In the first weeks after spine surgery, three habits protect your spine: do not bend, lift or twist, do not sit for too long, and walk a little every day. This page puts the main limits in one place. Your rehab plan has the full detail.
Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Last reviewed November 2026
At our spine clinic at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai, we give every patient the same simple rules for the first weeks. The limits below are a guide. If your surgeon or physiotherapist gave you different limits, follow those first.
What are the main rules?
- Do not bend forward at the waist. Bend at your hips and knees instead. See Everyday Body Mechanics: Move Well and Protect Your Spine.
- Do not lift more than 10 lb (4.5 kg). A full 5-litre water can is too heavy. A 2-litre bottle is fine.
- Do not twist. Turn your whole body, using your feet.
- Do not sit for too long. Stand up and walk for a minute every 20 to 30 minutes.
- Walk every day and build up slowly. See Walking After Spine Surgery.
- Roll like a log to get in and out of bed. See Sleeping Postures After Your Spine Surgery.
What can I do from the first day?
- Walk, with help at first
- Sit for meals and short spells, within your limit
- Wash, dress and use the toilet yourself, with the tips in Daily Life at Home After Spine Surgery
- Do the exercises in your rehab plan
- Go up and down stairs slowly, holding the rail
What should I avoid?
- Lifting children, buckets, heavy bags, water cans or gas cylinders
- Sitting on the floor or on low seats
- Driving, or riding a two-wheeler, until we clear you. See Travel After Spine Surgery.
- Sleeping on your stomach
- Alcohol while you take painkillers
When can I do more?
Step by step, as Dr. Chaudhary and your physiotherapist clear you. The weeks in your rehab plan are a guide, not a deadline. If you had weakness before surgery, recovery can take longer.
What if I overdo it?
Mild backache or stiffness after a busy day is common. It should settle within about an hour of resting. If it does not, rest, take your medicine and do less the next day. Call us if leg pain gets worse, or you have new numbness or weakness. See When to Call Us After Spine Surgery.
Other resources
Going Back to Work After Spine Surgery, Your Follow-Up Visits After Spine Surgery and your rehab plan: Rehab protocol following lumbar discectomy, Rehab protocol following lumbar decompression or Rehab protocol following lumbar fusion.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Please see a doctor for advice about your own symptoms.