Since the spinal fusion was performed only 2 days ago, significant pain around the incision can occur during the first few postoperative days and does not by itself indicate that something has gone wrong. However, severe or poorly controlled pain should be discussed with the operating spine surgeon, particularly if the prescribed medicines are not providing adequate relief.
For now, she should continue the postoperative pain medicines exactly as prescribed at discharge. I would not advise adding painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines on your own; after spinal fusion, some surgeons specifically limit NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/diclofenac because of concerns regarding bone healing.
Next Steps
Please contact the surgeon/hospital promptly if there is increasing rather than gradually improving pain, fever, redness or discharge from the wound, increasing swelling, new numbness or weakness in either leg, inability to walk compared with after surgery, loss of bladder/bowel control, numbness around the groin, severe breathlessness, or chest pain.
Health Tips
At only 48 hours after surgery, the priority is good postoperative analgesia, wound/neurological assessment and mobilization according to the surgeon's protocol. If the pain is described as severe despite the prescribed medication, I would recommend contacting the operating team today rather than waiting for the routine follow-up.