Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery (LESS) Recovery

1-2 Weeks After Surgery

  • Take several short walks and perform posture exercises throughout the day.
  • Do not lift more than 10 pounds.
  • Drink six, 8 oz. glasses of water day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables high in fiber.
  • Wean off of all narcotic pain medications and transition to Tylenol/Acetaminophen.
  • If you are no longer taking any narcotic pain medication, you can start driving.
  • Do not participate in sports or activities that require frequent or strenuous bending, twisting, pushing or pulling.
  • Start physical therapy.
  • You can resume intercourse, as tolerated.
  • Limit initial car rides and flights to short distances (around 1-2 hours).
  • If you have a relatively sedentary job, you can likely return to work.

3-4 Weeks After Surgery

  • Do not lift more than 15-20 pounds.
  • You can submerge your incision in water, such as pools, bathtubs and hot tubs.
  • You can perform light chores, such as cooking, dusting, sweeping or folding laundry.
  • You can participate in non-contact sports and activities such as yoga, hiking or swimming.
  • You can go on longer car rides and flights.
  • If your job is physically demanding, you can likely return to work.

5-6 Weeks After Surgery

  • Do not lift more than 25-30 pounds.
  • Gradually increase activities as tolerated by pain.
  • You can perform household chores, such as gardening and mowing the lawn, as tolerated by pain.
  • You can participate in more non-contact sports and activities such as running or tennis.
  • You can start taking frequent or long distant flights.

3 Months After Surgery

  • You can participate in contact sports, ride a road bicycle, and go downhill skiing, snowmobiling, waterskiing, or horseback riding, as tolerated by pain.