Lumbar Fusion Surgery Recovery With New Jersey’s Experts

With many decades of combined experience treating spinal conditions, New Jersey Spine Specialists’ board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons are experts in lumbar fusion surgery. In fact, we are experts in all spinal fusion surgery. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure where a doctor places a bone graft between vertebrae to fuse them together. The point is to eliminate motion between the vertebrae and prevent further spine and nerve damage. The procedure is only considered in severe cases where an abnormality, such as a herniated or pinched disc, causes nerve damage and unmanageable pain.

What is the Recovery Time for Lumbar Fusion Surgery?

The recovery process varies widely from patient to patient and changes based on variables such as weight, age, diet, and lifestyle. It takes anywhere from 3-6 months to recover from lumbar fusion surgery. The typical progression of a patient’s recovery from spinal surgery goes as follows:

• Assuming no complications from surgery, the patient spends 2-3 days in the hospital receiving wound care, and learning how to get into and out of bed without further injuring the spine
• Recovery continues at home with further wound care, pain management, and the reintroduction of regular movements into the patient’s daily routine
• Physical therapy begins a few weeks after surgery and continues for several months

In most cases, patients return to their normal activities after a few months. Your board-certified NJ Spine Specialist determines the steps for your recovery.

Avoiding Strain and Dangerous Movements After Spinal Fusion Surgery

For several weeks after receiving minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery, patients should avoid strenuous activities. Activities like cooking, cleaning, dusting, and taking out the garbage are non-starters. Such activities require patients to bend their spines in ways that cause injury and undo the work of a successful lumbar fusion surgery. Lifting heavy objects is also not possible for the first few weeks following spinal fusion surgery; driving is permissible after a few weeks. Before resuming any physical activity, speak with your New Jersey Spine Specialists doctor. Our team consults all patients on what physical activities they can resume post surgery.

NJ Spine Specialists’ Recommended Diet Post Spinal Fusion

Diet has a profound impact on the process of spinal fusion recovery. Eating foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals – as well as calcium, and fiber – allows the spine to heal more quickly. Perfect examples of food items that meet these criteria are broccoli, berries, green peas, baked potatoes with skin, oatmeal, and black beans. Patients may expedite recovery from lumbar fusion by sticking to plant and lean-protein based foods.

Is Lumbar Fusion with NJSS Right for My Spinal Condition?

New Jersey Spine Specialists help patients return to a pain-free life. Treating Spinal abnormalities like bulging discs medically and with physical therapy is possible when identified early. The NJSS board-certified spine doctors work tirelessly to provide patients with non-invasive spinal fusion procedures. Our team is with you through every step of the process to answer all your questions and guide you through your recovery. With convenient locations in Montclair and Summit, it’s only a matter of time until you’re enjoying a pain-free life. Give us a call today for a consultation at (908) 738-1679.

Say “Good Bye” To Back Pain!

For questions about any of our services, contact us using the form below or call (908) 738-1679 today!

“I am pain free, walking and well on my way to recovery thanks to the help of New Jersey Spine Specialists” –

Robert K