Do you know that recovery from spine surgery is time taking and needs patience? There are many factors such as type of surgery performed, overall well-being of the patient and commitment to physical rehabilitation. In spine surgery, the healing process is a tough roller coaster ride. In this blog, let us discuss types of spine surgery and recovery time after spine surgery.
Spine Surgery Types and Their Recovery Times
The type of spine surgery plays a crucial role in knowing how long your recovery will take. Let us know the different types of spine surgeries and their expected recovery times:
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Laminectomy:
Laminectomy is a type of spine surgery where the lamina is removed to relieve pressure on the nerves. This pressure is caused by spinal stenosis.
Recovery Time:
Basic recovery time after Laminectomy surgery is three to six weeks, while complete recovery may take two to four months. -
Ultra-Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Ultra-Minimally Invasive Spinal surgery involves small cuts and specialized equipment to treat different spinal problems such as spinal stenosis and herniated discs. This minimally invasive approach leads to less tissue damaged compared to conventional surgery. Ultra-Minimally Invasive Spinal surgery includes use of endoscopic tools.
Recovery Time:
You can resume light activities within one to three weeks of ultra- minimally invasive spinal surgery, while complete recovery may take one or two months. -
Spinal Fusion
Spinal Fusion is a type of spine surgery that aids to stabilize the spine and relieve pain that is caused due to spinal instability or degenerative disc disease.
Recovery Time:
Basic spinal fusion type of spine surgery recovery takes three to six months. Complete recovery from spine fusion may take six to 12 months based on the surgery’s extent and the patient’s overall well-being. -
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial Disc Replacement is a type of spine surgery that removes a damaged spinal disc portion and replaces it with a new artificial disc to maintain motion between the vertebrae. Artificial Disc Replacement is different from spinal fusion surgery that focuses on stopping movement.
Recovery Time:
Healing after spinal surgery or artificial disc replacement may take two weeks to two months. -
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery that is performed to treat a bulging disc or herniated disc that is pressing nerves, causing numbness, weakness or even excess pain in arms or legs.
Recovery Time:
Patients can get back to light activities within one to four weeks after Microdiscectomy surgery but complete recovery may take six to 12 weeks.
How long does it take to recover from spine surgery?
Spine surgery recovery differs from person to person. For instance, outcomes will differ on the type of surgery performed, his or her compliance with the post-operative care plan or even the patient’s health condition.
When it comes to major open spine surgery, it may take six months to a year to heal and for minimally invasive spine surgery might take 4 to 8 weeks to return to your daily activities.
Ensure that recovery always takes place in phases, it starts with wound healing after that post-surgery rehabilitation occurs.
Key Factors in Spine Post-surgery rehabilitation are:
Patient’s Health: Healthier and young individuals with better immune systems recover speedily from Spine surgery.
Extent of Spine Surgery: The length and complexity of spine surgery also impact the timelines of recovery.
Surgical Technique: Minimally invasive surgeries have quick recovery compared to open surgery.
A Note from Joint Robo Clinic
There are many factors that impact the recovery time after spine surgery but if you are committed, patient and surround yourself with proper care, then you can get back to a healthy lifestyle and improve your quality of life.
With awareness of dietary guidelines, recovery time, methods of pain management and rehabilitation protocols, you can choose a holistic approach to healing from your spine surgery.
