How Long After Back Surgery Can You Drive Safely?

Back and spinal surgery takes a toll on your body, and when you’re recovering, you’ll experience tension and soreness in the surrounding muscles. While it’s essential to prioritize your health and rest, it’s understandable to wonder when you’re able to get back into your everyday activities.

Driving is an essential part of many people’s lives. It’s hard to complete simple tasks like grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning without driving. In a study published by Global Spine Journal, results from a study done on driving after spinal surgery suggested that patients who received a single-level lumbar spinal fusion and who are not taking opioids may drive as early as two weeks following the spinal surgery. The impact of spinal surgery on driving varies, with cervical spine and lumbar spine surgeries having different recovery timelines and considerations.

Cervical spine surgery and lumbar surgery each have specific recovery periods, with cervical spine surgery often requiring careful assessment of neck range of motion and driver reaction time before resuming driving.

Before attempting to drive, talk with your doctor about the estimated time of your recovery and how long your period of rest should last. Every person is unique, and working with a medical professional to see what is best for you is vital to your recovery. Patients may need to refrain from driving for several days to a few weeks post-surgery, depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery progress.

Three Main Types of Back and Spine Surgery

There are many non-surgical ways to treat back pain, but if you’ve tried different types of therapies that result in little to no pain relief, it might be time to discuss surgical options. There are three main types of back and spine surgeries, including cervical surgery and extensive surgeries, that can effectively correct your spinal problems. These procedures are typically performed by specialists in orthopedic surgery, ensuring that patients receive expert care tailored to their specific spinal conditions.

Spinal Fusion

In many cases, spinal pain is caused when a joint is in motion. When doctors perform spinal fusion, they fuse the vertebrae together to stop the motion. While this is one of the most common types of surgery, it’s unable to be performed on multiple areas of the spine. This is because the spine provides motion to the body, and if multiple vertebrae are fused together, then the motion will be restricted, and it could cause additional pain. Moreover, more extensive surgeries, such as multilevel lumbar surgery and posterior cervical surgery, may lead to greater pre- and postoperative pain, which could impact recovery and driving safety.

Laminectomy

During this procedure, surgeons will remove a bone that’s part of the spine called the lamina. They will also remove bone spurs and ligaments during the process. Removing these will allow for more space, so the pressure that was on the spinal nerve is eliminated. Because a large portion of the bone is removed, a spinal fusion may be necessary if there’s instability in the spine. For those dealing with bone spurs or chronic pain, this is a great option.

Discectomy

In between each vertebra is a disc that acts as a shock absorber for the spine. If you’re struggling with a herniated disc or disc herniation, where the disc slips out of place and bulges, a discectomy may be a great solution to your pain. This removes all or part of the disc that is causing you issues.

When you suffer from back pain and require medical treatment, look to medical professionals at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery for assistance. We’re invested in using the best research and technology for your treatment and work to build a recovery plan tailored to your needs.

What Are Some Ways to Increase Your Recovery Process?

The recovery process depends on the severity of your pain and injury, the type of treatment received, and unique factors relating to your health and genetics. While every person is different and needs a personalized recovery plan, a few things may help with your recovery time.

• Avoid bending, lifting, and twisting
• Use gentle stretching and rehab exercises
• Get lots of rest and sleep
• Drink plenty of water
• Be mindful of pain medication and pain medications, as they can impact your recovery and driving abilities

Even if your recovery takes longer than expected, using the tips above will help ease you back into everyday activities and exercises. Talk with your doctor about what things you can do to help your recovery process and seek medical advice if you experience any discomfort or limitations.

Contact Experienced Spine Surgeons at Orthopedic & Laser Spine

Pain in the back, neck, and spine is debilitating and keeps us from experiencing all the wonderful moments that life has to offer. To get you back in action, our team of award-winning neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, and physicians use the latest research and technology to provide you with a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. Our team includes specialists in orthopedic surgery who are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for spinal conditions.

We want you to feel comfortable in your body and work hard to help relieve your pain. For more information about our services and treatment plans, call 407-712-8789 or fill out our online contact form.

Q&A

What is spinal fusion surgery, and when is it necessary?

Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently joined to stop the motion between them. It’s often necessary when there is instability in the spine, such as from degenerative disc disease, trauma, or spinal deformity, which can cause chronic pain. By fusing the vertebrae, the surgery helps reduce pain but limits range of motion in the affected area.

How long does it take to recover from lumbar spine surgery?

Recovery from spine surgery varies depending on the specific procedure and the patient’s overall health. For instance, a lumbar spinal fusion may require a recovery period of three to six months. During this time, patients may gradually regain their range of motion, but driving and other activities should be avoided until cleared by a doctor.

Will spinal fusion surgery affect my range of motion?

Yes, fusion surgery will affect your range of motion in the area where the vertebrae are fused. The goal of the procedure is to stabilize the spine and relieve pain, but since the fused vertebrae no longer move, you will lose some flexibility in that section of your spine. However, most patients find that the reduction in pain outweighs the loss of motion.

How does lumbar spinal fusion help with chronic lower back pain?

Lumbar spinal fusion is an effective treatment for chronic lower back pain caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis. By fusing the affected vertebrae in the lumbar spine, the procedure prevents painful motion between the vertebrae, thereby reducing or eliminating the pain. Although it limits the range of motion in the fused segment, patients often experience significant pain relief.

Can I drive after spinal fusion surgery?

Driving after spinal fusion surgery depends on your recovery progress and the type of surgery performed. For example, patients who undergo a lumbar spinal fusion may be able to resume driving two to six weeks post-surgery, depending on pain levels, mobility, and whether they are still taking pain medications. Always consult your doctor before driving to ensure your range of motion and reaction time are sufficient for safe driving.