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May 19, 2013
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Lumbar Laminectomy (cont.)

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Recovery at Home

  • You can do several things to make your recovery at home easier.
    • Move groceries, toiletries, and other supplies to places between the level of your hip and shoulder where you can reach them without bending over.
    • Make sure someone can drive you around for one to two weeks after surgery and to help with chores and errands.
    • Buy a pair of slip-on shoes with closed backs to make dressing easier and to minimize bending over.
    • Short frequent walks each day may reduce your pain as well as speed your recovery.
  • Typically, if you have a sedentary job, you may return to work in one to two weeks. A person with a more strenuous job may have to remain off work for two to four months.
  • As your back heals, you may feel ready to have sex. This is usually fine. Choose a position that puts as little pressure on your back as possible.
    • Side positions or lying on your back are generally acceptable.
    • Avoid putting pressure on your back or arching your back during sex.
  • Do not drive a car for one to two weeks, or as long as you are taking any medication that makes you drowsy.

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Lumbar Laminectomy - Recovery

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What was the recovery period for your lumbar laminectomy?

Chronic Pain/Back Pain

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease »

Descriptions of treatment for low back pain (LBP) date to Hippocrates (460-370 BCE), who reported joint manipulation and use of traction.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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