By EKalman December 15, 2023 - 7:42am

When considering back surgery, one of the first questions you may have is when you'll be able to get out of bed and start moving around again. You don't have to worry about being bedridden for weeks after spine surgery because getting up as soon as possible is critical to your rehabilitation.

Because movement is essential for proper healing following spine surgeons, you should be able to get out of bed the same day or the next day. Some spine surgeons think you can go home the same day, but it depends on your case's severity and the surgery's complexity.

For major surgeries, you may need attendants or physical therapists nearby to help you sit up, move your legs over the side of the bed, stand, and walk. Never try to get out of bed on your own for the first time following surgery since you may still be dizzy or off balance. Someone should be beside you the first time you get out of bed to ease your movements and keep you from falling.

Return to Normalcy After Spinal Surgery
Even after significant procedures, most patients are up and walking without assistance within a few days and can return home using the most recent surgical techniques. Some elderly or more disabled patients may require a week or so in a rehabilitation facility following surgery. Others benefit from having a home care aide visit their home to assist with basic requirements instead of relying on family members.

Walking is essential after spinal surgery. Please start carefully and follow your doctor's instructions on how far you should walk. After spinal surgery, patients are normally allowed to walk up and down stairs, but only carefully and under supervision the first few times to ensure the patient's safety. After major surgery, older people may have increased difficulty climbing stairs.

Given the occasional difficulty with stairs, you may want to think about the layout of your home in connection to your post-surgery rehabilitation plan. You're at a good location if your bedroom is upstairs, adjacent to a bathroom. If there is no bathroom on the floor where your bedroom is located, you and your family may need to arrange for you to be placed in a different bedroom on a floor of your home that does have a bathroom.

It may be a guest room with a firm mattress to support you as you sleep. Given the necessity for a strong, supportive mattress for your back and body comfort, the couch could be a better location. Plan ahead of time where you'll 'live' in your home for the first week or two after your back surgery, and include a portable mini refrigerator that can hold your water bottles and snacks, a television that you can watch, and blankets and other supplies placed near your bed so that you and your assistants can easily reach them.

One strategy to speed up your recovery is to try to be in shape as much as possible in the weeks before your back surgery. When you're in better shape before spinal surgery, you'll frequently 'bounce back' more easily and fast, with your strengthened back muscles supporting and moving you better during rehabilitation.

The bottom line
If you're in better physical form before surgery, your recovery period may be shortened if you follow your doctor's instructions. This is sound advice regardless of your physical condition before back surgery. Take your time, be patient, let your attendants assist you, and remember that each day, you're getting closer to recovery with each step.