Your physician will do a physical exam, which will include asking you to move and bend and perform some simple physical tests. Depending on what type of spine surgery you had, X-rays may be ordered to check healing progress. Your incision will be checked to see that it is healing appropriately. If your incision looks good, any staples or sutures will be removed at this time.
For cervical surgery patients – your OSC physician may release you from wearing your collar at this time, depending on the complexity of your surgery.
Lumbar patients will continue to wear their back brace while standing or walking for at least six weeks, or until released by their physician.
For multiple-level Cervical and Lumbar Spine Fusion patients, your OSC physician will order a bone growth stimulator to be used as directed.
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