Results from surgery 4 years later - On average, the 255 patients in our study complained of pain of 6 or 7 out of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 before surgery. However, there are factors that can complicate this process and prolong recovery time in some patients, including: If you think you or a loved one might need surgery to correct scoliosis or any other kind of complex spine surgery, its important to contact a surgeon who is skilled in performing these kinds of complicated and specialized procedures. Know when to arrive at the surgery center. Back Surgery Video: How Spinal Fusion Stops Back Pain, Learn how bone growth stimulation therapy can help your healing process. (Related Article: Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion). An astounding eighty percent, or 4 out of 5 of these patients had not only returned to work but remained actively working long term. I felt it. Generally, doctors dont suggest high-impact activities, like full-contact sports, extreme sports, and others, at least in short term. During the initial stages of recovery and the need to take it easy, patients should not engage in vigorous activity or exercise. Unfortunately, this sedentary period can result in weakening and atrophy of the patients muscles due to lack of exercise. A lot of patients are concerned about damaging the fusion. At this stage of recovery, there are several important activity restrictions that patients need to follow: In some cases, doctors suggest other specific exercises besides walking. Avoid heavy lifting (more than 40 pounds) as this also puts excess weight on your back. Singleton M, et al. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. accidentally bent over after spinal fusion. Once you are home from the outpatient spine surgery center, it is time to focus on important aspects of your recovery, such as allowing your spine to heal properly, eating healthy foods, getting a good nights sleep, and increasing activity as instructed by your surgeon. Is it possible to damage it this far post op just by bending forward some? Avoid tub baths until the incision has healed and you are cleared by your surgeon. Place a pillow or rolled up blanked under the back of your knees so your hips and knees are slightly bent. Doctors usually only recommend it if they know exactly what's causing the problem. As we said, in most cases, the vertebrae begin to fuse within 3 to 6 months after surgery.
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