LAMINECTOMY RECOVERY

LAMINECTOMY SURGERY

Your neurosurgeon will remove ligament and bone from the back of the spinal column to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves (spinal stenosis). A single level or multiple spinal levels may be addressed during the surgery. Depending on the extent of the surgery you may be observed overnight in the hospital or discharged home the same day with family or friends.

RECOVERY GUIDE

RECOVERY TIMELINE

  • FIRST FEW DAYS

    • DAY 1: You may be discharged home after surgery or observed overnight in the hospital. While in the hospital you will be assisted with pain control, mobilization, and self care by your medical team.
    • PAIN: Expect to have low back pain and soreness after surgery. Ice packs can be very useful to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness. Apply ice every 1 to 2 hours for 15 minutes. The low back soreness may increase for a few days before it starts to improves.
    • MEDS: You will be given pain medications by your neurosurgeon. Be sure to take the medications as directed. It is important to stay adequately hydrated after surgery and eat a healthy diet. Stool softeners are recommended while you are taking pain medications.
    • ACTIVITY: Try to walk at least twice daily. Use a cane or walker to avoid falling. Avoid strenous activity including bending, lifting, and twisting with the low back
    • REST: Allow adequate time for rest and recovery but do not spend the entire day in bed.

  • WEEKS 1 - 3

    • PAIN: You may continue to experience muscular soreness and spams at times. Continue to apply ice every 1 to 2 hours for 15 minutes as needed to help control pain and inflammation.
    • MEDS: Take pain medications as directed if needed. Be sure to stay hydrated and take stool softeners while taking pain medications. Narcotic pain medications can be addictive and should be used only as directed by your provider.
    • ACTIVITY: Walking is recommended at least twice daily. Avoid bending, twisting, and lifting (BLTs) with the low back. Gradually increase the amount of walking you do each week. Use of a grabber tool is advised to help avoid stressing the low back.
    • BRACE: Consider wearing a low back brace to help with soreness while you are active.
    • WOUND: Keep the incision clean and dry. Consider covering the incision with a bandage if wearing a back brace. Contact your provider if you develop drainage from the incision or any other signs of infection.

  • MONTHS 1 - 3

    • PAIN: The pain from your surgery should improve each week after surgery. Consider alternating ice and heat treatments to the low back as needed.
    • PT: After post operative follow up with your provider you may benefit from starting outpatient physical therapy. Physical therapy will help to increase your mobility and strengthen the muscles in your spine.
    • ACTIVITY: Continue to avoid heavy lifting and strenous activity with your low back. Consider using a back brace as you increase your activity. Continue to use a grabber tool to limit the stress on your low back.

  • LONG TERM

    • Consider making lifestyle changes that can improve your low back health
    • Avoid heaving lifting and repetitive strenous activities with your low back
    • Focus on weight loss if needed and strengthening the muscles of the core
    • Consider using a low back brace when confronted with strenous activities
LUMBAR SURGERY RECOVERY AIDS

LAMINECTOMY RECOVERY AIDS

View all

KEY HOME RECOVERY POINTS

Although you will have some "ups and downs" each day, you should continue to see improvement each week after surgery.

It is very important to avoid falling after your surgery. Use of a walker or cane may be needed temporarily or even permanently.

Contact your provider if you develop any of the following concerning symptoms:

  • Uncontrolled pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Drainage from the incision
  • New weakness or numbness

This guide is meant to serve as a reference for patients at Coastal Spine Institute, PC and may not be applicable to your surgery. Consult with your medical provider to determine if this guide is appropriate for you.