What Are Permanent Restrictions After Spinal Fusion?

Permanent restrictions are activities you’re supposed to avoid for the rest of your life. These differ from temporary recovery guidelines, which focus on helping you avoid common problems during the weeks immediately after your procedure.

Permanent restrictions after spinal fusion are guidelines designed to prevent complications and maximize the success of the procedure. Long-term spinal fusion restrictions are recommended to:

• Avoid stressing the fused joint
• Prevent hardware failure
• Minimize the risk of adjacent segment disease

What are the restrictions after spinal fusion surgery, exactly? That depends on the type of procedure you undergo. For example, restrictions after lumbar fusion will vary slightly from the permanent restrictions after scoliosis surgery. Therefore, it’s vital to speak with your surgeon about what permanent restrictions after spinal fusion apply to you.

If you undergo cervical fusion, your restrictions after spinal fusion may involve limiting neck movements. On the other hand, if your surgeon fuses vertebrae in your lumbar spine (lower back), you may have strict lifting restrictions after spinal fusion.

Physical Limitations After Spinal Fusion

The physical limitations after spinal fusion typically fall into three categories:

Restricted Range of Motion

Range of motion restrictions after spinal fusion surgery are meant to protect the fused joints. The extent of these limitations will vary depending on the location of your surgery. For example, a cervical fusion will limit neck rotation and extension, while a lumbar fusion will impact bending and twisting at the lower back.

Posture and Ergonomics

Maintaining proper posture will help you avoid straining your spine. Use chairs with adequate lumbar support and invest in a high-quality mattress that promotes healthy body position. You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Workplace and Daily Life Adjustments

Spinal fusion work restrictions may necessitate a career change. This is particularly likely if you work in a demanding field that requires repeated movements or heavy lifting.

Long-Term Spinal Fusion Restrictions

Some of the long-term limitations after spinal fusion may involve the following aspects of your life:

Exercise and Fitness Modifications

Permanent lifting restrictions after spinal fusion may interfere with your ability to engage in exercise and fitness activities like weightlifting or contact sports. Your exact limitations will depend on what part of your spine was fused. However, some general activities to avoid after spinal fusion include:

• Deadlifting
• Heavy squats
• Contact sports
• Dynamic movements (jumping, sprinting, etc.)

Replace these activities with lower-impact options like swimming, walking, or yoga. These alternatives can help you stay active without violating spinal fusion lifting restrictions.

Travel Considerations

Things not to do after spinal fusion include going on long drives without breaks or lifting heavy luggage while traveling. Enduring long flights[1] may also be more difficult. You can still travel, but you’ll need to take breaks every hour or two to stretch.

Household Chores

Does spinal fusion restrict movement? Will those limitations impact how you perform household chores? The answer to both questions is yes.

Tasks like vacuuming or gardening can pose risks post-surgery. Consider using assistive devices like grabbers to limit your need to bend, twist, or reach. You may also need to invest in lightweight vacuums and other cleaning equipment to stay within lifting limitations.

What Can You Never Do After Spinal Fusion?

It depends on your specific circumstances and the fusion site. Talk to your surgeon about specific restrictions and activities that you might be concerned about after surgery. Spinal fusion lifting restrictions typically apply to individuals who have portions of their lumbar spine fused. Some activities that are usually off-limits include:

• Extreme sports like snowboarding or motocross
• Lifting heavy weights
• Twisting or bending that may compromise the integrity of your hardware

Ignoring these restrictions can cause complications and may require additional surgery.

Activities to Avoid After Spinal Fusion Surgery

What can you not do after spinal fusion? Here are some activities to avoid:

Lifting Restrictions

In most cases, you’ll be advised to avoid lifting more than 10–15 pounds. If your fusion site is in the cervical spine, you may be allowed to lift heavier weights. However, you should consult with your surgeon to ensure that you don’t begin lifting too much weight too soon.

High-Impact Activities

Running, jumping, and contact sports are discouraged because they can cause hardware failure or damage adjacent discs. Substitute low-impact alternatives like walking or swimming for high-impact exercise.

Twisting and Bending

Movements like reaching for items or turning suddenly can compromise fusion. Bend at your knees when lifting, and use tools like reachers to retrieve high or low objects.

Why Consult Neurosurgeons of New Jersey?

Choosing the right specialists for your procedure will have a direct impact on the outcome. Here’s what sets Neurosurgeons of New Jersey apart:

• Top Doctors in Your Community: Located just 20 minutes from New York City, our team offers world-class care with the convenience of suburban care.
• Private Practice Advantages: As a private practice, we provide specialized services and closer patient relationships.
• Same-Day Telehealth Calls: Neurosurgeons of New Jersey offers same-day telehealth appointments, an uncommon convenience in the neurosurgery field.

Whether you’re seeking a second option or simply want the best care possible, Neurosurgeons of New Jersey delivers.

Authors of this Blog: The Ridgewood Spine Team