General Spine: Dr. Chunduri Post-Op Instructions

ACTIVITY:

Walking is the only form of therapy to be performed in the immediate 2 weeks after cervical/microdiscectomy surgery and 6 weeks for any fusion surgery.

The walking program that is required consists of up to 4 walks during the day that equal one mile.

All other therapy will be determined at the first preoperative visit.

LUMBAR: Typically for lumbar fusions therapy will begin at six weeks after surgery in the pool and then transition to land therapy.
CERVICAL: Therapy for cervical fusions is dependent on your clinical symptoms because patients often do not need therapy.
DRIVING: You are not to drive for a minimum of 2 weeks and are discouraged from being in a car during that period of time.
TRAVEL BY PLANE: – be sure to discuss with the physician/ surgery scheduler if you have any trips planned, there is a minimum of 6 weeks before flying is recommended.

RETURNING TO WORK:

It is possible to return to work within the first couple of weeks after surgery, if you are not requiring any pain medication and if your job does not require any prolonged standing, sitting and lifting or bending. This also is dependent on whether you have a sedentary or physical job.

This will be discussed at your pre-operative and subsequent post-operative visit.

POSTOPERATIVE MEDICATION:

Please note that most pain medication causes constipation and you may need to take an “over-the-counter” laxative or a stool softener – Miralax would be recommended, should there be a problem. The other option is Magnesium Citrate which is over the counter. Postoperative discomfort is to be expected, especially in and around the surgical area. Nerves that have been inflamed or compressed may require some time postoperatively to heal, which can vary from days, weeks or even months. Should the prescribed postoperative medications not control the pain, please contact our office. **Please call the office 1-2 days in advance of needing a refill.

POSTOPERATIVE VISIT:

Your first postoperative visit will be approximately two weeks after surgery and will be with the doctor or physician assistant and will require obtaining X-rays. Please wear comfortable clothing without a zip or button so that X-rays can be easily facilitated.

DENTAL VISITS AFTER SURGERY:

We recommend that you do NOT have any type of dental appointment, including cleaning appointments for the first 6 weeks following any type of cervical, lumbar, or SI joint surgery. If there is an urgent need for dental work, please discuss with our office before proceeding. After 6 weeks, you may proceed with any dental appointment and you will NOT be required to pre medicate with any type of antibiotic.