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.