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Spinal fusion done
My mother P.Nagamani has been diagnosed with L4 L5 spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis .She tried to manage the condition through consjervative methods but failed.So on 25/08/26 she underwent spinal fusion surgery but since then there is severe pain at incision site and even while sleeping or sitting the pain is debilitating .Is it ok?Any gentle exercises please kindly advise me in this hour of profound gried for me as a son
Answers (12)
Pain around the incision is common after spinal fusion, especially in the first few days, but severe or debilitating pain should not be ignored. The surgical team should know about her current pain level and assess whether her recovery is progressing normally.
Next Steps
Please contact the operating surgeon/hospital today and report the severity of her pain. For now, follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions rather than starting new exercises. You can also consult me online for guidance on safe early-stage movement once her surgical team confirms it is appropriate.
Health Tips
Keep movements gentle and avoid bending, twisting, lifting or forceful stretching. Short, assisted walks as permitted by the surgeon are usually preferable to prolonged bed rest. Seek urgent medical attention for new leg weakness/numbness, loss of bladder/bowel control, fever, wound discharge, or rapidly worsening pain.
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Severe pain in the first few days after spinal fusion can occur due to the surgical incision and tissue healing. However, debilitating or worsening pain should be reviewed by the operating surgeon, especially if associated with fever, wound redness/discharge, new weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel changes.
Next Steps
For now, follow the surgeon’s precautions and avoid bending, lifting, twisting, or unsupervised exercises. Once cleared, early supervised physiotherapy can safely guide mobility, breathing, posture and gradual strengthening.
Health Tips
A physiotherapy assessment after surgical clearance can help her progress comfortably and safely.
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Please take a deep breath. At just 6 days post-op, severe pain at the incision, during sitting, and while sleeping is completely expected due to intense surgical inflammation. Please consult with the surgeon.
Next Steps
you can do cryotherapy for temporary pain relief.
Health Tips
Use the 'log roll' technique to get her out of bed (no twisting). Place a pillow under her knees when she sleeps on her back.
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Hey there!
Calm down dear. Surgery was done on 25th august. Doctor must have recommended few pain relievers to reduce post operative complications. If not kindly talk to the surgeon. Secondly gently bed mobility is required to reduce post operative complications. Thirdly please consult me online with all discharge reports. I will guide you rehabilitation and back to normal life guidelines.
Stay confident.
Your physio
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First of all , don't worry. pain around the incision site and some back discomfort can be expected after spinal fusion surgy ,especially in the early postoperative period. I would strongly recommend that you start gentle mobility ,short assisted walks , position changes and appropriate bed exercises can help maintain circulation ,prevent stiffness and support recovery.
Next Steps
If you would like an online physiotherapy consultation you can share the surgery details ,discharge summary, latest reports /scans ,medication list and any postoperative instruction .
Health Tips
I can then assess the available information and guide you regarding safe mobility and a gradual you regarding safe mobility and a gradual exercise programme according to your recovery stage .
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