Recovery After Spine Surgery
Recovery after spine surgery is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome. While each procedure is different, there are general guidelines that apply to most patients.
Detailed, procedure-specific instructions will be provided at the time of discharge and reviewed again during your follow-up visits.
Immediate Postoperative Instructions
After your procedure, you will receive individualized instructions based on your specific surgery.
These include:
- Wound care and dressing instructions
- Activity restrictions
- Medication guidance
- Follow-up scheduling
Please follow these instructions closely, as they are tailored to your procedure and recovery.
General Postoperative Guidelines
Medications
- Take all medications as prescribed
- Pain medications are best taken with food
- After the first few days, use pain medication only as needed
- Avoid alcohol while taking pain medications
Activity
- Follow all activity restrictions provided by your surgeon
- Begin light activity, including walking, as directed
- Avoid prolonged bed rest, but do not overexert yourself
- Gradually increase activity as tolerated
Incision Care
- Keep the incision clean and dry
- Do not submerge the incision in water (no baths, pools, or hot tubs) until cleared
- Monitor for signs of infection
Ice & Swelling
- Ice can be used to help reduce pain and swelling
- Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time
- Avoid direct contact with the skin
Diet & Hydration
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Consider a high-protein diet to support healing
Physical Therapy
- Physical therapy may begin shortly after surgery, depending on your procedure
- Early exercises focus on mobility
- Strengthening is introduced gradually
Follow-Up Care
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Bring any questions or concerns to your visits
Procedure-Specific Do’s & Don’ts
Detailed postoperative instructions vary depending on the procedure performed.
For your convenience, procedure-specific Do’s and Don’ts are available below.
These documents will be reviewed with you during your postoperative visits and are provided here for easy reference.
Cervical Spine Procedures
- Cervical Fusion (ACDF, Posterior Cervical Fusion)
- Cervical Disc Replacement
- Cervical Laminoplasty / Foraminotomy
Thoracic & Lumbar Decompression
Thoracic & Lumbar Fusion
Motion-Preserving Lumbar Surgery
Kyphoplasty
Questions During Recovery
If you have questions during your recovery:
- During normal business hours, phone calls or MyChart messages are the best way to address non-urgent concerns
- Our team will help guide you and adjust your recovery plan as needed
When to Contact the Office
Please contact Dr. Shlykov’s office if you experience:
- Increased redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Worsening pain not controlled with medication
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness
There are on-call providers available to assist with urgent concerns.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you experience any of the following, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Sudden severe weakness or loss of function
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Signs of a blood clot (calf pain, swelling, redness)
Summary
Recovery after spine surgery requires careful attention to activity, wound care, and follow-up. While general guidelines apply to most patients, your specific instructions will be tailored to your procedure. Following these recommendations closely will help ensure a safe recovery and the best possible outcome.
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