What can you expect during spinal fusion recovery?

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.

[pennsylvaniapatti]

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!!

[sandrawilson]

I have been told I need spinal fusion surgery, but God bless those with scoliosis. There is always something to be grateful for.

[kennethbrown]

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.

[GEO-CHRIST]

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.

[joejurneke]

McGowan is terrific! I am pleased with the work he has done. Great guy

[jumbojimbo]

Truest info I've heard about this surgery 😊

[carloseberl]

This video helped me to have some hope... thank you Dr, you are outstanding

[huqugwf]

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.

[Sherri-dshq]

This is a superb video, marred only by the nerve-wracking music underlying the spoken words.

[DayOneAdeleFans]

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.

[GEO-CHRIST]

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.

[zrin]

Been exactly a week since my surgery the only hard part was the conspitation holy I thought I died

[gravedigger]

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

[MeosheLewinsky]

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 ..

[jonathanshiff]

The biggest regret of my life was getting spinal fusion.

[mikeduncan]

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