How long do you take pain meds after spinal fusion?
Avoiding aspirin products and NSAIDs—such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex)—for at least 3 months after lumbar fusion is usually recommended. These products may interfere with growth and development of the bone fusion.
What helps with pain after spinal fusion?
In the early postoperative period (3 to 12 months), medications such as Neurontin may help limit back pain or leg pain, and exercises can help free up the nerve. Beyond this time period, pain management techniques may help the patient cope with the back pain or leg pain.
What is normal pain after spinal fusion?
After surgery, you can expect your back to feel stiff and sore. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework.
Are spinal fusions worth it?
While the results of spinal fusions are good, they aren’t 100%. Of those who undergo a spinal fusion, around 80% experience significant relief from their pain, while the remaining 20% feel little to no difference.
How long do you stay in the hospital after spinal fusion surgery?
You may be in the hospital for 1 to 3 days; longer if you have spinal fusion. Rest is important. But doctors want you out of bed as soon as possible. Most people start physical therapy within 24 hours.
Why do spinal fusions fail?
An instrumented fusion can fail if there is not enough support to hold the spine while it is fusing. Therefore, spinal hardware (e.g. pedicle screws) may be used as an internal splint to hold the spine while it fuses after spine surgery.
Can you bend after spinal fusion surgery?
Once the surgeon confirms on x-ray imaging that the fusion has completely solidified into one bone, a full return to an active lifestyle—including bending, lifting, and twisting—is permitted. This approval typically occurs about 6 months after the surgery, but sometimes it may take closer to 12 months.
Can you sleep in a recliner after spinal fusion surgery?
For back pain, in general, sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees may ease discomfort. Sleeping in a recliner or adjustable bed may also provide some pain relief for the low back. If you’d like more information on recommended sleeping positions for back pain or after surgery, talk to Dr.
What happens if my spinal fusion failed?
After any spine surgery, a percentage of patients may still experience pain. This is called failed back or failed fusion syndrome, which is characterized by intractable pain and an inability to return to normal activities. Surgery may be able to fix the condition but not eliminate the pain.