LUMBAR SPINE SURGERY

When doctors perform lumbar surgery, the procedure can last from one to eight hours. Some patients report improvements in the way they feel immediately after they awake from the surgery. However, strengthening the weakened muscles and soft tissue surrounding and supporting the spine requires a long-term program of exercise and therapy.

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The Surgeons at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute have won honors for their skills in performing surgery on the spine.

Lumbar Spine Surgery

Most patients who undergo lumbar spine surgery experience good to excellent results following the operation. Subsequently, many patients experience significant pain relief and the return of good functional movement and strength, enabling them to walk, sit, drive a car, and cope with the activities of daily life more easily.

The surgical procedure for lumbar surgery can last from one to eight hours. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Lumbar Scoliosis, and Lumbar Spine Fusion surgeries tend to last much longer than simple discectomies. Meanwhile, some patients report improvements in the way they feel immediately after they awake from the surgery. However, strengthening the weakened muscles and soft tissue surrounding and supporting the spine requires a long-term program of exercise and therapy. Although many patients see and feel immediate benefits, they need the benefits of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for several months to get the total benefit.

Your Lumbar Spine Surgery recovery time will depend on the type of lumbar procedure used. Similarly, the type of procedure will also determine how long you will need to stay in the hospital and how much assistance you may need after surgery.

Lumbar Spine Surgery Recovery- Day One

The day after Lumbar Spine Surgery is considered day one. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, you may sit on the edge of the bed and stand with support. In addition, patients are often encouraged to stand and sit (with assistance if needed) within twenty-four hours after surgery. However, walking should begin gradually and in a guided manner to avoid injury and complications. For instance, try not to overdo it the first few times you get up and walk. Also, build up gradually to avoid a flare-up of symptoms.

Questions and Answers

What is Lumbar Spine Surgery?

Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions that cause instability or excessive movement in the lower back (lumbar spine). It involves fusing two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, screws, rods, or other instrumentation. The goal of the procedure is to promote bone growth betw

What are the different types of Lumbar Spine Surgery?

Lumbar spinal fusion may be recommended for various conditions, including:

  • Degenerative disc disease: When the discs between the vertebrae in the lumbar spine degenerate and cause pain, instability, or nerve compression.
  • Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward in relation to the adjacent vertebra, resulting in instability and nerve compression.
  • Spinal stenosis: When the spinal canal narrows, causing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Spinal fractures or tumors: In certain cases, lumbar spinal fusion may be necessary to stabilize the spine after a fracture or to address tumor-related instability.
What is the Recovery Process after Lumbar Spine Surgery?

The recovery process following lumbar spine surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed and individual factors. However, some common aspects of the recovery process include:

  • Hospital stay: The length of the hospital stay can vary, but typically a few days for monitoring and initial recovery.
  • Pain management: Doctors prescribe medications to manage pain and discomfort during the initial recovery period.
  • Physical therapy: Doctors recommend rehabilitation or physical therapy to help regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. The specific exercises and activities will tailor to the individual’s condition and surgical procedure.
  • Restrictions and precautions: Patients will avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting, or strenuous activities during the initial stages of recovery to allow proper healing and minimize strain on the surgical site.
  • Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon will monitor progress, assess the healing process, and address any concerns or complications.
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Lab Testing

You may need to have blood drawn daily if your physician has placed you on blood-thinning medications. For example, these tests are needed to regulate anti-coagulant therapy (blood thinning). During the first few days, your doctor will monitor your blood thinning level and may determine your need for additional blood transfusions.

Treatment

Your nurse will check the circulation and motion of your legs and feet. You may have an incentive spirometer (blue inhalation tube) to help expand your lungs and prevent pneumonia. The nurses may remove the drain and change the dressings on your incision. Surgical tape, sutures, or adhesive tape will close your incision. Also, the nurse may apply an ice pack or cooling pad to help decrease swelling and increase your comfort. For the first two days, the patient will receive intravenous fluids.  

Activity

Your physical therapist will work with you to help you begin moving safely and some Ideas provided to help you move and sit up in bed. You will gradually progress to standing and walking. You may require the use of a walking aid (cane or walker) for a short time following surgery and you will conduct exercises to ease soreness in your legs. Patients may begin static tightening of the thigh and buttocks muscles. Ankle pump exercises can help fluid from pooling in the lower limbs.

