Spinal Stenosis Prevention and Relief

Recovery from spinal stenosis surgery depends on how extensive the surgery is. For most patients, there will be some pain or discomfort for a couple of days after surgery. On the first postoperative day, you probably can sit up in bed and stand. Over the next couple of days, you should be able to walk fairly comfortably and go up and down stairs without too much trouble.

Usually, a patient is hospitalized for about three days after spinal stenosis surgery. Recovery takes longer if a spinal fusion is performed. This can add two to three days to the hospital stay. About three to four weeks after surgery, you should feel well enough to return to a desk job. Your doctor will advise you when you can return to a more active job and when to resume other activities.