The management of activities and needs after a spinal fusion surgery evolve with time. The following is what a typical patient can expect. There are different recommendations based on the surgeon's preference, the patient's needs and the type of surgery performed. The improvement in back pain and function continues up to 2 years after surgery. Another key factor that impacts recovery is smoking .
Nicotine acts like a poison in the bone, inhibiting fusion of the bone.
As in many other types of treatment for back pain, the more effort put forth by the patient, the better the overall result.