Recovery after canal stenosis surgery and the things to avoid can vary considerably based on the individual circumstances of each patient. Therefore, the best source for answers on what to expect is a personal consultation with a surgeon, who can offer specific information, address all questions and provide detailed postoperative instructions. To learn about minimally invasive canal stenosis surgery and what to avoid during the post-surgical recovery process, read the following article.

What to expect after canal stenosis surgery

In general, for a few weeks after undergoing canal stenosis surgery, a patient can expect to have some pain and swelling in and around the incision site. The level of discomfort should improve steadily, provided that the surgeon’s postoperative instructions are followed.

Most canal stenosis patients are advised to avoid the following activities immediately after surgery and during the recovery period:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (other than those specifically prescribed), which can delay the healing process
• Sitting and remaining in the same position for more than 10 to 20 minutes at a time
• Swimming and soaking in a tub during the first two weeks after surgery
• Bending, lifting and twisting or any other movements that stress the spine or cause pain
• High-impact sports like football or hockey and other extreme activities like skiing and boating as well as riding horses, ATVs, tractors and amusement park rides

In the case of the minimally invasive spine surgery performed at USA Spine Care, 81 percent of patients report being able to return to work within three months after surgery.^ However, the final determination should be made by the patient’s surgeon during a follow-up appointment. The surgeon can also advise on when the patient can resume other activities. Typically, it takes a few months for the spinal bones to heal well, but the healing process varies for each individual case.

Minimally invasive canal stenosis surgery

For information on how canal stenosis can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, what to expect during recovery and the things to avoid, please contact USA Spine Care. Our team will be pleased to discuss our procedures and provide a no-cost review of a recent MRI or CT scan.* Since 2005, we have helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck or back pain, setting us apart as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery.

At USA Spine Care, our board-certified surgeons+ are able to use a less than 1-inch incision that that does not disrupt the muscles and ligaments near the spine in order to remove the structures causing pressure and get the patient on the road to recovery. Reach out to our dedicated team today so we can determine if you are a potential candidate for canal stenosis surgery at USA Spine Care.

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