Most people are up and walking soon after spine surgery, and go home within a day or two. This page walks you through what to expect after the operation: the recovery room, drips and tubes, pain relief and your first walk.
Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Last reviewed November 2026
At our spine clinic at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai, our nurses and physiotherapists look after you from the moment you wake up. Details differ with each operation, and your team will explain yours. If your surgeon gave you different instructions, follow those first.
What happens right after the operation?
You wake up in the recovery room, where nurses watch you closely. Feeling drowsy, cold, thirsty or a little sick is common, and so is a sore throat from the breathing tube. You may wear an oxygen mask for a while. After neck surgery you will wear a collar. When you are stable, you go back to your ward or room. Your surgeon speaks to your family once the operation is over.
What drips and tubes might I have?
Not everyone has all of these:
- A drip (IV line) for fluids and medicines
- A drain, a thin tube from the wound that collects blood and fluid. It is removed when the drainage slows down
- A urine catheter, a thin tube into the bladder
- Compression stockings or leg pumps to keep blood moving in your legs and prevent clots
Tell the nurse if a tube is uncomfortable. Do not pull on any tube.
How is pain controlled?
You get pain relief through the drip and as tablets, on a schedule or when you ask. Some patients have a pain pump they can press for a dose. Tell your nurse about your pain, rated from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst). Pain is easier to control early. See Managing Pain at Home After Spine Surgery for the plan at home.
When will I first get up?
Most patients walk on the day of surgery and go home the next day. After a fusion, patients usually walk within a day and stay in hospital 2 to 3 days. A nurse or physiotherapist helps you at first.
- Use the log roll to get out of bed. See Sleeping Postures After Your Spine Surgery.
- Sit only for short spells, and walk often.
- Do ankle pumps and deep breathing, and use your breathing device (incentive spirometer) if you are given one.
When can I eat and drink?
You start with sips of water once you are awake and not feeling sick. Your nurse then tells you when to move on to light food and your usual meals. See Food and Constipation After Spine Surgery.
How can I help prevent problems?
- Walk as much as your team advises.
- Do your ankle pumps and deep breaths.
- Drink fluids when you are allowed to.
- Wear your stockings if you are given them.
- Tell your nurse about any change in feeling or movement in your arms or legs.
Who can stay with me?
One family member can stay with you as your attendant. The first days are busy and you need rest, so keep visitors few and short. Ask your nurses about visiting hours.
What happens before I go home?
Your team checks your wound, your pain and your walking. They explain your medicines, wound care, activity limits and rehab exercises, and fit your collar or belt if you need one. You get your discharge summary and your follow-up date, usually at about 2 weeks. See Your Follow-Up Visits After Spine Surgery.
What should I tell the nurse straight away?
Tell your nurse at once if you have new weakness or numbness, trouble passing urine, severe pain, chest pain, breathlessness or a fever.
Other resources
Preparing for Surgery, The First Weeks After Spine Surgery, Wound Care and Showering After Spine Surgery and When to Call Us After Spine Surgery.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Please see a doctor for advice about your own symptoms.