Spine surgeries can provide long-term relief for back conditions. Before the benefits can be enjoyed, however, patients must go through recovery. Though the recovery period may be challenging, many patients find that the relief is worth it. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute serves the state of New Jersey with cervical spinal fusion, thoracic spinal fusion, and lumbar spinal fusion, and other advanced spine surgery solutions. Here, we discuss surgery recovery times and how long you will need pain medication after spinal fusion surgery.
Understanding Spine Structure
The structure of the spine is key to its function. It is composed of several bones called vertebrae, which are joined together in a chain. These joints give the spine great mobility and the ability to bend, twist, and flex. However, they are also vulnerable because the spine supports the weight of the body. Its joints take large amounts of stress, making them susceptible to breakdown. Damaged joints chafe when they move, resulting in pain and lost mobility.
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion surgery is an advanced procedure used to treat issues with the vertebral joints. During this procedure, the surgeon uses bone grafts and hardware to fuse two or more vertebrae. This eliminates movement in the joint. Without movement, the patient will no longer experience any pain. It creates a single, strong bone that is more stable, making it resistant to future injury.
What Does Spinal Fusion Surgery Treat?
Spinal fusion surgery presents a permanent solution to many forms of back pain. Almost any back condition that affects the vertebral joints can be effectively treated with fusion. Some examples include:
- Traumatic injuries
- Degenerative joint disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spondylosis, or spine arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Cervical facet syndrome
- Flat back syndrome
- Kyphosis
- Slipped disc
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Failed back syndrome
- Spine infection
Back conditions like these are painful and may also reduce the spine’s flexibility and ability to function. This can have a sizeable impact on a patient’s quality of life. When the range of motion is restricted, and every movement hurts, it becomes difficult to participate in everyday activities. Work, household tasks, and favorite pastimes all become harder to complete.
When Is Spinal Fusion Surgery Recommended?
If a painful back condition is reducing your quality of life, medical treatment is essential. However, surgery is not always the first recommended approach. In most cases, physicians begin with non-invasive treatment, which may provide relief without the trauma and long recovery associated with surgery. Conservative treatments for back pain include:
- Rest
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Pain management medications
- Steroid injections
- Wearing a brace
When it comes to severe chronic pain, however, the conservative approach is not always sufficient. The pain may prove resistant to treatment, or the quality-of-life impact may be too significant to be addressed with simple means. In these situations, surgery may be considered. Spinal fusion surgery may provide lasting relief for pain that cannot be treated with other methods, making it a desirable option for many patients.
Recovery and Postoperative Care for Spinal Fusion Surgery
Though spinal fusion surgery is effective in addressing back pain, it does require a lengthy recovery. It is essential that patients follow their surgeon’s instructions during this time. Proper postoperative care is key to avoiding complications and attaining the best results from surgery. For the first few days and weeks after surgery, the surgeon’s instructions may include:
- Avoiding bending, lifting, and twisting
- Keeping the back straight when sleeping
- Cleaning the incision site with a gentle sponge
- Monitoring the incision site for signs of infection
- Wearing a brace to stabilize the back
- Increasing walking gradually
As recovery progresses, the surgeon will guide the patient through a steady return to normal activities. Most patients can return to light everyday activities, such as driving, attending school, or doing sedentary work, by four to six weeks after surgery. At this point, physical therapy may be recommended to rebuild strength and flexibility in the back muscles. Physical therapy typically lasts six weeks to three months. By the six-month mark, most patients can resume even strenuous activities.
How Long Will I Need Pain Medication After Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Part of postoperative care for spinal fusion surgery involves managing pain. An opioid medication may be prescribed to address severe pain immediately after surgery. Though effective, however, opioids can cause complications when used long-term. This means they are typically only used for short-term pain management. Patients can expect to wean off opioid medications after two weeks to one month, depending on their condition and the surgeon’s recommendations.
After shifting away from the opioid prescription, patients may wish to consider other options. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain management medications, including acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be used until the patient recovers completely. The pain will decrease gradually, and most patients can fully quit medications a few months after surgery.
Learn More About Spinal Fusion Recovery
If you are struggling with treatment-resistant chronic back pain, spinal fusion surgery may be a solution. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers this and other innovative treatments at locations across New Jersey. Our resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, specializes in all kinds of spine surgery, including complex procedures. To learn more about how surgery can relieve pain or how long you will need pain medication after spinal fusion surgery, contact us today.