1- Take walks: short, frequent strolls. Walk short distances every day, gradually increasing them. Walking is key to your recovery, as it strengthens muscles and prevents muscle atrophy.
2- Do not lift anything heavier than 4 kilograms during the first two weeks after surgery. In general, avoid lifting anything that feels too “heavy” or might cause your back to bend. Avoid high-impact exercises. You may use a stationary bicycle. Activity will gradually increase from 4–6 weeks onward.
3- Do not drive while taking opioid pain medications (for example, tramadol or codeine).
4- Return to work: this will be discussed postoperatively on an individual basis.
5- In general, most patients undergoing a single-level lumbar discectomy with a “desk job” can return to work approximately 2–6 weeks after surgery. However, you may be able to resume work sooner if you feel physically and mentally fit and do not require narcotic medications at work.
6- You do not need to wear a cervical collar unless otherwise instructed.
7- For sleeping, lie on your back or on your side with a pillow that keeps your cervical spine aligned.
8- Do not wet the incision until 8 days after surgery (for a first-time procedure) or 16 days if it is a repeat surgery. Moisture may increase the risk of the wound opening.
9- Sun exposure can cause hypertrophic scarring: after the first 15 days post-surgery, if the incision is exposed, apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to the wound for at least 9–12 months.
10- Try to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin for three months after surgery if bone fusion is involved, unless your surgical team, other specialists, or your physician advise otherwise. NSAIDs may interfere with spinal fusion.
11- Avoid smoking. It adversely affects postoperative recovery.
12- It is not uncommon to experience muscle stiffness, pain, or intermittent tingling in the affected arm(s) or shoulder(s) after surgery and for several weeks thereafter. Do not be alarmed; this is due to prolonged nerve compression, and the nerve now needs time to recover.
13- In the first days after surgery, you may have difficulty swallowing. This is due to the surgical approach. Do not worry; it will resolve.
14- In the initial days after surgery, you may notice hoarseness, which is usually temporary.
Sources:
Dr. Vicenç Gilete, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon.
