Pain Control: Dr Shumayou Dutta will be observing your pain levels closely and give you the adequate amount of medicines so that the pain is tolerable. Pain usually diminishes gradually after surgery and with each passing day, dependence on pain medications decrease.

Hospital Stay: Is usually from 1 - 4 days depending on the type of surgeries. Many of our patients clear the discharge criteria the same day of surgery and can be discharged. However, patients are discharged once they are confident, comfortable, and mobilised out of bed. If you are from out of town, it is usually safe to travel 5-7 days after surgery.

Diet: Avoid fried food and sweets for 3 weeks. A bland diet is recommended. Kindly refer to the diet and nutrition section.

Stools: Avoid over-straining during bowel movement; a laxative may be used if needed, especially if you suffer from chronic constipation.

Hygiene: You may shower after wound inspection and suture removal is done. This is usually 10-14 days after surgery.

Avoid: Bending forward, sitting cross legged, lifting weights, sneezing, coughing, staining for stools, sudden jerky movements.

Inform us immediately if the dressing is soaked with blood, if you develop high fever, discharge from wound, increase in back pain after an initial reduction post-surgery.

Activities Permitted

• Light activities may be resumed the evening of surgery.
• Assistance may be needed the first few days with food preparation, lifting, and cleaning.

First Week after lumbar spine surgery

• Moderate activities with rest periods as needed.
• No sexual relations until you are well on your way to recovery.
• No lifting, bending, or twisting.
• No lifting of more than 2kgs for 3 weeks after surgery
• You may return to work 3 weeks after surgery or as able.
• You may resume driving a 4 wheeler 6 weeks after surgery or sooner if you are able to do so safely-remember to maintain neutral positioning- do not slouch.

Be Aware

• Important to maintain a neutral spine position with all postures and positions. Bend at the hips, knees, and ankles while keeping your back in neutral. Do not twist or forward bend at the waist.
• While Standing your weight should be evenly distributed on feet, keep knees soft, tighten buttock muscles.
• Standing to sitting - bend at hips and use a step position.
• Sitting -feet flat on the floor, weight through your sitting bones, and back straight. Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time without a break.
• Avoid long drives. Avoid travelling on bad roads.