Each year, surgeons perform more than 500,000 procedures to treat lumbar spondylosis, a degenerative condition that affects the discs, joints, and bones of the lower spine. During the early stages, many cases of lumbar spondylosis respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections.
Once the condition advances, however, surgery is often the most effective option for relieving pain and improving quality of life. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, takes a conservative approach whenever possible and recommends surgery only when appropriate.
Lumbar spondylosis surgery can be life-changing, and while it provides significant relief, recovery requires patience and proper care. If you’re considering lumbar spondylosis surgery, here’s what you can expect.
Lumbar spondylosis can cause chronic lower back pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, numbness, sciatica, and trouble with movement. These symptoms tend to develop gradually as intervertebral discs lose hydration, bone spurs form, or discs compress nearby nerves.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if:
In rare cases, emergency surgery may be necessary if lumbar spondylosis leads to loss of bladder or bowel control.
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Jones conducts a thorough evaluation to gain insight into the cause of your symptoms. This typically includes a physical examination, medical history review, and advanced imaging such as MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays.
Patients can rely on our team to explain your diagnosis, review imaging with you, and discuss available treatment options so you feel informed and confident moving forward.
Lumbar spondylosis surgery involves releasing the pressure on the nerve or spinal cord (laminectomy), followed by stabilizing the spine. There are multiple types of decompression approaches, and Dr. Jones uses the most appropriate one based on factors such as the severity of degeneration.
Depending on your condition, surgery may involve:
Minimally invasive techniques often lead to less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
Patients can expect the first 48-72 hours after surgery to be the most challenging. This is when pain typically peaks and mobility is most limited.
Most patients remain in the hospital for up to three days, and your care team helps you manage pain with careful positioning and prescription medication. By day three, it’s typical for pain to start decreasing and mobility to increase, making short walks manageable.
Wound care is a top priority during the first two weeks of recovery from lumbar spondylosis. You’re encouraged to walk, but certain movements like bending and twisting are restricted during this early phase of recovery.
Following surgery, you receive detailed instructions regarding activity restrictions, walking, physical therapy, and follow-up care. Gentle movement during this period helps improve circulation and supports healing.
Patients can expect to begin physical therapy as they move into their third week of recovery. During this phase of recovery, the focus is on activating the core with gentle movements and gradually increasing flexibility.
Weeks 6-12 typically mark a return to a mostly normal daily routine. Most patients with less physically demanding jobs can return to work by this time, and you face fewer physical restrictions than the early phases of recovery.
During this period, physical therapy focuses on muscle strengthening, and we encourage patients to engage in low-impact physical activities like swimming.
Our patients have the confidence of receiving a high level of care and guidance for a wide variety of spine conditions. Our team is dedicated to supporting patients through treatment, recovery, and beyond.
If you’re considering surgery as the next step for treating lumbar spondylosis, contact The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas in Houston, Pearland, or Lake Jackson, Texas, to schedule a consultation.
