How long does it take to fully recover from a laminectomy?

Complete recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks or a few months after a lumbar laminectomy depending on the age and general health of the patient and the number of segments treated.

Is laminectomy recovery painful?

Your Recovery You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery.

How long is recovery from cervical laminectomy?

Recovery from a posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion surgery takes 8-12 weeks for the bones to heal, but patients continue to heal for up to a year after surgery.

What is recovery like after laminectomy?

After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you are usually able to return to light activity (desk work and light housekeeping) within a few days to a few weeks. If you also had spinal fusion with your laminectomy, your recovery time will likely be longer — from two to four months.

How much should you walk after a laminectomy?

Walking is the best activity you can do for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You should start out slowly and work up to walking 30 minutes at least twice a day. Do not be surprised if you require frequent naps during the day.

What can you not do after a cervical laminectomy?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about wearing a brace or collar to support your neck. To reduce stiffness and help sore muscles, use a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm cloth on your neck. Do not put heat right over the incision. Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin.

Can a laminectomy be done minimally invasive?

At OrthoNeuro, a Minimally Invasive Laminectomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure so that you can return home the same day as your procedure. During a Minimally Invasive Laminectomy: A small incision is made over the affected vertebrae. Small instruments are used to remove the lamina.

Is it normal to have leg pain after laminectomy?

Very often, following a laminectomy, patients recover without any complications. However in a small group of people, back pain and sometimes leg pain may persist following laminectomy. This persistent pain is called post laminectomy syndrome.

How do you sleep after laminectomy?

Just like sleeping on your back, sleeping on your side helps reduce pain and pressure. Try to alternate between sleeping on your left and right side to distribute the pressure and benefit your spine’s alignment. Right after surgery, you can also place a pillow under or in between your knees.