12-Week Patient Recovery Journey Map:

Your step-by-step guide to healing, with confidence and support every step of the way

Your 12-Week Post-Op Timeline at a Glance

Day 1: Nurse Call
Week 1: Nurse Follow-Up Call
Week 2: Office Visit for Spinal Cord Stimulator and ReActiv8 patients
Week 6: Recovery Progress Check (first office visit for Laminectomy, Discectomy, Disc Replacement, Barricaid, follow-up for SCS and ReActiv8)
Week 12: Final Evaluation

DAY 0 – AFTER SURGERY (At the Vertrae® Surgery Center)

You’re in good hands. Here’s what happens before you go home.

Your procedure is complete, and the first phase of recovery begins right here at the Vertrae® Surgery Center. Our team will monitor you closely and help you transition safely back home.

What to expect immediately after surgery:

You’ll rest in the recovery area as you wake up from anesthesia. You will feel some effects of anesthesia for the remainder of the day
It’s normal to feel tired, groggy, or slightly nauseated. You may also have a dry mouth or sore throat
We’ll assist you into your clothes and safely discharge you via wheelchair
A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours

You may experience some nausea or vomiting from the anesthesia or pain medications. If this happens, we can provide medication to help relieve those symptoms.

What to Expect During This First Week

Healing starts now, and that means rest, patience, and gentle movement

Your body is doing important work behind the scenes. Give it the space and support it needs.

Common (and Normal) Symptoms

These may last a few days to weeks. Don’t be alarmed:

Tingling or numbness in legs/feet. Nerves take 6–12 months to recover fully
Fatigue — rest is part of healing
Back, neck, or shoulder soreness/pain
Hoarseness or mild swallowing discomfort (from anesthesia)
Light drainage from the incision site

Call Vertrae® Immediately If You Experience:

Fever over 100°F
Redness, swelling, or pus-like drainage from incision
Uncontrolled pain despite medication
Severe headache or a stiff neck
Difficulty breathing: call 911 right away

DAY 1: Post-Op Nurse Phone Call

A Vertrae® nurse will call you the day after surgery, not just to check the boxes, but to care for you.

We’ll help you with:

Medication reminders
Walking and brace instructions (if prescribed)
Answering early questions or concerns
Emotional reassurance. Surgery is a big journey, and you’re not alone

You may be asked:

Are pain medications helping?
Any nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite?
Are you urinating and having bowel movements normally?
Using your stool softeners?
Any fever or drainage from your incision?
Are you walking?
Do you have any questions or concerns?

DAYS 1–2: Early Home Recovery

Rest and gentle movement are your priorities right now

Medications

Take pain medicine as needed
Use a daily stool softener

Wound Care

Don’t remove surgical glue/mesh. It will dissolve naturally in 2–4 weeks
Keep your incision clean and dry
Cover it if clothing rubs or irritates it
Monitor for swelling, redness, or unusual drainage

Activities: What’s Safe vs. What to Avoid

Yes, you should move, just gently and with care

✅ Do:

Walk daily (short distances)
Rest when you feel tired
Use ice packs for swelling or soreness
Wear your brace when standing/sitting/walking (if prescribed) — not while sleeping
Sexual activity is permitted (use caution and common sense)

❌ Avoid:

Bending below waist height
Lifting more than 15 lbs
Excessive twisting or reaching overhead
Smoking
Sitting for more than 45 minutes at a time
Jogging or running
Driving (if taking narcotic pain medication)
Housework or yard work
Returning to work without medical clearance

DAYS 3–6: Settling Into Recovery

This is where many patients start feeling a little better, but don’t rush it (frequently with the minuteman fusions, day 3 is the worst day as far as pain goes.)

Continue medications and stool softener as needed
Walk a little more each day, but avoid overdoing it
Keep your incision clean and dry — no creams, powders, or ointments
Wear your brace when upright if prescribed
Still avoid all previously restricted movements

DAY 7: One-Week Post-Op Nurse Follow-Up

We’ll check in again because how you are feeling matters.

We’ll ask about:

How pain is being managed
Walking progress and daily activity
Changes in incision appearance
Any signs of fever or infection
Any new numbness or tingling in your legs or feet
Your brace use (if applicable)
Questions, concerns, or emotional check-ins

WEEK 2: First Post-Op Office Visit- only for ReActiv8 and Spinal Cord Stimulator patients)

Let’s check your healing progress in person

We’ll examine your incision, discuss any lingering symptoms, and assess your mobility.

You may be cleared for:

Driving (You may resume driving once you are no longer taking pain medication and feel safe behind the wheel. This guideline is in place for your safety and to ensure you’re fully alert while driving).
Returning to light desk work
Adjusting brace use
Starting light activity planning

WEEK 6: First Post-Op Office Visit for Laminectomy, Discectomy, Barricaid, and Disc Replacement patients

Your nerves and muscles are on the mend, and we’re tracking your progress

We’ll evaluate core strength, nerve healing, and readiness for more advanced recovery steps.

This visit may include:

Recommendations for physical therapy
Clearance for moderate activity
Personalized guidance for next-phase healing

WEEKS 8–12+: Active Healing Phase

Your independence is growing — but precautions still matter

Continue regular walking
Avoid high-impact activities (running, contact sports, etc.)
Avoid smoking — it slows tissue healing
May begin tapering off brace use (as directed by your surgeon)
Work readiness, travel, and moderate lifting can be discussed

🚨 RED FLAGS: CALL VERTRAE® IMMEDIATELY

If you notice any of the following, don’t wait:

Fever over 100°F
Redness, swelling, or foul-smelling incision drainage
Pain not relieved by medication
New or worsening numbness, stiff neck, or headaches
Difficulty breathing — call 911 immediately
Vertrae® Office: 1-844-255-2225 (1-844-ALL-BACK)

You’re Not Alone and You’re Already Healing

We know recovery isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, too. You’re doing something hard and brave, and every small step counts.