Did you just have your spinal surgery? Is the pain after lumbar fusion surgery stopping you to perform daily tasks? Well, it’s time that you know what to expect six (06) months after spinal fusion.
Life after spinal fusion can only be improved if you know what to expect after spinal fusion surgery. Does that sound like we are hinting towards something Bad? Don’t worry, we are not!
According to a study, 80% of patients had satisfactory results and experienced a shocking reduction in pain after surgery. Well, that means there is one less thing to worry about.
However, the pain can even last for a year and might be an indication of a few complications after spinal fusion surgery. To avoid these problems, you must follow your doctor’s advice.
Moreover, knowing things to expect after back fusion surgery will save you from worrying about an unexpected symptom. Let’s talk about the things that can; cannot, should; or should not happen!
Know Your Symptoms: What to Expect Six Months after Spinal Fusion
You already know from your research and medical knowledge that the first three months after spinal fusion surgery are the most difficult to spend. And this is the time when you experience mild to severe symptoms of recovery.
There are a few things your doctor would strictly NOT allow you to do, for example, leaning, twisting, using stairs, and strenuous exercise, etc.
However, the period of restrictions lasts for six months mostly. But that only depends on your condition and the type of spinal fusion surgery you had.
So to know what to expect after spinal fusion surgery, you need to know your progress. If it’s improving, you can expect good things. If not, then you might have to wait a little longer.
These are a few complaints to expect six months after spinal fusion surgery;
Back sore
This is probably the most common complaint from people after spinal fusion surgery. You might experience back sore after you wake up in the morning, no matter what level of surgery you had. But thankfully, it wouldn’t be so severe, and you will be out of your bed.
Slight pain
Pain is an immediate answer to your concern; ‘what to expect six months after spinal fusion’.
If you have slight pain in the back even after six months, don’t worry. Keep taking your pain medications as prescribed by the doctors.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing sharp pain and it doesn’t go away years after the spinal fusion surgery, urgently see your doctor.
Flexibility
Loss in flexibility that started in the starting months of spinal fusion will be back after six months. If it doesn’t, don’t worry; give your spine some more time to heal.
Tingling in leg
Why is there tingling in the leg after spinal fusion surgery? Well, because the nerves that leave that segment might get compressed.
The compression will lead to loss of nerve supply especially, in the lower limb after lumbar spinal fusion. This will ultimately lead to a loss of sensation in that area. Hence, a tingling sensation ensues.
What to Expect after Spinal Fusion Surgery: Good News
Everyone who had a spinal fusion surgery asks at least one question, that is, what to expect six months after spinal fusion? Here is a good news;
Simply, when you look six months back, you should feel a huge difference. Emphasize the word, huge, because, after six months of surgery, your life would start taking a nice turn. Until and unless there aren’t any complications, you would see some unexpected improvements.
Plant lovers can plant, trainers can train, runners can run, hikers can hike, and most importantly, you will be able to drive without any back pain.
However, to achieve complete recovery, you must know the balance between exercising and resting. You should know when not to let your spine sleep and when to give it a break.
You can try these exercises to strengthen your lower back or go to a physiotherapist. It would be difficult in the beginning, but you will surely pace up. Here is a list of things you would be able to do without any restrictions (that is if there aren’t any associated complications):
- Powerlifting is acceptable after six months
- No difficulty in walking
- You should stretch and move around to take the pressure off of your lower back.
- Running and training pace up
Now you know what to expect after spinal fusion surgery. However, if it’s possible, do not rush into it and take your full time to recover to avoid future problems.
Multi-level Fusion and What Can You Expect after Back Fusion Surgery
Another significant question is what to expect after back fusion surgery if you had a multiple-level spinal fusion?
Sharp pain
If you had a multi-level surgery or had multiple surgeries in the past, you will take more time to heal compared with the others.
First of all, it will be difficult for you to bend and twist. Plus, you won’t be able to drive far away because sitting for long hours will put pressure on your spine that will cause pain.
Moreover, pain after lumbar fusion surgery can arise years after the spinal fusion due to degeneration of the joints. However, the painkillers can help you deviate from the pain till you are fully recovered.
Restrictions on work
If your job doesn’t require too much labor, things are Good for you. However, if you work in a factory, for instance, where you have to carry heavy loads of stuff, you can never return to that job.
FAQs
You can only expect good things after lumbar fusion if you take the necessary precautions after spinal fusion. For example, you will be able to drive, walk for longer distances, bend and lift. Most importantly, you can return to work if it doesn’t include hard labor.
Pain after spinal fusion surgery is the most common concern of patients. You can recover from it, as it’s not always permanent. But if it is chronic, you would urgently need to see your doctor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what to expect after back fusion surgery is proportional to how much you are willing to give in. For a speedy recovery from spinal fusion, you must upgrade your diet, cut out on bad food, and exercise regularly.
Hopefully, you have your answer to the question, what to expect six months after fusion. And thankfully, you can mostly expect good things after lower back surgery.
Just don’t hurry to start living a normal life. Take your time to heal completely. Even if you feel like you are all well to go, give your spine an extra week to recover.