Although surgery has come a long way, it is wise to do your research before deciding to have lumbar laminectomy surgery. Recovery can vary from person to person based on the severity of the condition and the complexity of the surgery. In this article we will provide an overview of what to expect while recovering from this common procedure.
Lumbar laminectomy is a surgery that is performed on the lower spine to treat conditions such as Spinal Stenosis, leg pain due to a herniated disc, and other similar conditions. During the surgery the spinal canal is widened, therefore relieving pressure on the spinal cord. This is done by trimming or removing the lamina, which is the roof of the vertebrae, in order to create more space for the spinal nerves. A laminectomy may be performed with or without fusing vertebrae or the removal of part of the disc.
Lumbar Laminectomy Recovery in the Hospital
Successful recovery from a lumbar laminectomy requires that you approach your recovery with confidence and care. Having a positive attitude with help you set small goals for recovery and achieve them.
It is normal to feel pain after any operation. This is not an indication that your back surgery wasn’t a success. You may feel muscle spasms in the lower back and also pain in the legs. You will be given pain medication to control the pain. You will have inflammation in the body so it’s important to address the inflammation. To learn more about inflammation in the body and how to eliminate it naturally, CLICK HERE.
Next, it may take a few hours before you are able to sit up and walk around. Oftentimes you can even take a shower a day after surgery. A nice warm shower will make you feel better and it is important to keep the incision clean as the dressings will need to be kept clean and dry. The hospital stay is typically around 3-5 days.
Lumbar Laminectomy Recovery at Home
Once you return home, it is important to keep active, but do not push yourself. Walking is a safe and easy form of exercise during your lumbar laminectomy recovery. Sleep is important, and frequent short periods of rest are recommended during your recovery period.
Your doctor will let you know when it is safe for you to return to work. Remember to stay positive and surround yourself by encouraging and motivating people to help you along your recovery.
I had a laminectomy in September of this year. Yes, I was only in the hospital for 4 days. After that, I was transferred to a nursing home. I was so high on Oxycoton I didn’t remember 2 or 3 days. I saw blue bugs, I was picking butterflies off tree branches.
the 30 days I was in the nursing home, the first 3-5 days I had no feeling in my left leg. I could not feel it or move it
I had physical therapy twice a day. When Medicare quit paying my bill I was allowed to go home.
It has been another month now. I have trouble going up a step. I have chronic pain in my feet with swelling. I sit in my chair and cry the pain is so bad. I cannot drive a car or work.
One doctor told me this could last up to 18 months, or it could even be permanent.
If I would have known I was going to go through all this, I would not have agreed to the surgery. I feel I was not properly informed by my surgical group what could happen.
Blessings,
Denise
Denise, OMG, Im so sorry to read hear of you ordeal, post surgery…
The Best and I mean the best advice I can give you is for you to educate you self on all of your options post surgery…
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Again, sorry to hear that you had to go through this, but please understand that there is always away to make improvements to get you life back in order, do not give up and keep searching for answers…
Steve, HBI Staff…
I had a left hemi-laminectomy in June Doing great with PT, have even signed up at my fitness center.. What I am having a problem with is WALKING. I’ve had to re-learn how to walk correctly, and when I go for a walk, at about 3/4 block, I have serious back pain & almost like spasms… Should i continuee walking at that point (just go on) or should I stop when it REALLY HURTS?Donna
Donna, the answer is “go with your Gut, feeling”. I would tell most people to go to tolerance but I do not know your complete situation or full condition and thus, no one but your self and the person working with you can answer that question and I would encourage you to feel the confidence for you to know the difference.
That said, if your body is no longer stable and/or balanced, I would tell anyone to give it a rest and come back harder the next day, in order to incrementally increase your speed or your stride length, no need to push it all in one day, there is always tomorrow.