Recovery & Rehabilitation
Preparing forsurgery.
Preparing for spine surgery involves more than the procedure itself. Optimizing overall health, bone quality, nutrition, mobility, and recovery planning can help support healing and improve recovery after surgery.
This guide is designed to help patients understand what to expect before surgery and how to prepare for a safe and successful recovery.
In the weeks beforesurgery.
Patients may require imaging, laboratory testing, medical clearance, or additional evaluations depending on the procedure and overall health status. Maintaining activity, walking regularly, eating well, optimizing sleep, and stopping nicotine use can all help support recovery and healing.
Notify the office of
- Any illness or infection before surgery
- Changes in medications
- Blood thinner use
- New neurologic symptoms
- Changes in medical history
Some medications needadjustment.
Certain medications and supplements may need to be stopped prior to surgery. Review all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements with the surgical team before surgery.
May Require Adjustment
- Blood thinners
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Certain diabetes medications
- Weight loss medications
- Herbal supplements
A NOTE
Medication instructions are individualized
Every medication plan is reviewed in detail before surgery. Don't stop or adjust anything on your own — the surgical team will provide written instructions specific to your medications, your procedure, and the timing of your surgery.
Make the recovery environmentsafe and comfortable
Preparing the recovery environment ahead of time can make the first few weeks after surgery safer and more comfortable.
Helpful Preparation
- Arranging for assistance at home if needed
- Preparing meals ahead of time
- Keeping commonly used items within easy reach
- Creating safe walking pathways free of clutter
- Setting up a comfortable sleeping area
- Planning transportation to follow-up appointments
Equipment Patients May Benefit From
- Shower chairs
- Raised toilet seats
- Grabbers / reachers
- Ice packs or heating pads when appropriate
Make the recovery environmentsafe and comfortable
Preparing the recovery environment ahead of time can make the first few weeks after surgery safer and more comfortable.
Identification & insurance
Photo ID and your insurance card.
List of medications
Current prescriptions, OTC, and supplements with dosing.
Comfortable clothing
Loose-fitting clothes you can easily move in.
Assistive devices
Glasses, hearing aids, or anything you use daily.
Personal essentials
Phone charger, lip balm, basic toiletries.
Strong outcomes depend onstrong bone.
Bone quality plays an important role in spine surgery recovery and healing, particularly for fusion procedures.
Optimizing bone health before surgery may help support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
May Include
- Bone density evaluation (DEXA scan)
- Osteoporosis treatment when appropriate
- Vitamin D and calcium optimization
- Nutritional support
- Smoking cessation
- Diabetes management
Also Important
Protein intake, hydration, mobility, and overall health optimization are also important parts of recovery preparation.
A walk-through ofthe day.
Patients receive specific arrival instructions prior to surgery. Depending on the procedure, patients may go home the same day or remain in the hospital for additional monitoring and recovery. Walking is often encouraged early after surgery when appropriate.
Check in
Arrive at the hospital and complete admission paperwork.
Meet the team
Anesthesia and surgical teams introduce themselves and confirm the plan.
Review & consent
Walk through surgical plan and recovery expectations one more time.
Procedure
Undergo the planned procedure with the full surgical team.
Recovery area
Recover in the post-anesthesia recovery area afterward.
Make the recovery environmentsafe and comfortable
Preparing the recovery environment ahead of time can make the first few weeks after surgery safer and more comfortable.
Logistics
- Transportation home
- Assistance with activities if needed
- Time away from work
- Follow-up appointments
Activity
- Walking early when appropriate
- Gradual mobility
- Temporary lifting/bending restrictions
- Avoiding strenuous activity initially
Support
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Pain management plan
- Mental & sleep recovery
- Continued bone health care
Next Steps
Build a plan together.
A consultation is the fastest way to map your symptoms to the right diagnosis, imaging, and treatment plan.