“How soon after scoliosis surgery can I drive?”

The best approach is to contact your surgeon to find out when you can be cleared to drive. Some may be able to return earlier if there was not a deficit of neurologic function. However, sometimes if you have neurologic deficit (like weakness or numbness or tingling in your extremities), it is not best to drive yet. Additionally, soon after surgery if you are on medications of treatments that may give drowsiness like some pain medications - you need to avoid driving then as well. If you have scoliosis and are not at the stage where you are considering surgery, then you can be seen and evaluated by physician specializing in Non-Surgical Sports Medicine. The doctor will assess if physician directed exercises, medications, back brace, topical treaments, acupuncture, injections or even physical therapy or chiropractic are appropriate for your specific case. Contact Dr. Adam Redlich, M.D. at www.AplusAthlete.com for an in-person or virtual appointment to discuss.

In my practice I usually do not let my patients drive till minimum 6 weeks. The problem is we do not want twisting of the back right after surgery. When your drive and have to check blind spots it may require twisting. At 6 weeks we get a slight bit liberal with recommendations. These rules are not set in stone and will vary from surgeon to surgeon.

Ask your surgeon