How long does it take to walk after spinal stenosis surgery?

You'll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it's likely you'll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation).

How long does it take nerves to heal after spinal stenosis surgery?

Complete recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks or a few months after a lumbar laminectomy depending on the age and general health of the patient and the number of segments treated. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.

How long are you off work with spinal stenosis surgery?

Recovery Timeline

It may be four to six weeks before you can comfortably go back to work. Full recovery from spinal fusion surgery can take between six months to a year to resume normal activities.

How long should you use a walker after back surgery?

You will need an assistance device such as a walker or cane for the first week; however, you should strive to limit the use of this device after the first two to three weeks when you are on stable ground. By the end of the first month, you should be able to walk one mile without your assistance device.

What can I expect after spinal stenosis surgery?

All surgery has some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and risks from anesthesia. Risks from surgery for spinal stenosis include damage to the nerves, tissue tears, chronic pain, and trouble passing urine. You may not be able to go back to all of your normal activities for at least several months.

Life After Lumbar Decompression

Can you walk again after stenosis surgery?

You'll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it's likely you'll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation).

How painful is the recovery from spinal stenosis surgery?

Typically you will experience pain for a few weeks after surgery and you may need over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Your spine surgeon may also prescribe a course of physical therapy to help you regain strength in your abdomen and back and promote a better recovery.

Is sitting OK after back surgery?

Sitting is limited to 20 minutes at a time for the first two weeks after surgery. This is increased to 40 minutes by four weeks. You should return to bed or go for a short walk if you start to feel uncomfortable. Periods of sitting can be repeated many times a day with a rest lying down in between for 30 to 60 minutes.

How long are you bed ridden after back surgery?

Movement is critical to proper healing after spinal surgery, so you can expect to get out of bed the same day or the very next day after surgery.

Is a recliner good after back surgery?

It is okay to sit while eating and for half an hour at a time. Recliners are better than soft-backed chairs. Do not lift more than 10 pounds for the first 4 weeks after surgery. It is okay to climb stairs.

How do you wipe after back surgery?

While wiping, bend from the knees rather than at the hips. A long- handled device may help to reach all areas. 4. The use of pre-moistened, flushable wipes is strongly recommended.

What is the best exercise after spinal stenosis surgery?

Heel slides, wall squats, and straight leg raises, though they seem basic, are some of the most effective rehabilitative exercises to incorporate into your spinal surgery recovery routine.

What is the success rate of spinal stenosis surgery?

The success rate of a lumbar laminectomy to alleviate leg pain from spinal stenosis is generally favorable. Research suggests: 85% to 90% of lumbar central spinal stenosis patients find relief from leg pain after an open laminectomy surgery.

What is considered severe spinal stenosis?

Stenosis is considered severe when it causes loss of certain functions or disabilities, or when other treatment options have failed to relieve symptoms. You should consult an expert neurosurgeon to assess your symptoms.

Can you walk up stairs after spinal stenosis surgery?

While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery. You can go upstairs in the couple weeks following surgery, but it's best to limit stairs to once or twice a day in the first few weeks.

Is it better to lay down or sit after back surgery?

The right way to sleep after back surgery

The best position to sleep in after spine surgery is lying flat on your back, placing a pillow below your knees or lying sideways with a pillow between your bent knees.

Is it better to sleep in a recliner or a bed after back surgery?

Sleeping in a recliner after back surgery

Sleeping in a reclining chair might be more comfortable if you find it difficult to get into bed after surgery. Sitting in a reclined position is less stressful for your back than sitting in an upright chair.

Can I drive 2 weeks after back surgery?

You can drive when you feel up to driving and are not taking narcotic pain medications or after clearance by your surgeon. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after a laminectomy and discectomy and 4 to 6 weeks after a lumbar fusion.

What do I need at home after back surgery?

What type of chair is best for spinal stenosis?

Recliner Chair

For example, people with pain from lumbar spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease often will feel most comfortable in a reclined position with feet propped up on a footrest. For these people, one option may be to use a recliner while working.

How should you lay in bed after back surgery?

Doctors recommend sleeping on your back or your side as you heal from spine surgery. Sleeping on your belly is generally not recommended because your spine is not in a neutral position for a prolonged period. Consider wearing satin pajamas to bed to help it make it easier for you to adjust your sleeping position.

How big is the incision for spinal stenosis surgery?

To perform a classic laminectomy, a 3-4 inch incision is made in your lower back, though it may be longer depending on how many levels of your lamina are affected.

Do you have to wear a brace after spinal stenosis surgery?

You will need to wear a brace at all times when you are up, for 3 months following surgery. You may remove the brace for brief periods to shower and attend to personal hygiene, but remember to maintain your back in a neutral position and avoid any bending.

Can you get paralyzed from spinal stenosis surgery?

Nerve injury and paralysis

Some patients who have lumbar decompression surgery will develop new numbness or weakness in one or both legs as a result of the operation. Paralysis is an uncommon, but serious, complication that can occur as a result of lumbar decompression surgery.