At this point, Tylenol with codeine will be given as needed. Occasionally, a patient will experience a headache several days after surgery. This can be medicated with an appropriate dose of Tylenol. Some patients experience flexor spasms which generally occur at night or while resting after a period of activity. These spasms are temporary and can be minimized with a small dose of Valium.
Bed rest is required until the fourth postoperative day.
Books, television, music tapes, books on tape, and a tape player may help to pass the time. On the sixth day after surgery, the nurse will remove the back dressing and inspect the incision. There are no stitches to be removed from the skin. Patients are allowed activity as they can tolerate it. The main restrictions are related to trunk movement.