It comes from Dr Imran Salim Malik, orthopedic and trauma surgeon at Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, Lahore.
Spine surgery aims to ease pain and help you move better. How fast you heal depends on your health, your age, the operation and how closely you follow advice.
Second opinions welcome. Fees explained before any treatment.
Been told you need spine surgery? WhatsApp your X-ray or MRI to +92 300 4890692 to book a consultation. Dr Malik will need to examine you before advising on surgery.
Already had spine surgery and worried about your recovery? WhatsApp your discharge papers and a short note on your symptoms to the same number to arrange a check-up.
New leg weakness, numbness around the private parts, or problems controlling your bladder or bowels? Go to an emergency department now.
Not had surgery yet? Back pain with a fever or feeling very unwell needs a doctor the same day. If the clinic is closed, go to an emergency department. See a doctor within days, not weeks, if back pain comes with weight loss you can't explain, pain that is worse at night, or a past history of cancer or TB.
What to expect after spine surgery
Many spine operations take pressure off trapped nerves, for example from a slipped disc (herniated disc) or spinal stenosis (narrowing around the nerves). Others make the spine more stable by joining two or more spine bones (fusion). Surgery can be smaller-cut (minimally invasive) or open.
Open surgery uses a bigger cut, so recovery usually takes a little longer. Most patients move better again, but how much varies.
7 tips for a smooth recovery after spine surgery
1. Follow your surgeon's instructions
Your surgeon will tell you how to care for the wound, take your medicines and move safely. This lowers the risk of infection and helps you heal:
- Keep the wound (cut) clean.
- Keep the wound dry to help prevent infection.
- Take your pain medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Avoid bending, twisting or lifting heavy things for the first few weeks.
- Come to every follow-up visit so your doctor can check your healing.
Stop smoking and all tobacco, including naswar and chewing tobacco, before and after surgery. Tobacco slows bone and wound healing and makes a fusion less likely to join.
2. Start walking, slowly
Moving is important, but start slowly. Your doctor may ask you to take short walks within a few days. This keeps the blood flowing and helps prevent stiffness.
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist will then give you an exercise plan to rebuild strength and make your back more stable.
Don't rush heavy activities
Don't drive, run or lift heavy things until your doctor says it is safe. Take it slow and steady.
3. Sit, stand and sleep the right way
Good posture protects your back while it heals. Poor posture strains it and can slow recovery. Try to keep your spine in its natural curve.
Sitting
Use a chair that supports your back, with a small cushion behind your lower back. Don't slouch or lean forward.
Standing
Stand with your weight on both feet. Don't lean forward or bend down, as this strains your back.
Sleeping
Try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees to support the natural curve of your lower back. Good sleep supports recovery.
4. Eat well to help your body heal
Good food helps your body repair tissue and regain strength. Focus on these:
Protein
Protein helps repair tissue. Good sources are:
- Fish
- Eggs
- Daal (lentils) and beans
- Chicken
Calcium and vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D keep bones strong. Good sources are milk, yoghurt, eggs and fish. Ask your doctor whether you need a supplement.
Fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables give you vitamins for healing and fibre for good digestion.
Water
Drink plenty of water. Pain medicines can cause constipation, and water helps prevent it.
5. Keep pain under control
Some pain and swelling are normal after spine surgery. Your surgeon may suggest:
Medicines
Take pain medicines only as prescribed.
Ice & Heat
In the first few days, use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time. Never put it on the wound or the dressing. Use warm packs only later, and only if your surgeon says so. Skin near the wound can be numb and burn easily, so check it often.
6. Be patient with yourself
Recovery is gradual. Some people feel better within weeks; others need several months to move freely again. Mild pain or tiredness is normal while you heal. A rough guide (yours depends on your operation and health):
- First few days: short walks, as your doctor advises.
- First few weeks: no bending, twisting or heavy lifting.
- After a smaller operation (such as removing part of a slipped disc): many people are back to most daily activities and light work within 4–6 weeks.
- After fusion (joining spine bones): early recovery takes about 6–8 weeks. Full recovery takes longer, often six months or more.
- Desk work and driving: only when your surgeon says it is safe.
Follow your surgeon's advice and celebrate small wins, like walking further or needing fewer painkillers.
7. When to call your surgeon
Watch for warning signs. Call your surgeon the same day if you notice:
- Redness or swelling around the wound that is spreading or getting worse, or a wound that feels hot
- Pain or swelling in your calf (lower leg), which can be a sign of a blood clot
- Fluid leaking from the wound
- Fever or chills
- New numbness or tingling in your legs
- Pain that keeps getting worse, even with medicines
Go to an emergency department now if you have back or leg pain with:
- loss of bladder or bowel control
- new difficulty passing urine
- numbness around the private parts, inner thighs or buttocks
- new or quickly worsening weakness in the legs
Severe back or neck pain after a fall or accident: keep the person still, do not move them, and call Rescue 1122.
Chest pain or sudden breathlessness can mean a blood clot in the lungs. Go to the nearest emergency department now or call Rescue 1122.
For the other warning signs above, call your surgeon the same day. Dr Malik's patients can call +92 300 4890692. If you cannot reach the clinic, go to the nearest emergency department.
Many people worry about nerve damage or paralysis. Serious nerve injury after spine surgery is uncommon. If you are still deciding about surgery, Dr Malik will explain your own risks and how they are kept low.
Spine surgery and follow-up care with Dr Malik
Dr Malik is a consultant orthopedic and trauma surgeon in Lahore, with more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. His main interests are joint replacement and spine surgery. He trained at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, and Galway University Hospitals, Ireland.
At your consultation, Dr Malik explains the problem, your options and the risks. He arranges follow-up and physiotherapy for your recovery. Consultations are in Urdu or English.
The consultation fee depends on the hospital you visit. We tell you the exact fee on WhatsApp before you book, so there are no surprises. A follow-up visit within 5 days of your first consultation is free to go through your reports and scans.
Surgery fees are explained before any treatment begins, and second opinions are welcome.
Choosing the Right Spine Surgeon in Lahore
Choosing a spine surgeon is a big decision. Take your time and look for things you can check.
Five things to check
- Is registered with PMDC, with a qualification in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery (you can check this on the PMDC website)
- Regularly does the operation you need
- Explains your options, the risks and the likely recovery, and gives you time to decide
- Works at a hospital with good scans, operating theatres and close checks after surgery
- Tells you the fees clearly before treatment
You can meet more than one surgeon before you decide. A second opinion is your right. Bring your reports and Dr Malik will go through your options with you, including non-surgical ones.
You don't have to recover alone
Recovery takes time, care and check-ups. Follow your surgeon's advice, stay active within your limits, eat well and keep up your physiotherapy.
Had spine surgery, or been told you need it? Dr Malik can check your recovery or give a second opinion.
From the clinics of Dr Imran Salim Malik, orthopaedic and trauma surgeon. MBBS (Allama Iqbal Medical College) · MS (Trauma & Orthopaedics) · PMDC Reg. 39646-P. Every patient is different: Dr Malik will tell you what applies to you.
