how long is the recovery time for back surgery

When planning for surgery, recovery time is a concern for many people. Patients are often placed in the position of planning life events around their upcoming surgery. In addition, many people want to tie up loose ends at work, as well as give their employer some notice before taking time off.

Fortunately, modern procedures have made recovery from back surgery less lengthy than it was in the past. This makes surgery a more accessible option for many people, as lost wages are kept to a minimum.

Recovery Time by Occupation & Procedure

While people will naturally experience some variation in recovery time, the biggest variables in how long it takes to recover from back surgery are what type of procedure you get, and what type of job you are going back to. In general:

• People getting open back surgery who have very physical jobs will need to wait several months to return to work
• Open back surgery patients with non-physical jobs can return to work in about 6 weeks
• Laser spine surgery patients with very physical jobs can return to work in about 6 weeks
• Patients who undergo laser spine surgery and have non-physical jobs can return to work in as little as a week

On average, then, patients who undergo laser back surgery can return to work in as little as 16% of the time traditional surgery requires away from work. This discrepancy occurs because, unlike traditional surgery, laser surgery require no large, open wound and no removal of bone to access the spinal cord. In addition, the operation can be performed under local anesthetic, with no hospital stay. While some patients have conditions which require open back surgery, most routine spine conditions can now be treated with laser surgery and other minimally invasive procedures.

While You Recover

Whether you will be out of work for a few days or a few months, the best way to return to work as quickly as possible is to be good to yourself during the days or weeks after surgery. Some basic self-care includes:

• Carefully follow your physician's instructions regarding wound care, especially if you have undergone an invasive procedure such as open back surgery.
• Especially if you have kids at home, or can work from home, you may be tempted to over-exert yourself; listen to your body. Trying to do too much too soon can slow recovery.
• If you are looking at a longer recovery, stock your house with healthy foods that require little preparation.
• Get into physical therapy as soon as possible; with laser back surgery, this can be the day after surgery.

Ultimately, your body needs time, rest, and good nutrition to heal from any procedure. Giving yourself those things not only reduces your recovery time; it lowers your risk of serious complications such as infection.

Since chronic pain is often accompanied by side effects such as insomnia and depression, the recovery period can be a crucial time to address those issues as well. In addition, since pain can limit physical activity, patients are encouraged to view physical therapy as an aid to returning to a consistent exercise routine. It is especially feasible to address these issues after laser back surgery, since pain is generally relieved while the procedure takes place, although there are limitations to mobility.

While all surgeries require some time away from work, that time can be reduced by choosing a minimally invasive procedure and practicing good post-surgery care. Even during the recovery period, patients generally find that their quality of life has risen, although movement is restricted. After recovering, the majority of patients find that their productivity has increased, as well as overall well-being.

To learn more about treatment for your spine condition, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.