Surgical Management of Spinal Stenosis
Edited By: Richard J. Bransford, M.D.
Last updated Friday, December 23, 2005
RehabilitationPhysical therapy After surgery, it is advisable to walk as much as possible.
A more involved physical therapy or exercise program is usually not needed for
the first few weeks. It is imperative
that patients do not lift more than 5 to 10 pounds.
Once everything is healed, sometimes trunk strengthening and
stretching are needed. Depending on how debilitated the patient is, this may
need to be done under the guidance of a therapist.Rehabilitation options After surgery, the main therapy is walking. This can usually
be done by the patient on his or her own schedule. If the patient is significantly
debilitated, he or she may require the help of a therapist.Can rehabilitation be done at home? Therapy following spinal stenosis surgery can usually be
done at home when it is convenient for the patient to do so.Usual response In general, patients gradually regain strength and stamina
after surgery and most feel better than they did before surgery. Some mild to
moderate stiffness may occur depending on what procedure was done.Risks The main risk with rehabilitation is when patients are too
aggressive in their rehab and do too much too soon. For example, patients may lift
or twist more than they should following surgery. It is best to follow the
prescribed steps precisely to avoid problems and to ensure a safe and steady
recovery.Duration of rehabilitation It may take up to a year for complete recovery from spinal
stenosis surgery, depending on the procedure performed. An issue many patients
complain about is feeling fatigued. Rehabilitation can take many forms.
- Elderly
patients without support may need extended care in a skilled nursing or
rehabilitation facility.
- Many
patients engage in outpatient physical therapy on a regular basis.
- Whereas
other people, depending on surgery, don’t need any rehabilitation at all.
Returning to ordinary daily activities In general, patients are able to perform the majority of
daily activities within two to three weeks after surgery. Walking is strongly
encouraged. Driving should wait until the patient can perform the necessary
functions comfortably and confidently and is off high narcotic medication
dosages.
Lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for at
least two months. If a fusion was performed, than the patient may have other
permanent lifting restrictions.Long-term patient limitations For patients undergoing simple discectomies or
laminectomies, there will be no long-term limitations. Patients undergoing fusions
of the cervical spine may be able to return to their daily life without
restrictions.
Patients who undergo fusions associated with decompression
of their stenosis may require permanent limitations on activities and may need
to consider career changes.
Costs The surgeon and therapist should provide the
information on the usual cost of the rehabilitation program. The program is
quite cost-effective, because it is based heavily on activities the patient can
do on his/her own.Surgery for at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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