Does spinal fusion last a lifetime?

The results of a fusion are permanent. When the bones fuse as intended, it changes the natural mobility of your spine, affecting the area around the surgical site and in various body parts as well.

What are the long term effects of a spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion is a major surgery where one or more of the spinal bones are fused together using screws, bolts, and plates. The long-term side effects of spinal fusion involve non-union, hardware failure, Adjacent Segment Disease, and spinal muscle injury. All can require additional surgery.

How long does it take for a spinal fusion to fully heal?

Your Recovery It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely. You may need to wear a back brace while your back heals. And your doctor may have you go to physiotherapy.

Are spinal fusions worth it?

Results. Spinal fusion is typically an effective treatment for fractures, deformities or instability in the spine. But study results are more mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is unclear. In many cases, spinal fusion is no more effective than nonsurgical treatments for nonspecific back pain.

Can you run again after spinal fusion?

You most likely will have to wait about six months before you can return to running if you’ve had any kind of lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Bones need to heal, making fusion procedures some of the hardest to recover from.

How long does it take to fully recover from spinal fusion?

Patients typically wear a brace immediately after surgery. Rehabilitation is often necessary to rebuild strength and functioning. Activity level is gradually increased. Depending on the patient’s age and health status, getting back to normal functioning can happen within 2 months, or up to 6 months later.

How soon to start rehab after spinal fusion?

In general, you should expect to start physical therapy 4 to 6 weeks after your lumbar surgery. If there were any post-operative complications like infection or excessive bleeding, then you may need to wait a bit longer.

How long does pain last after spinal fusion?

This is generally normal and should go away after the first week or two of your recovery period. However, intense pain that increases over time or pain that does not taper off after the first week or so of your recovery could be cause for concern.

What is the recovery time after spinal fusion surgery?

Recovery from spinal fusion surgery takes longer than with other types of spinal surgery. Patients often have a 3- or 4-day hospital stay, with a possible stay on a rehabilitation unit. Patients typically wear a brace immediately after surgery.