There’s no one answer to how long it takes to recover from degenerative spine surgery. In fact, it’s tough to even pinpoint an accurate timeframe to consider. For this reason, if you’re thinking about spine surgery, be sure to check with your physician and/or surgeon for a personalized estimate. There are several factors that they will consider in giving you an approximate recovery time.

How extensive is your spinal condition?

Because a degenerative spine condition can range from one herniated disc to major vertebral slippage, the scope of a procedure also varies. If you are considering surgery that may require work at multiple levels of the spine, for example, your recovery time will likely be longer than someone having an operation at a single level.

How healthy are you?

Overall health is a factor that is always considered before a surgical procedure. Sometimes, a severe health condition may deter a surgeon from performing a procedure because it increases the risk of complications or could hamper recovery. In general, people in better overall health tend to recover more quickly. Tobacco use is another factor to consider. Because it can interfere with blood circulation and thus slow recovery times, many surgeons request that their patients stop using tobacco entirely before and after surgery.

What kind of surgery are you having?

Another variable that can have a tremendous impact on degenerative spine surgery recovery time is the surgical approach used during the procedure. For example, as compared to traditional open neck and back procedures, USA Spine Care’s minimally invasive surgeries are a safer and effective alternative.^{^} In fact, our patients are often up and walking within a few hours of the surgery. Thanks to our minimally invasive approach, recovery times can often be reduced — although every patient’s experience will differ.

If you’d like to find out if you’re a candidate for our procedures, contact USA Spine Care today.