Whether you’re preparing for your annular tear surgery or you have already started recovering from your operation, you should be aware of the limitations you need to adhere to after undergoing a procedure. These guidelines are designed to stop patients from injuring themselves during the recovery period and to give the body enough time to recuperate after surgery.

Specific activities to avoid

Just after your surgery, you may find that certain movements, such as bending over, are challenging or painful. If so, try to avoid them and slowly ease yourself into them at a later point. When you’re in doubt about whether to perform a movement, remember to listen to your body and not to rush your recovery.

Doctors will generally recommend avoiding the following activities during the recovery period for any type of spine surgery, including the minimally invasive procedures at USA Spine Care:

• Driving or operating machinery, especially while taking any prescribed medication, until postsurgical pain is manageable
• Participating in any activities that require repetitive bending or twisting
• Pushing, pulling or lifting any heavy objects
• Climbing, including stairs, walking up inclines or doing climbing exercises

When should you expect to return to work?

Getting back to work is a major concern for many patients who have undergone annular tear surgery, and the time it takes to return depends on a number of factors. First, you should consider the type of job that you have. For example, patients with a desk job may be able to return sooner than people with more physically demanding jobs. Of course, the time frame for returning to work will also vary on a patient-to-patient basis, depending on how your body is recuperating and what your doctor advises.

Patients who have undergone minimally invasive spine surgery at USA Spine Care and have any questions or concerns can call the SPINE LINE at any time. If you have an annular tear and are considering your surgical options, contact the dedicated team at USA Spine Care to learn more about the benefits of our minimally invasive spine surgery.

We’re happy to provide a free MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.