Postoperative Care

You may feel immediate relief from the leg pain following the procedure. You will be able to walk the same day and you may be discharged from the facility within 24 hours. Although X-STOP^® surgery can typically be performed on an outpatient basis, Dr. Schiffer may recommend a short hospital stay.

Following your discharge, physical therapy may be recommended. While Dr. Schiffer may recommend some limitation in your physical activities in the weeks following your operation, you should be able to travel and engage in light activity as soon as you feel able to.

Physical activity limitations may include:

• no bending backward
• no heavy lifting
• no sports that involve player contact or marked twisting of the spine
• Walking is acceptable

Mild pain medications and muscle relaxants will be prescribed.

Caution: It is important to follow Dr. Schiffer's instructions carefully in order to fully recover from surgery. Failure to follow postoperative care recommendations may result in recurrence of symptoms and discomfort. A stress fracture of the spinous process may occur if strenuous physical activity is resumed too soon postoperatively.