If you are dealing with pain caused by shifting or unstable vertebrae sections and non-operative methods have failed to help you find relief, a spinal fusion procedure may be in your future. A spinal fusion helps limit painful movement by fusing two or more adjacent vertebrae together, but you need to be protective of the area while the bones are fusing together. A full and complete recovery can take more than a year, and we want to use today’s blog to chart a typical recovery timeline for someone undergoing a spinal fusion procedure.
Spinal Fusion Recovery Timeline
We’re going to take a look at a pretty generic recovery timeline for someone undergoing a spinal fusion procedure, but keep in mind that your timeline will likely look a bit different. A number of different factors, like age, fusion site, fusion size and your overall health will influence your specific recovery timeline. Your surgeon will go over what you can expect and what restrictions will be in place following your spinal fusion, but here’s a look at what a standard recovery timeline could look like:
- 1-3 Days – This is the period when you will be most uncomfortable following your spinal fusion procedure, but that doesn’t mean you’ll just stay in bed. Your doctor will likely have you stand and take a few steps shortly after the anesthesia has worn off. You will eventually be discharged after you have shown that you can stand, sit and walk safely. You will have significant movement restrictions, but you will still be expected to do some moving in the first few days after surgery.
- 1-4 Weeks – This period is all about gentle movement and providing an ideal environment for healing to take place. You will be allowed to return to some light activities, but you will likely be told not to lift anything more than 10 pounds for the first month or so. You will also start physical therapy during this period, and this will help to safely strengthen your spinal column without overstressing the fusion site.
- 1-3 Months – Many patients can return to a number of light duty activities during this time period, and you may even be able to return to work if you don’t have a physically demanding job. Movement will really be encouraged during this stage, as this will help to strengthen your spine and boost healthy circulation. Walking and other light activities should become part of your daily routine, and you’ll also likely partake in physical therapy exercises a couple of times a week. Even though you have a lot of recovery left, many patients start to feel like their old self again during this stage.
- 3-6 Months – Even though movement was encouraged during the first three months, odds are your spine will have weakened because you’ve been pretty protective of it during that period. Assuming the vertebrae are fusing as expected, you’ll start to take on more physical activity during this period to strengthen your spine, although you will still have significant bending and lifting restrictions. Physical therapy will begin to focus on helping you prepare for some more physical activities that will be in your future, especially if you work a physically demanding job.
- 6-12 Months – Most patients are fully recovered around the 8-month mark, but again your timeline will vary based on a number of factors. You will likely receive clearance to return to a lot of physical activities, although some high-impact exercise and athletics may still be off the table. Your doctor will walk you through which activities you can safely pursue as you near maximum recovery.
- 12 Months and Beyond – Although most patients are fully recovered by the one-year mark, fusion can still be occurring for 18 months or longer after your procedure, so you’ll always want to be cognizant of the stress you’re putting on your spine. Exercise or physical therapy will continue to help strengthen and stabilize the areas of your spine that support your fusion site.
For more information about the spinal fusion procedure or your expected recovery timeline, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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