How Long Does It Take to Recover From Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal Fusion Surgery : The spine is one of the most important parts of the human body and any condition or problems related to it should be dealt with immediate attention and medical care. The spine provides shape and support to our back. Damage to the spine can be serious and can lead to paralysis. In the worst-case scenario, it might even lead to death.
It is normal to have common backache due to poor posture or an inactive lifestyle but some conditions and diseases can be more serious. One such common condition is Scoliosis. Scoliosis is the curving of the spinal cord, giving it an abnormal shape.
If you have read biology in high school or are a medical student, you must already be aware of the structure of the spine. Even in the early years, students are made familiar with the structure of the spine. The spinal cord is made up of several small bones joined together. You can feel them by touching your spine from behind.
Scoliosis can be dangerous if left untreated. People with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy are often targets of scoliosis. But unfortunately, the cause behind most childhood scoliosis is still unknown.
In most cases, scoliosis is mild and tolerable but in some cases, the curvature worsens as children continue to grow.
Does Scoliosis Hurt?
People with scoliosis often feel back pain. However, this pain is not caused by scoliosis itself. This pain is rather caused by the curvature that is the abnormal shape of the spine. The pain is also caused by damage to the bone. Alternatively, the curved spine also causes pressure on the nerves nearby. This pressure can also cause people with scoliosis to feel weakness and numbness.
How Can Scoliosis Be Corrected?
Scoliosis can be corrected by scoliosis surgery UK. The operation is spinal fusion which aims to realign and fuse together the curved vertebrae in a way that they become a single and solid bone.
Alternatively, anterior scoliosis correction UK is a way of correcting scoliosis. This surgical process is a little invasive and is designed to eliminate the curved sideways of the spine.
What To Expect After Spinal Fusion?
Since the spine forms the backbone of the human body, any surgical process performed on it will naturally take time to heal. After a successful spinal fusion surgery, patients usually return home after 3 to 4 days depending on the doctor’s advice.
Here Is What To Expect After Spinal Fusion:
- Soreness and numbness are experienced by most people. It will take a few weeks to adjust to the postoperative condition.
- Difficulty in bending. Doctors will strictly prohibit bending for at least a few weeks after spinal fusion.
- Recovery can take a long time. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for normalcy to return.
- No physical exercise or activities for at least 3 to 4 months after the surgery. Sometimes, it can take even longer.
How Long Does it Take for Nerves to Heal After Spinal Fusion?
Complete recovery after spinal fusion can take up to 8-9 months. But if the nerves had suffered severe damage before the surgery, it can take up to 12-24 months for the nerves to heal.
When Can I Travel After Spinal Fusion?
It is advisable to abstain from traveling till you have recovered completely. Doctors usually suggest not traveling for at least a year since traveling can make one restless and it is not healthy for your spine. However, in case of emergency, one can travel before one year but even then certainly not within ten months of the surgery.
Scoliosis correction treatment can be life-changing for people suffering from it. If you are looking for the scoliosis private treatment UK, you should contact Mehta Spine. They are known for their expertise in the field and provide the best treatment and care to people suffering from scoliosis.