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Post-Operative Instructions

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Post-Operative Instructions: Anterior/Posterior Lumbar Fusion

Follow-up Appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
4-5 days

Staple/Stitch Removal:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).
Medications:
Pain medications and/or muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis by the pain management team.
Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed.
No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op.
Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery.
Do not soak the wound and keep it dry.
Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place.
Do not scrub incision site.
No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively.
No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this.
No driving while using narcotic pain medications.

Brace:
Should be worn when out of bed for longer than 10 minutes. May sleep out of brace. May shower without brace starting at 2 weeks post-op.

Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise:
Walk as much as possible at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. This may be longer depending on progress of fusion seen on x-ray.
No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.

Post-Operative Instructions: Anterior Cervical Fusion

Follow-up Appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay) 

Staple/Stitch Removal:
There are no stitches to remove.
If you are discharged the day of surgery, you will come to the office the following day for removal of the drain.
Medications:

Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis.
Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed.

No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op.

Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:
  • If you stay overnight, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed between 2-6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery.
Do not soak the wound and keep it dry.
Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place.
Do not scrub incision site.
No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively.
No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this.
No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Collar:
A collar should be used at all times for the first 2-6 weeks following surgery. It will be discontinued in the office.

The soft collar should be used while in bed.

The hard collar should be used while out of bed.

A third collar may be given to be worn while showering.

Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.The soft collar should be used while sleeping.
Cardiovascular Exercise:
Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.

No bending of the neck and no lifting above the level of the shoulders for 6 weeks.

Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Post-Operative Instructions: Kyphoplasty

Follow-up Appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge:
Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay)
Removal:
There are no stitches and nothing to remove.
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis.

Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed.

Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 2-6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery.
Do not soak the wound and keep it dry.
Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place.
Do not scrub incision site.
No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 2 weeks post-operatively.

No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 30 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this.
No driving while using narcotic pain medications.

Sitting:
No sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
May stand or lay for as long as you are comfortable.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise:
Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.

No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground for 6 weeks.

Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Brace:
None needed.

Post-Operative Instructions: Lumbar Laminectomy

Follow-up Appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay)
Staple/Stitch Removal:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).

Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis.

Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed.

Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 2 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery.
Do not soak the wound and keep it dry.
Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place.
Do not scrub incision site.
No baths, walk-in shower only.

Driving:
None for 2 weeks post-operatively.

No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this.

No driving while using narcotic pain medications.

Brace:
Should be worn when out of bed for longer than 10 minutes.
May sleep out of brace.
May shower without brace starting at 2 weeks post-op.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise:
Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Brace:
None needed.
Post-Operative Instructions: Microdiscectomy

Follow-up Appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay)

Staple/Stitch Removal:

There are no stitches and nothing to remove.

Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis.
Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed.
Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 2-6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery.
Do not soak the wound and keep it dry.
Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place.
Do not scrub incision site.
No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 2 weeks post-operatively.
No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 15 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this.
No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Sitting:
No sitting upright for longer than 15 minutes per hour. May be in a reclined position (more than 45 degrees) as long as comfortable.
May stand or lay as long as you are comfortable.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise:
Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.
No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.

Brace:

None needed.

Post-Operative Instructions: Posterior Cervical Fusion

Follow-up Appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
2-3 days
Staple/Stitch Removal:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis by the pain management team.
Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed.
No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op.
Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery.
Do not soak the wound and keep it dry.
Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place.
Do not scrub incision site.
No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively.
No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this.
No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Collar:
A collar should be used at all times for the first 6 weeks following surgery.
The soft collar should be used while in bed.
The hard collar should be used while out of bed.
A third collar may be given to be worn while showering.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
The soft collar should be used while sleeping.
Cardiovascular Exercise:
Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.
No bending of the neck and no lifting above the level of the shoulders for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Post-Operative Instructions: Posterior Lumbar Fusion

Follow-up Appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
2-3 days
Staple/Stitch Removal:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis by the pain management team.
Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed.
No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op.
Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery.
Do not soak the wound and keep it dry.
Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place.
Do not scrub incision site.
No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively.
No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this.
No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Brace:
Should be worn when out of bed for longer than 10 minutes.
May sleep out of brace.
May shower without brace starting at 2 weeks post-op.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise:
Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. This may be longer depending on progress of fusion seen on x-ray.
No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.

Post-Operative Instructions: Anterior/Posterior Lumbar Fusion

Follow-up appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
4-5 days

Staple/StitchRemoval:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).
Medications:
Pain medications and/or muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis by the pain management team. Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed. No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op. Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery. Do not soak the wound and keep it dry. Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place. Do not scrub incision site. No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively. No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this. No driving while using narcotic pain medications.

Brace:
Should be worn when out of bed for longer than 10 minutes. May sleep out of brace. May shower without brace starting at 2 weeks post-op.

Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Walk as much as possible at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. This may be longer depending on progress of fusion seen on x-ray. No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.

