Spinal Cord Stimulator Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for spinal cord stimulator: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Spine Precautions, BLT
- •No Bending at the waist
- •No Lifting over 5-10 lbs
- •No Twisting the spine
- •These restrictions protect your surgical repair and allow fusion to occur
Spinal Cord Stimulator recovery, day by day
Critical Monitoring
- Hospital stay may vary based on procedure
- Log-roll technique for turning in bed; do not twist the spine
- Report any new headache, vision changes, weakness, or numbness IMMEDIATELY
- Take anti-seizure medication if prescribed, do NOT skip doses
Pain & Medication
- Pain medication will be managed by your care team
- Use the bed controls, not your core muscles, to adjust position
- Stool softeners to prevent straining, critical for brain and spine surgery
- Deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
Activity & Movement
- Begin walking as instructed; no bending, lifting, or twisting, BLT restrictions
- No driving for at least 2-4 weeks, varies by procedure
- No lifting over 5-10 lbs for 4-6 weeks
- Wear any prescribed brace or support
Incision Care
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Shower as directed, usually OK after 48 hours with waterproof dressing
- Do NOT apply lotions, ointments, or creams to the incision unless directed
- Watch for signs of CSF leak: clear, watery drainage from incision or nose
Ongoing Recovery
- Gradually increase activity as cleared by your neurosurgeon
- Physical therapy is critical; attend all sessions
- Attend all follow-up appointments and imaging
- Bone fusion takes 3-6 months; protect your spine during this time
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call 911 now for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or swelling of the face or throat
- •Call your clinic promptly for fever or chills, bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, or pain not controlled by your clinician-approved plan
- •Call your clinic for hives or another possible allergic reaction that is not affecting breathing or causing facial or throat swelling
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site, signs of infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness or tingling that worsens
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Loss of bowel or bladder control, medical emergency
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Progressive weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- •Call your care team today if you notice: New vision changes or double vision
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe neck stiffness with fever
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 9
Begin Physical Therapy
Start PT program for strength and mobility
- Day 10
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 30
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
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