Additional Postoperative Instructions

The following are our guidelines, which should be followed along with those instructions given to you by your surgeon and as written in your discharge instructions.

• Increase your active progressively, as tolerated.

• Avoid any strenuous activities.

• Do not lift more than 5-10 pounds. In other words, do not lift more than approximately a bag of groceries or a gallon of milk.

• Use proper body mechanics at all times. In general, keep your spine straight. If you have had low back surgery, then avoid significant bending. If you have had neck surgery, avoid repetitive neck motions.

• Do not drive until you are instructed again by your surgeon that it is okay. In general, you should not drive for at least 2 weeks and you should be off of your pain medication before you return to driving. It is okay to ride in the car; however, minimizing this would seem wise and you might be most comfortable with the seat reclined.

• Do not exercise but you may walk. It is okay to go up and down stairs.

• Use common sense and “listen to your body.”