Engage in physical therapy as recommended by the healthcare provider. Physical therapy can help improve mobility, strength, and overall recovery.

• Gentle Exercises: Start with gentle exercises such as walking and gradually progress to more strenuous activities as tolerated. Avoid high-impact exercises until cleared by the healthcare provider.

Other instructions

• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
• Return to Work: The timing of return to work will depend on the nature of the job and the patient’s recovery progress. Most patients can return to light-duty work within 2-4 weeks, but this should be individualized based on the patient’s condition and surgeon’s advice.
• Driving: Avoid driving until cleared by the healthcare provider, typically when the patient can comfortably sit and react quickly without pain or limitation.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.