Spine Surgery Recovery Timelines

How long recovery takes depends mostly on the operation. These are typical ranges from Dr. Robert J. Ames, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon in Sewell and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Your own timeline depends on your health, your job, and how your surgery goes, and your surgeon's instructions always come first.

Microdiscectomy and endoscopic discectomy

Hospital stay: usually same-day discharge
Driving: about 1 to 2 weeks, once off narcotic pain medication
Desk work: about 1 to 2 weeks
Heavy lifting: around 6 weeks
Full activity: about 6 to 12 weeks

Lumbar decompression (laminectomy)

Hospital stay: same day to one night
Driving: about 1 to 2 weeks
Desk work: about 2 to 3 weeks
Heavy lifting: around 6 weeks
Full activity: about 3 months

Cervical disc replacement

Hospital stay: same day to one night
Driving: about 1 to 2 weeks
Desk work: about 1 to 3 weeks
Heavy lifting: around 6 weeks
Full activity: about 3 months

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)

Hospital stay: same day to one night
Driving: about 2 to 3 weeks
Desk work: about 2 to 4 weeks
Heavy lifting: about 6 to 12 weeks
Full activity: about 3 to 6 months

Lumbar fusion (one or two levels)

Hospital stay: usually 1 to 3 nights
Driving: about 2 to 4 weeks
Desk work: about 4 to 6 weeks
Heavy lifting: around 3 months
Full activity: about 6 to 12 months, as the fusion heals

Adult spinal deformity correction

Hospital stay: usually 3 to 7 nights
Driving: about 4 to 8 weeks
Desk work: about 2 to 3 months
Heavy lifting: about 3 to 6 months
Full activity: about 6 to 12 months or longer

What speeds recovery

Walking every day, staying off nicotine, eating enough protein, sleeping well, and doing your physical therapy all help. Most patients feel better week by week, with occasional setbacks that are a normal part of healing.

Questions

Call (609) 267-9400 to reach Dr. Ames's office in Sewell or Cherry Hill, NJ.

Request an Appointment