Permanent Restrictions After Spinal Fusion
The rates of spine surgery have increased significantly in recent years and one of the most common types is spinal fusion. In a spinal fusion, two adjacent vertebrae are conjoined using rods, plates, and screws to provide stability to the spine and increase the space for nerves. Fusion surgeries may combine just one or multiple levels and the procedure typically lasts several hours. These surgeries are an excellent way to eliminate nerve pain and increase spinal stability. Still, many individuals may be worried about restrictions that can occur after spinal surgery. While there will be some temporary restrictions during the healing process, there are few permanent restrictions and most patients experience a return to their normal activities.
Temporary Restrictions After Spinal Fusion
After spinal fusion, you may be given some temporary restrictions from your physician. Immediately after surgery, it is common to experience a fair amount of pain and soreness near the surgical site. This pain will typically last about a week, but many patients quickly notice an improvement in their nerve pain. In the beginning stages of healing, the fusion is held together by instrumentation such as rods, plates, and screws. Over time, the fusion sets as the bone graft develops. However, during the time for this to take place there will be some restrictions such as driving, bending forward, twisting, lifting, and most forms of exercise. Many individuals are also held out of work for the first 4 to 6 weeks and even longer for those in physically demanding jobs. After 6 to 8 weeks, most patients will be allowed to return to their usual activities and those in high impact sports can typically return to activity within 3 to 4 months.
Permanent Restrictions After Spinal Fusion
Despite these temporary restrictions, some fusions can result in more permanent restrictions. For individuals participating in contact sports, fusions at particular levels of the spine could lead to permanent restrictions from sports. While there is not a consensus on this recommendation, individuals receiving fusions of C1-C2, at the cervicothoracic junction and the thoracolumbar junction could be at risk of further injury if they return to sports. Additionally, individuals receiving fusions of more than two levels of the cervical spine are advised not to return to contact sports as limited range of motion may put them at increased risk for further injury. Nevertheless, fusions at these locations are very rare and for the majority of spinal fusions a return to sporting activity, including contact sports, is acceptable.
Changes In Mobility
While most spinal fusions will not result in permanent restrictions from your doctor, you may notice changes in your mobility that prevent your ability to move in the way you are used to. This is because the conjoining of two vertebrae can result in a slight decrease in mobility of the spine. If you are receiving a single level fusion, you might not even notice a difference. However, individuals receiving multiple level fusions can have significant decreases in their ability to bend forward and twist. While this typically will not prevent participation in normal activities, you may notice subtle changes in how your body moves from before surgery during these activities. If your mobility is restricted enough that you are no longer able to perform your job normally then you may be able to qualify for social security disability.
Conclusion
For the most part, spinal fusions will not result in any permanent restrictions. However, your doctor may advise temporary constraints to allow for proper healing during the first few months. At this point, most individuals emerge with a significant reduction in pain and full return to normal activities.
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