Most people recover smoothly after spine surgery. Soreness, tiredness and some stiffness are normal. This page tells you what to expect, when to call us and when to go straight to the emergency department.
Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Last reviewed November 2026
At our spine clinic at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai, we would rather hear from you early than late. This page applies after any spine surgery. If your surgeon or your rehab plan gave you different instructions, follow those first.
What is normal after spine surgery?
- Soreness around the wound, and muscle spasm that comes and goes
- Tiredness for the first few weeks, and poor sleep at first
- Arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling that was there before surgery. Nerves heal slowly, so it can take weeks or months to settle.
- A sore throat after anaesthesia. After neck surgery, some discomfort when swallowing for days or weeks.
- Constipation from painkillers and less activity
- Feeling low or tearful at times, which usually passes
Look for a pattern of slow improvement. Small ups and downs along the way are normal.
When should I go to the emergency department straight away?
Go straight to the emergency department at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, if you have:
- Numbness around your private parts or buttocks
- New trouble passing urine, not being able to pass urine, or loss of control of your bladder or bowels
- Sudden or severe weakness in a leg, foot, arm or hand
- Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
- After neck surgery, swelling at the front of the neck or trouble breathing
- Very slow breathing, extreme sleepiness or confusion after taking painkillers
If you are away from Mumbai, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, then call us. You can read more about the first two warnings in Cauda Equina Syndrome (Emergency Nerve Compression in the Lower Back).
When should I call you the same day?
Call or WhatsApp 8291420004 (9am to 5pm) if you notice:
- Wound: redness, warmth, swelling or pain that is getting worse, pus or a bad smell, the wound opening, or any clear fluid leaking
- Body: fever above 38°C (101°F), chills or sweating
- Arms and legs: new or worsening numbness or weakness, or calf pain, swelling or redness in one leg
- Pain: pain that is getting worse, or is not eased by rest, medicines, ice or warmth, or a headache that gets worse when you sit or stand
If it cannot wait until the clinic opens, go to the emergency department.
What should I tell you when I call?
Tell us your name, your operation and the date, what has changed and since when. Say what your temperature is if you have a fever. Keep your medicine list close.
What if I am not sure it is serious?
Call anyway. A short call can settle your mind, or catch a small problem early.
Other resources
Wound Care and Showering After Spine Surgery, Managing Pain at Home After Spine Surgery, Sleeping Postures After Your 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.