In the weeks before surgery
- Complete your pre-operative clearance. Your primary care physician (and specialists, if needed) will confirm you're optimized for surgery. Schedule this early — it prevents delays.
- Review your medications with the team. Some medications — particularly blood thinners and certain supplements — need to be adjusted or paused before surgery. Never stop a prescription without direction from the prescribing physician and the surgical team.
- If you smoke or vape, this is the moment to stop. Nicotine measurably impairs bone healing and fusion rates and increases complication risk. Even quitting several weeks before surgery helps — ask about support options.
- Stay active. The better conditioned you are going in, the smoother recovery tends to be. Walking is excellent preparation.
- Plan your support. Arrange a driver for surgery day and someone to help at home for the first days.
Preparing your home
- Clear walking paths; secure or remove loose rugs and cords
- Stock easy meals and place everyday items at waist height — minimize bending and reaching
- Set up a firm chair with armrests as your main recovery seat
- A grabber tool, slip-on shoes, and a shower chair are inexpensive and genuinely useful
The day before and day of
- Follow your fasting instructions exactly — typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight, per your pre-op instructions
- Shower with the antiseptic soap if one is provided
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home; bring your ID, insurance card, medication list, and imaging if requested
- Take only the medications you were specifically told to take, with a small sip of water
Every procedure comes with specific instructions from the surgical team — those always take precedence over general guidance. When in doubt, call the office.
This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Every spine condition is different — an accurate diagnosis requires an in-person evaluation, imaging review, and physical examination.