Discharge Instructions for Lumbar Fusion

You had a lumbar fusion. During this procedure, your doctor locked together (fused) some of the bones in your spine. This limits the movement of these bones to help relieve your pain. Here is what you need to know about home care after a spinal fusion.

Activity

• Arrange your household to keep the items you need within reach.
• Electrical cords, throw rugs, as well as anything else that may cause you to fall, should be removed from your walking area.
• Use a walker or handrails until your balance, flexibility, and strength improve. Remember to ask for help from others when you need it.
• Free up your hands so that you can use them to keep balance. Use a fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things. Be sure not to carry too much at once.
• Do not bend or twist at the waist, or raise your hands over your head for the first 2 weeks after your surgery.
• Do not lift anything heavier than 4 pounds for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
• Do not sit for more than 30 to 45 minutes at a time. Take frequent short walks. They are the key to your recovery.
• Do not drive until your doctor says it is okay and never drive while you are taking opioid pain medicine.
• Nap if you are tired, but do not stay in bed all day.
• Use chairs with arms. The arms make it easier for you to stand up and sit down.
• If you have not yet received instructions about physical therapy, ask your doctor about them.

Incision care

• Check your incision daily for redness, tenderness, or drainage.
• Do not soak your wound in water (no hot tubs, bathtubs, swimming pools) until your doctor says it is okay.
• Wait 3 days after your surgery to begin showering. Then shower as needed. Carefully wash your incision with soap and water. Gently pat the incision dry. Do not rub it or apply creams or lotions. If you feel unsteady while standing to shower, use a shower stool or chair.

Other home care

• Use nonslip bath mats, grab bars, an elevated toilet seat, and a shower chair in your bathroom.
• Take your medicine exactly as directed.
• Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. They may delay or prevent proper fusion of the spine.
• If you smoke, get help to stop. This will be one of the most important things you can do to help you recover from surgery. 
• Wear the support stockings you were given in the hospital, as instructed by your doctor.
• Wear your back brace, if one was prescribed, as directed by your doctor.

Follow-up

• Keep appointments for X-rays. They will be taken periodically to check the status of the spinal fusion.
• Make appointments for physical therapy, as instructed by your doctor.
• Arrange to have your staples removed 2 weeks after surgery.