- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar degenerative joint disease (arthritis)
- Lumbar spondylosis
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Flat back syndrome
- Lumbar kyphosis
- Lumbar slipped disc
- Lumbar herniated disc
- Failed back syndrome
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Lumbar myelopathy
- Lumbar spinal cord injury
This pain can have far-reaching effects on your life. For many patients, the pain even interferes with intimacy. Certain motions may aggravate a back condition, resulting in pain that makes it hard to remain in the moment. Spinal conditions may also cause nerve dysfunction. This can result in reduced stimulation, erectile dysfunction, and other difficulties that interfere with an active sex life. You may feel depressed or insecure about your body as a result.
What Is Lumbar Spinal Fusion?
Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that provides a permanent solution to back pain that interferes with sex and other activities. This procedure involves removing a spinal disc and using medical-grade implants and bone grafts to permanently join two or more vertebrae. While spinal fusion does eliminate movement between vertebrae, reducing some back mobility, it also eliminates the cause of pain. Patients experience immediate and permanent relief from all sorts of back conditions.
Sex After Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Even though lumbar spinal fusion results in reduced mobility, this doesnโt prevent an active sex life. However, patients shouldnโt engage in sex until they have recovered. Here is a look at sex and limitations at various stages of surgery recovery:
Initial Recovery
For the first few weeks after surgery, patients should be focused on resting. Strenuous activities, including sex, should be avoided. This is for your safety. If sexual activity resumes too soon, you can delay full recovery or, in the worst case, cause the bones to fuse incorrectly.
After One Month
Most patients can gradually resume normal activities after the first few weeks of recovery. At this point, it is important to follow the physicianโs guidance. While sex can be resumed, you should always stop if you experience any pain or discomfort during sexual activity. You also should consult with your physician.
Full Recovery
Once the surgery site is fully healed, patients can return to their normal sex lives. In fact, many patients report sex is improved after surgery. The lack of pain and nerve pinching helps you fully engage in and enjoy sexual activity without discomfort or distraction.
Tips for Resuming Sex After Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Patients can return to restriction-free sexual activity after their surgery recovery is complete. Waiting, however, may feel frustrating. Itโs normal to feel impatient about surgery recovery, and you may wonder whether thereโs any way to speed up the process. While recovery canโt always be hurried, these tips can help you have a safe and rewarding return to normal sexual activity:
- Donโt rush: Though you may be eager to resume your sex life, itโs important not to rush it. Take your time to recover properly to ensure your long-term well-being.
- Follow instructions: Make sure you understand your physicianโs instructions for recovery and follow them closely to make sure you heal correctly and without complications.
- Communicate: Maintain open communication with your partner about your comfort, goals, and needs, helping them get involved with your recovery.
- Ask for guidance: If problems arise, or if you have questions or concerns, get in contact with your physician, who can provide insight to assist the healing process.
- Be patient: Everybodyโs recovery from surgery is different. Yours may not look like another personโs. Do not stress; give your body the time it needs to get better.
Finally, do not hesitate to reach out to a NU-Spine neurosurgeon to learn more in preparation for your surgery. Planning and knowing what to expect can relieve anxieties, helping you approach your procedure with confidence.
Start Planning for Spine Surgery With NU-Spine
Sex after lumbar spinal fusion is a common concern for spine surgery patients and is just one of the many pressing questions you may have before surgery. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute can provide the answers.
We are led by an award-winning neurosurgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, who is committed to his patients. He will guide you through the treatment process and can answer specific questions about what to avoid. Contact usย today to learn more about the benefits of spinal fusion or to schedule an appointment at one of NU-Spineโs locations near youย in New Jersey.