How soon can you walk after lower back surgery?

Walking is the best activity you can do for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You should start out slowly and work up to walking 30 minutes at least twice a day. Do not be surprised if you require frequent naps during the day.

How long does pain last after lower back surgery?

As the back continues to heal, patients usually start to feel better and find they can take on more activities. The worst pain is generally over by 4 weeks after surgery. Pain is likely to continue to decrease gradually, but some patients continue to have pain 3 to 6 months after surgery.

How should I sleep after lower back surgery?

It is generally OK after back surgery to sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. Some prefer to sleep on one side or the other with a pillow between their knees and/or behind them to support the back. Here is another position that takes stress off the low back: Lay face up on the bed.

Is back surgery painful?

After surgery, pain is no longer achy and arthritic but stems from wound healing, swelling and inflammation. You will experience some pain outside of the hospital. For most back surgeries, it will take 1-1.5 months to resume “normal” mobility and function. During this time, pain should be tolerable and controlled.

How long should you wear a back brace after back surgery?

Depending on the surgery and your general condition, you may only have to wear your back brace for two weeks or until your first post-op visit. Lumbar fusion surgery patients will have to wear their brace for a longer period of time, up to three months, especially as they return to work and to normal activities.

How serious is lower back surgery?

Despite the possibility of severe complications, the mortality rate for spinal surgeries is low. One study found a mortality rate of 0.13\% out of 803,949 lumbar spine surgery patients. The rate of surgical complications is also low, with a 7.6\% complication rate in a study of 3,475 patients.

How many days do you stay in the hospital after back surgery?

On the day of your back surgery, your main objective will be to rest. While some patients are discharged on the day of their operation, most stay in the hospital for one to five days. You will be able to go home once you have good control of your pain and are able to walk, eat and use the restroom independently.

How long is the recovery from a typical back surgery?

How long is back surgery recovery? Everyone is different, but it generally takes about four weeks for the worst of your back pain to subside after surgery. Pain tends to decrease gradually, and many people will still experience some discomfort from three to six months after surgery.

How long does it take to recover from a lower back injury?

How long a sprain lasts depends on the location and severity of the injury. Symptoms of a mild back strain usually improve within one to two weeks and are gone within four to six weeks. In the legs, mild or moderate strains may take up to 8 to 10 weeks or more to heal.

How long will it take to recover from back surgery?

There is no one-size-fits-all set; this is another good reason to find out exactly what to expect after back surgery. With some surgeries, you can expect to be able to resume your normal activities within six to eight weeks. With others, you may be facing a few months.

How to recover faster from back surgery?

Practical Advice for Recovering from Back Surgery Getting enough continuous, uninterrupted sleep helps the body to heal faster. Minimizing low back strain through better body positioning can improve rest. It is generally OK after back surgery to sleep in whatever position is most comfortable.