What can you expect during spinal fusion recovery?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Understanding what to expect during spinal fusion recovery can help you prepare for the changes you need to make. Dr. Jason McGowan, a board-certified neurosurgeon in Denver who specializes in spinal fusion surgery and scoliosis surgery for adults, guides patients through the process of spinal fusion recovery in this detailed video. Dr. McGowan completed the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Complex Spinal Deformity Fellowship with specialization in degenerative spinal conditions, including scoliosis, complex spinal deformity, and spinal reconstruction. Spinal fusion is a commonly performed type of back surgery used to relieve pain from degenerative disc disease and other conditions, including scoliosis. Also referred to as lumbar fusion when performed in the lower to middle back, spinal fusion recovery time will vary based on the number of levels being fused, the patient’s overall health and compliance with post-surgery instructions. There are some key stages in spinal fusion recovery and some things you can do to help improve your back surgery outcome and speed up healing and recovery.
I have been told I need spinal fusion surgery, but God bless those with scoliosis. There is always something to be grateful for.
My second spine fusion was done 5 weeks ago. The pain is bad, but mostly tolerable. After 2 weeks, the pain is much better. I could tell that my surgery was a success after the second day. I was finally standing up straight. So happy I did it!!
does it make you taller
I just had my 4th spinal fusion surgery. I'm on day 15 & 60 years old...this has been the hardest one for me. It's getting better everyday.
I quit smoking cigarettes 4 weeks before and 5 weeks after. Smoked nearly 50 years. Can't believe I was able to do it, the talk about nicotine and non union scared me real good. Only had TLIF left side only. Surgery was perfect. Got rid of my painful left leg nerve pain. Walking great again. Seeing how bad cigarettes were but still want to smoke. Hit the weed pipe now and then. I have some low back pain but the sciatica is gone. I realize I will never be like I was when I was 20, (I'm 62) but life is better.
I have watched this video and it has given me a full understanding of what my Doctor in my area want to do for L4 and L5 fusion surgery to reduce my pain and I just hope that the doctor I'm using for my surgery has a full approach like this Doctor explained. This is a awesome video.
I am 29
Military Vet
Third surgery this upcoming week
Getting L4-L5 fusion done.
L3-L4 is somewhat issue not fused.
L5down is that bad.
How has your recovery been if you don’t mind me asking.
Have you heard of disc replacement?
This is a superb video, marred only by the nerve-wracking music underlying the spoken words.
I KNOW! I don't know why so many do this!
Almost intolerable.. ='(
McGowan is terrific! I am pleased with the work he has done. Great guy
Truest info I've heard about this surgery 😊
Doctors will tell you how they will treat you for pain but what they do not tell you is it is excruciating. I’m actually typing this from rehab after my second lumbar fusion because the first one I had at Mayo failed. Be prepared for intense pain and fatigue.
I am also recovering from my 2nd spinal fusion. Yes doctors need to be more transparent when it comes to the levels of pain,length of time, and the restrictions you will have for life.
This video helped me to have some hope... thank you Dr, you are outstanding
Also doctors will fix the structure of the spine but they don’t rid you of the pain. No doctor would say your pain will go away.
I had L5 S1 fusion. It took me a year to be physically and mentally ok. It hurt like hell. It’s one of the most painful surgeries. Post surgery i had constant lower back pain and still do. Now my leg goes numb and it weak and sometimes gives out. The fusion destroyed my life and still hurts and get worse though out the day. Ten years prior I had a discectomy of the L5 S1 and it was great after 6-8 weeks I was back to normal activities. They made me believe that the fusion would have the close to the same pain level. Now 13 years after I have adjacent segment disease and need two level fused. I hate having back pain it’s exhausting because it’s the main part of almost every movement. Between the pain and meds I lay around and sleep most of the day. It’s not living it’s just existing. Knowing they will do two more levels isn’t very uplifting. Adjacent segment disease for the level next to the fused is common and usually goes bad around ten years from original back fusion.
Hi I totally understand. I had lumbar spine surgery on December 14/ 2023. It’s been 1 month . I am going through lots of pain . My legs hurt so bad and numbness plus I can’t sleep well during night of leg pain. Any way thank you for your information and I pray for your quick recovery ❤️🩹 god bless you and your family 🙏
Prayers for you 🙏🏻
@@Druk1616hello I had this surgery last march 2023 also everything went well now I have to go back in because the back pain came back and when they did a CT scan revealed a screw was cracked that they put in and now I’m in so much pain I’m having surgery on April 15 to relieve some of this pain and pray to God that this works because this back pain is so severe it is hard for me to function. And sleep at night.
@@donyalerice7970 gooosh im really sorry to hear so. please check out through the net on minimal invasive back surgery. this method wont hurt ur back more than this
How are you doing now ??
I have experienced two spinal fusion surgeries, because i broke the titanium somehow and i had to do a second one from the top to the bottom near my "tail" idk how it's called. I can guarantee you that everything in this video is truth about every word that he said.
Terrific surgeon
Thank you for the info doc!
Medical Center of the Rockies?
im too dumb to enough understand what hes talking about. I just hope they dont paralyze me
I just had my 3rd spinal fusion.. i had 2 broken screws in my S1 from the second fusion & my spine didn't fuse.. this last surgery they put the screws in my pelvis.. it has been 7 months since surgery & I am in constant pain in that area.. I am miserable & can't do anything without bein in horrible pain.. so sick of this stuff!!!
Been exactly a week since my surgery the only hard part was the conspitation holy I thought I died
I had a L5 S1 surgery in September 2023 . Im in more pain now than before..Recent test show I have severe scare tissue on my scars and the screw on my left side went into my nerve that controls my leg so I been having non stop leg spasms. I told my surgeon I was in bad pain and have non stop spasms even was hospitalized ...they are now saying I have to redo my surgery to remove the screw to prevent the pain and spasms.. smh ..
Oh my goodness! Prayers for you 🙏🏻
So sorry, if you can find someone experienced in revisions that would be better
I had mine done in 2001
It was horrendous
I have I’d say 60% of what normal people can do with my back now
Still have sciatica now and again
Glad I had the op though
In total
A slipped disk is a problem
It’s going to mess with your spinal column
Beware
That can cause you to be paraplegic
And wheel chair bound
Rather do the operation
I do not understand why you are still in pain if you do spinal fusion. That should free nerve compression. What is the cause of pain after spinal fusion?
The nerves become agitated with surgery and need to calm down. In addition to that some nerves need to stretch and hurt in the process.
I had 2 level disc replacement in Germany 2 years ago the nerves ARE STILL HEALING!! No back pain though!!
The biggest regret of my life was getting spinal fusion.
Can you please elaborate?
All i can say if you walk dont get this surgery or any other back surgery you will never feel right again ,been 4 years the doctors donr care they are like bring in another i gotta pay for that boat house
I’m sorry that if your experience, but I have had the opposite experience and walking and day to day activities are better!
I understand. I had the surgery 4 months ago and don't feel.my left leg still. It's been 4 months. Had complications so a simple decompression end up in another compression with fusion. Lost so much blood end up with 4 blood transfusions. Started getting bruises on my left leg. I hope this goes away
I just ❤ Elon Musk!