Post-Operative Instructions: Anterior Cervical Fusion

Follow-up appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay) 

Staple/StitchRemoval: There are no stitches to remove. If you are discharged the day of surgery, you will come to the office the following day for removal of the drain.
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis. Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed. No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op. Resume home medications per discharge instructions.
Physical Therapy:
  • If you stay overnight, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed between 2-6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery. Do not soak the wound and keep it dry. Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place. Do not scrub incision site. No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively. No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this. No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Collar: A collar should be used at all times for the first 2-6 weeks following surgery. It will be discontinued in the office. The soft collar should be used while in bed. The hard collar should be used while out of bed. A third collar may be given to be worn while showering.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.The soft collar should be used while sleeping.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable. From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting: No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. No bending of the neck and no lifting above the level of the shoulders for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Post-Operative Instructions: Kyphoplasty

Follow-up appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge:
Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay)
Removal:
There are no stitches and nothing to remove.
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis. Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed. Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 2-6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery. Do not soak the wound and keep it dry. Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place. Do not scrub incision site. No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 2 weeks post-operatively. No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 30 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this. No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Sitting:
No sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time. May stand or lay for as long as you are comfortable.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable. From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting: No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Brace:
None needed.

Post-Operative Instructions: Lumbar Laminectomy

Follow-up appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate): Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay)
Staple/StitchRemoval:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis. Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed. Resume home medications per discharge instructions.
Physical Therapy:
  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 2 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering: You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery. Do not soak the wound and keep it dry. Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place. Do not scrub incision site. No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 2 weeks post-operatively. No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this. No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Brace:
Should be worn when out of bed for longer than 10 minutes.
May sleep out of brace.
May shower without brace starting at 2 weeks post-op.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable. From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Brace:
None needed.
Post-Operative Instructions: Microdiscectomy

Follow-up appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate): Outpatient (occasional 23 hours stay)
Staple/StitchRemoval:
There are no stitches and nothing to remove.
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis. Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed. Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 2-6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering: You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery. Do not soak the wound and keep it dry. Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place. Do not scrub incision site. No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 2 weeks post-operatively. No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 15 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this. No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Sitting:
No sitting upright for longer than 15 minutes per hour. May be in a reclined position (more than 45 degrees) as long as comfortable. May stand or lay as long as you are comfortable.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable. From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting:
No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Brace:
None needed.
Post-Operative Instructions: Posterior Cervical Fusion

Follow-up appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
2-3 days
Staple/StitchRemoval:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis by the pain management team. Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed. No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op. Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery. Do not soak the wound and keep it dry. Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place. Do not scrub incision site. No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively. No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this. No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Collar:
A collar should be used at all times for the first 6 weeks following surgery. The soft collar should be used while in bed. The hard collar should be used while out of bed. A third collar may be given to be worn while showering.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back. The soft collar should be used while sleeping.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable. From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting: No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. No bending of the neck and no lifting above the level of the shoulders for 6 weeks.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.
Post-Operative Instructions: Posterior Lumbar Fusion

Follow-up appointments (approximate):
2 weeks             6 weeks              3 months
6 months           1 year                 Annual

Discharge (approximate):
2-3 days
Staple/StitchRemoval:
At the first post-op visit (approximately 2 weeks).
Medications:
Pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed on an individual basis by the pain management team. Prescriptions will be re-filled during office hours only. Please allow 72 hours for requests to be processed. No anti-inflammatories for a minimum of 3 months post-op. Resume home medications per discharge instructions.

Physical Therapy:

  • In the hospital, this will begin on post-operative day 1.
  • As an outpatient, this may be prescribed approximately 6 weeks post-op.
  • A home exercise program may also be prescribed.
Showering:
You may begin showering 72 hours following surgery. Do not soak the wound and keep it dry. Change the dressing after showering, while leaving the steri strips in place. Do not scrub incision site. No baths, walk-in shower only.
Driving:
None for 4-6 weeks post-operatively. No sitting in one position in the car for longer than 45 minutes- get out and stretch if the ride is longer than this. No driving while using narcotic pain medications.
Brace:
Should be worn when out of bed for longer than 10 minutes.
May sleep out of brace.
May shower without brace starting at 2 weeks post-op.
Sleeping:
Sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try to use a pillow between the knees and lying on your side, or a pillow below the knees and lying on your back.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Walk at least 30 minutes per day (does not need to be all at once) at the time of discharge. Walking is the most important activity. Do as much as is comfortable. From 2 weeks through 6 weeks following surgery, you should be able to increase your activity to normal.
Lifting: No lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. This may be longer depending on progress of fusion seen on x-ray. No bending of the waist and no reaching to the ground.
Housework:
Light duties only.
Avoid pushing and pulling.
No bending over.
Sexual Activity:
Wait until 2 weeks post-op, once pain has subsided.
Use comfortable positions.