Diet

Your physician will order your diet. Recovery from anesthesia varies from person to person, so your diet will be adjusted as your intestinal function returns to normal. Usually, as soon as you eat, you will be allowed to have clear liquids. If you tolerate these, you will get more solid food.

Medication

Patients will get intravenous Antibiotics for 24 hours to help prevent infection because pain medication will ensure your comfort. If you are uncomfortable, please let your nurse know. Being comfortable allows you to participate in your exercise program.

Lumbar Spine Surgery Recovery – Day Two

Treatment

The intravenous line and a urinary catheter (if you have one) get removed. You will probably continue using the incentive spirometer. The nurse may change your wound dressing.

Activity

Patients should continue exercising to promote motion and prevent muscle soreness and tightness. The physical therapist may use Ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve pain before and/or after therapy treatments. With assistance from your therapist, you will gradually increase walking in preparation for going home.

Lumbar Spine Surgery Recovery – Day Three and Beyond

Treatment

Daily blood testing for a range of body functions will continue. If needed, the nurse will change or remove the wound dressing. Patients can use self-care aids to reduce stress on their back, such as chair cushions, raised toilet seats, or bathing aids.

Medication

During the first few days after Lumbar Spine Surgery, some pain will naturally occur. However, medicine can adequately control this pain. Patients should let their nurses know if they experience any pain.

Activity

Your physical activity will continue to focus on your safety with mobility and help you toward independence. In spite of any mild discomfort, patients should continue the deep breathing and physical therapy exercises as instructed. Patients who breathe well and work at strengthening their muscles, improving their lung capacity and circulation, often heal faster.

Skills Needed for a Speedy Recovery

Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute SurgeonsThe skill of the surgeon plays a crucial role in the success of lumbar spine surgery and the subsequent recovery process. The highly skilled and experienced spine surgeons like those at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Center with offices in DallasPlano, and Frisco, Texas possess the expertise to perform the procedure accurately and efficiently, minimizing the risks and complications associated with the surgery. Our skilled spine surgeons – Richard Hostin, MDDevesh Ramnath, MDIshaq Syed, MDShyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD – are knowledgeable about the anatomy of the lumbar spine, understand the nuances of different surgical techniques, and can adapt their approach based on the individual patient’s needs.

Additionally, our skilled spine surgeons are able to make precise and well-informed decisions during the surgery, such as determining the appropriate extent of the surgical intervention, identifying and addressing any additional issues or complications encountered during the procedure, and ensuring proper alignment and stability of the spine. This attention to detail is vital in achieving the desired surgical outcomes and promoting a quick recovery.

Other Factors for a Speedy Recovery

However, it’s important to note that the surgeon’s skills are just one aspect that contributes to a quick recovery after lumbar spine surgery. Other factors that influence the recovery and that our surgeons prioritize include:

  • Pre-operative preparation: Proper pre-operative evaluation and preparation, including medical optimization and patient education, are essential for a smooth recovery. This involves addressing any underlying health conditions, optimizing nutrition, and ensuring the patient understands the surgical procedure, post-operative care instructions, and expectations.
  • Post-operative care: Following surgery, the patient’s post-operative care plays a crucial role in the recovery process. This includes effective pain management, adherence to prescribed medications and therapies, wound care, and following activity restrictions and rehabilitation protocols. Close monitoring by healthcare professionals is important to detect and address any complications or concerns promptly.
  • Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation and physical therapy are key components of the recovery process. A well-designed and structured rehabilitation program, tailored to the patient’s specific needs, helps promote healing, restore strength and mobility, and improve overall function. Compliance with the prescribed exercises and therapies is important for optimal recovery.
  • Overall Health and Lifestyle: The patient’s overall health and lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, can impact the recovery process. Good general health and a healthy lifestyle can support the body’s healing processes and contribute to a quicker recovery.

Conclusion

It’s important for patients to select a skilled and experienced surgeon, like those at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, follow their recommendations, and actively participate in their own health to maximize the chances of a quick and successful recovery after lumbar spine surgery.

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Washington State Lumber Surgery Guidelines: Lumbar Spine Surgery

 

If you or a loved one suffers from spinal pain, you owe it to yourself to call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment.