By your one-year visit, you’ve likely resumed a completely normal lifestyle and are enjoying the freedom your scoliosis surgery has afforded you. We spent a lot of time preparing her for the surgery (which you can read about here). Depending on the complexity of your surgery, your doctor will decide how long you will need to remain in the hospital after surgery. Your physical therapist will start asking you to perform normal movements such as, standing, walking and sitting by the as early as the first day after surgery, In the grand scheme of things, the investment you make recovery time from. The surgical options will depend on what your scoliosis looks like and the surgeon’s preference. You won’t need nearly as much pain medication for pain management. My daughter Natalie had scoliosis surgery in 2013, when she was 14 years old. It’s crucial for tissue growth and regeneration, so if its levels are reduced, damaged tissue will need m… Warning – Video of Graphic Scoliosis Surgery Procedure . The patient may not have been offered treatment or decided against surgery at the time. And because most of the patients who undergo scoliosis surgery are adolescents, parents often … As with any surgery, though, scoliosis surgery is only as successful as its recovery. The spinal column curved and twists, which in turn rotates the ribcage. Top 4 Things to Know. You’ve made it through the first segment and you’re going home! Transportation — Avoid frequent car rides and mass transit for six weeks after surgery. Posterior approach: The most frequently performed surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis involves posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone grafting. You may be asked to follow a specific exercise regimen to help maintain and improve upon your already significant results. A key component of recovering from scoliosis surgery is pain management, but it requires balance. How can Scoliosis SOS help? Every day, the patient will need to keep that area clean and dry. See Using a Back Brace for Lower Back Pain Relief. This will get better over the next four to six weeks. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions. See Opioid Medication Potential Risks and Complications. Typically, patients will no longer need pain medication six weeks after scoliosis surgery. My scoliosis surgery changed me and my life for the better, because my back is now straight and I don't have any physical restrictions. The operation typically involves using stainless steel or titanium rods to correct the curvature. If a brace has been prescribed, it will help the patient to avoid risky activities until the fusion and healing of the spine becomes more stable. 1999-2021 Veritas Health, LLC. However, it will probably take more than six weeks of recovery … Each individual’s recovery from spinal surgery may vary in length. At this point it is also likely that you will be becoming more active. Brielle's thoracic curve was reduced from 35 to 12 degrees after just two years of a full time bracing program. You may be able to return to work in this timeframe, and your energy will start to return. The patient might also be transitioned off narcotics to an over-the-counter pain medication. During these first couple of weeks back at home, the patient will need the help of a friend, family member, or home health aide who can assist with some basic care and daily tasks. You’ll still need to adhere to the 8-lb limit (or whatever your doctor determines) and not lift anything heavier. Month Six: At this point, your life is probably completely back to normal. When the patient first starts taking showers again, which is usually upon returning home, the incision site must be covered—such as with an occlusive dressing provided by the hospital or taped saran wrap—to prevent it from getting too wet. Scoliosis surgery and procedures completed for other spinal conditions often require the spine to be fused. Related Conditions. If you have any questions or concerns about your specific wound care needs, be sure to discuss them with your doctor prior to discharge. At this appointment, the following is likely to occur: See Preparing to See A Doctor for Back and Neck Pain. All rights reserved. Patients must be committed to stop smoking two months before surgery and for a minimum of six months after surgery.  |  The doctor will try to correct the curve by 50 percent or more. Scoliosis Preparing for Surgery. He or she will most likely be out of bed within 24 hours on pain medications for 2 to 4 weeks. Sure, this made my deformity less visible, but it didn’t change the way my body felt. This will allow you to plan accordingly and help you focus more on healing rather than fixating on minor details. The decision may or may not be made to send you to an on-site rehab unit, where you would get more intensive therapy for several days before your discharge. There are many processes in the body that simply slow down with age, which can hamper your spine’s ability to quickly bounce back from the stress of an operation. Monitoring. When a patient returns home from scoliosis surgery, he or she will still be heavily medicated, weak, and in need of much rest. A tiara is placed on my head and a bouquet of red roses in my hands. Scoliosis is not just an inconvenience; this condition can limit your daily activities and chip away at your self-confidence indefinitely. Acetaminophen (e.g. My self-esteem is higher and I am a stronger person because of what I have been through. Recovery from Scoliosis Fusion Surgery. Surgery for young adults with scoliosis has low complications rates compared with patients having surgery for . Surgery to correct the curvature of the spine can be done to the front or back of the spine, or both. About 6 to 8 weeks out of scoliosis surgery, the patient will be encouraged to walk; however, the patient will have to avoid any bending, heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling until the physician gives the go ahead. There is a separate page about treatments for scoliosis in adults. Your body is hard at work repairing and healing itself. Each case is different, but expect to abstain from taking in food and liquids for a set period of time prior to your surgery (typically 12 hours). In fact, most patients do not enter the full recovery zone until 6 to 12 months after their procedure. Most patients are completely off pain medication four to six weeks after surgery. Pain medications will be adjusted by day two, when you will likely be transitioned to oral medications. version.2020.07.019-2020.07.003, Using a Back Brace for Lower Back Pain Relief, Scoliosis Surgery: Planning for Postoperative Care at Home, Scoliosis Surgery Recovery: At the Hospital (4 to 7 Days), Scoliosis Surgery Recovery: After Discharge (2 Weeks to 3 Months), Scoliosis Surgery Recovery: 3 Months Post-Operation and Beyond, Pain Management After Outpatient Spine Surgery, Opioid Medication Potential Risks and Complications, Postoperative Care for Spinal Fusion Surgery, Preparing to See A Doctor for Back and Neck Pain, http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00638, Microdiscectomy (Microdecompression) Spine Surgery, Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery for Spinal Stenosis (Open Decompression). What to Expect During Scoliosis Surgery Recovery. On one hand, pain must be kept under control to enable the patient to concentrate on tasks and move around, which helps the recovery process. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. In addition, the patient will not be allowed to drive yet and should limit car rides. By the time she had her first visit with the scoliosis specialist she was referred to, Dr. Stephen Enguidanos of the Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery Center in Niceville, FL, – about a year after her initial diagnosis – Amanda's primary spinal curve had increased … Livingston & Montclair Locations: (973) 577-2888, West Long Branch & Toms River Locations: (732) 222-8866, Prior to your surgery, your doctor will be able to give you a general. Well, you are not alone. You’ll be closely monitored and administered pain medication as needed. Your doctor may or may not want to take more X-rays. The chest tubes usually are removed within the first 2-3 days. The younger you are at the time of surgery usually indicates a quicker recovery, however, everybody is different. Two thousand kids are shouting but I can't hear them. After surgery for adult scoliosis, it’s time to focus on healing. Many hospitals ask that you be ready and available to prepare for your surgery early in the morning. Usually at this first follow-up appointment, the patient will be given the OK to start taking baths if the incision has healed. Leah's Story: Coming Full Circle. but if you want to be pacific let me know.. You’ll find you tire easily, though this is normal. My surgery wasn't fun at the time, but it molded me into the better and more mature person that I am today. This can take up to six months, with fusion continuing for up to a full year. Physical therapy is essential so that your health can regularly be assessed and you can work on any weaknesses. Each case is different, but expect to abstain from taking in food and liquids for a set period of time prior to your surgery (typically 12 hours). A moderate or increased amount of back pain is expected after surgery. You’ll most likely be starting a therapy program at this point, including a lot of walking. For the first couple of weeks having someone to help with meals, laundry, dishes and other tasks that might tire you out would be especially helpful. Spinal Cord Stimulator for Chronic Back Pain, The Inova Neuroscience and Spine Institute, Scoliosis Surgery Recovery: After Discharge (First 14 Days). Again, this will not be the same for everyone. © In some cases, it’s two or three days, although it can be a bit longer. In general, both surgery and recovery time are expected to be longer in older adults with scoliosis. They were amazed at what she could … © 2021 Neurosurgeons of New Jersey. Weeks 3 and 4: You’ll now be gaining strength and mobility at this point. Downtime can vary from 4-6 weeks (common for a single-level fusion in a young, healthy patient with a desk job) to as much as 4-6 months (which may be necessary after more extensive surgery on an older patient with a more physically demanding occupation). Your surgeon will discuss what the best option is for you. According to statistics, 38,000 of about 6 million scoliosis patients usually end up in the hands of a surgeon. At this point, you’ll resume a normal diet, performing some very minor tasks (such as brushing your teeth and hair, dressing, etc). The first couple of days following your scoliosis surgery, you’ll need to get plenty of rest. Many patients will be back to normal activity levels around 3 to 6 months after surgery. Tylenol) is frequently recommended as a pain medication that scoliosis surgery patients might switch to after being on narcotics. Younger people generally experience a faster scoliosis surgery recovery time. It is advised that the patient go off narcotics as soon as he or she can effectively manage the pain with a weaker medication. Many of the scoliosis tethering procedures are done endoscopically, meaning the actual surgery is performed via an endoscope, and do not require an open back incision. Depending on the extent of the surgery, some surgeons may prescribe a back brace to be worn for part of the recovery period. In the grand scheme of things, the investment you make recovery time from scoliosis surgery is well worth the lifetime of relief you’ll experience. The patient will also have a list of precautions that must be strictly followed to protect and care for the healing spine. Although, some surgeons may prescribe a back brace for Lower back pain Relief so thankful for the surgery timeline! Transit for six weeks after scoliosis surgery good care of the incision has healed already significant results during! Area clean and well-tended six: at this point it is often to! 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