Expectations after surgery:

While many patients have pain relief after surgery, the procedure is not always successful. Back pain sometimes returns, and more than half of patients develop sciatica.

Call your health care provider if persistent, severe back pain develops, especially if you have any numbness, loss of movement, weakness, or bowel or bladder changes.

Convalescence:

You will need to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery. The repaired spine should be kept in proper position to maintain alignment. If the surgery involved a surgical cut in the chest, a chest tube may be used to drain fluid build-up. The tube is usually removed after 24-72 hours.

You will be taught how to move properly, how to reposition, and how to sit, stand, and walk. You'll be told to use a "log-rolling" technique when getting out of bed. This means that you move your entire body at once, and not twist the spine.

There is usually considerable pain for the first few days after surgery. You will be given pain medication, perhaps by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). You may also have a urinary catheter (tube) to collect your urine.

Because of the risk of temporary paralysis after spinal surgery, you may not be able to eat for 2-3 days and will be fed through an IV.

When you leave the hospital, you may need to wear a back brace or cast.