What to Expect in the First 48 Hours After Spine Surgery

The first 48 hours after spine surgery set the tone for your entire recovery. You walk into this period with a mix of relief, uncertainty, and a long checklist of questions. When you know what to expect, you reduce stress and give yourself a stronger start.

You spend most of the first day in the recovery area while the team monitors your vitals and pain levels. You will feel groggy because of the anesthesia. Your care team helps you sit up, drink fluids, and take your first steps. These movements feel slow, but each one helps your body wake up and stabilize.

Pain is common during the first two days, but you should not feel uncontrolled discomfort. Your care team manages your pain with medication and positioning. You can help by communicating clearly about what you feel. Speak up when pain increases or shifts. Your team relies on your feedback to adjust the plan.

Mobility is another major part of the first 48 hours. Your physical therapist will teach you how to get in and out of bed, how to walk safely, and how to protect your spine. These early lessons matter because they help you avoid strain during the rest of recovery.

Here are a few things you can expect during this period:

• Swelling and stiffness around the surgical area

• A drain or dressing that the team will check and change

• Short, supported walks to improve circulation

• A focus on hydration and light meals

• Instructions about breathing exercises to prevent lung issues

As the second day ends, you should feel more alert and confident. You will continue to deal with soreness, limited range of motion, and fatigue, but these symptoms usually improve day by day. Your job is to follow the care plan, ask questions, and stay consistent with movement.

The first 48 hours lay the foundation for a successful recovery. When you know what is normal and what needs attention, you protect your progress and give yourself a smoother path forward.

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.