Post-Operative Instructions for Lumbar Laminectomy and/or Fusion

Activity

• No lifting more than 5–10 pounds for at least 6–12 weeks.
• No bending, twisting, or stooping at the waist—use your knees to squat instead.
• No prolonged sitting or standing in one position; change positions frequently.
• Walking is strongly encouraged—begin with short distances and gradually increase.
• Climbing stairs is permitted as needed, but avoid excessive stair use.
• Do not drive until cleared by your surgeon and you are no longer taking narcotic pain medications.
• Avoid high-impact or strenuous activities until cleared.

Wound Care

• Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
• You may shower 72 hours after surgery unless otherwise instructed. Avoid baths, pools, or hot tubs.
• Pat the incision dry after showering—do not rub.
• Do not apply ointments, lotions, or oils to the incision.
• Monitor for signs of infection: redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or fever >101 °F.

Pain Management

• Take prescribed pain medications only as directed.
• You may also be given muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications—take as prescribed.
• Use ice packs on the lower back (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for pain and inflammation.

Nutrition and Hydration

• Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily unless fluid-restricted.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote healing.
• Include calcium and vitamin D in your diet to support bone fusion.
• Limit processed foods, sugar, and caffeine.
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine, which can impair bone healing.

Bowel Care

• Constipation is common after spine surgery and narcotic use.
• Stay hydrated and increase dietary fiber intake.
• Use over-the-counter stool softeners (e.g., Colace) or laxatives (e.g., Miralax) as needed.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements.

Sleep & Positioning

• You may sleep in any comfortable position.
• Use pillows to support your back and legs (e.g., a pillow under knees when on your back, or between knees when on your side).
• Avoid stomach sleeping.

Follow-Up

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
• Post-op imaging may be performed to evaluate fusion progress.

Call Your Surgeon If You Experience:

• New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Fever >101 °F, or signs of wound infection.
• Increasing back pain or leg pain not relieved with medication.
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

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