FAQs

Most patients are encouraged to begin walking the same day or shortly after surgery, depending on the specific procedure performed.

Walking is one of the most important activities during recovery because it helps:

• Improve circulation

• Reduce stiffness

• Support healing

• Lower the risk of complications

• Restore strength and mobility

Patients are typically encouraged to gradually increase walking and activity levels as tolerated.

Recovery timelines vary depending on the type of surgery, the condition being treated, and individual healing factors.

General recovery expectations may include:

• Minimally invasive procedures, often several weeks

• Fusion or more complex surgery, several weeks to a few months

• Continued improvement over many months as healing progresses

While many patients feel significantly better earlier in recovery, it may take up to a year to achieve maximal healing and long-term surgical benefit in some cases.

Dr. Gelfand provides personalized recovery guidance based on each patient’s procedure and overall health.

Driving should be avoided while taking narcotic pain medications or if movement, reaction time, or comfort is limited.

Most patients can resume driving once they are:

• Off narcotic pain medication

• Comfortable sitting and moving safely

• Able to react appropriately while operating a vehicle

The timing varies depending on the procedure and recovery progress, and patients should follow individualized recommendations before returning to driving.

Return-to-work timelines depend on both the procedure performed and the physical demands of the patient’s job.

General expectations may include:

• Sedentary or desk-based work, often within a few weeks

• Physically demanding or labor-intensive work, may require additional recovery time

Recommendations are individualized based on healing progress, symptoms, and activity requirements.

In many cases, patients may shower within a few days after surgery, although instructions vary depending on the procedure and wound closure method.

Patients are generally instructed to:

• Keep the incision clean and dry

• Avoid scrubbing the incision area

• Avoid soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs until cleared

Specific incision care instructions are reviewed after surgery to support safe healing.

Activity restrictions vary depending on the type of spine surgery performed.

Common temporary restrictions may include avoiding:

• Excessive bending or twisting

• Heavy lifting

• High-impact exercise or sports

• Strenuous physical activity

Patients receive procedure-specific instructions outlining activity progression and recovery precautions.

Physical therapy recommendations vary depending on the procedure and recovery goals.

Some patients begin gentle mobility exercises shortly after surgery, while strengthening and rehabilitation exercises may begin later in recovery.

Physical therapy often focuses on:

• Restoring mobility and flexibility

• Improving strength and stability

• Correcting posture and body mechanics

• Supporting safe return to normal activities

Therapy plans are individualized based on surgical healing and recovery progress.

Yes. Some discomfort after surgery is expected and is part of the normal healing process.

Common postoperative symptoms may include:

• Surgical site soreness

• Muscle tightness or stiffness

• Temporary fatigue

Pain should gradually improve over time as healing progresses. Patients should contact the office if pain suddenly worsens or becomes severe.

Patients should contact the office if they experience symptoms such as:

• Increasing redness around the incision

• Drainage from the wound

• Fever or chills

• Worsening swelling or pain

• New numbness, tingling, or weakness

Early communication allows potential issues to be evaluated and addressed promptly.

Patients should seek emergency medical care or call 911 if they experience:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Sudden or severe weakness

• Inability to move the arms or legs

• Signs of a blood clot such as severe leg swelling or pain

If there is uncertainty about whether symptoms are urgent, it is safest to seek immediate medical evaluation.

Questions during recovery are common, and ongoing communication is an important part of postoperative care.

For non-urgent concerns, patients are encouraged to contact the office during normal business hours through:

• Phone calls

• Patient portal or messaging systems

• Scheduled follow-up appointments

For urgent concerns after hours, on-call providers are available to help guide patients regarding appropriate next steps.