Spinal Fusion: Recovery

If you've had neck surgery, recovery takes about 3 months. For lower back surgery, recovery takes about 6 months to a year. To help protect your healing spine during this time, follow the guidelines below and any other directions you've been given.

Recovering in the Hospital

After the surgery, you'll go to the PACU (postanesthesia care unit). After you are fully awake, you'll go to your room.

• When you first wake up from surgery, you may feel groggy, thirsty, or cold.

• You may have tubes in your body to drain fluid from your incision. You may also have a tube called a catheter to drain your bladder.

• You'll be encouraged to get up and walk.

• Your IV gives you fluids and nutrition until you can eat on your own, usually within a few days.

• You may wear special stockings or boots to prevent blood clots in your legs.

• You may be given a neck collar or back brace.

Recovering at Home

• Visits after surgery let your surgeon keep track of your healing. Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments.

• Take a few short walks each day. Increase your walking time as you heal.

• If you feel more pain than usual after an activity, you may have overdone it. Take it a little easier for a few hours.

• Ask your surgeon what activities to avoid. Also ask when you can return to work, driving, and sex.

• You may see a physical therapist who will teach you how to move after surgery.