It takes a while to completely heal after scoliosis surgery. But your child is now ready to go home. At home, medicines may be given for a short time to help with pain and muscle spasms. With time, your child will need less medicine, and will be able to do more and more activities.

Pain:

• Give your child any prescribed medicines as directed. Follow the recommended schedule for giving fewer medicines as your child feels better.
• Don't give your child acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand) with prescription pain medicines without asking your surgeon or pharmacist first.
• Don't give your child ibuprofen (such as Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) or naproxen (such as Aleve^®, Naprosyn^®, or a store brand) for 6 months after the surgery unless your surgeon says it's OK to give them for a short period of time. They may increase bleeding and slow down bone healing.

Constipation:

• Offer your child high-fiber foods, including prunes and other fruit, and lots of liquids.
• Your surgeon may prescribe medicine to help your child go to the bathroom without straining.

Diet:

• Offer your child a healthy diet with plenty of protein.
• Give your child iron supplements, as directed.

Wound care:

• Your child may shower when the surgeon says it's OK (usually 3–4 days after the surgery).
• Don't let your child put the wound under water (like taking a bath or swimming) until the surgeon says it's OK.
• Follow the instructions for when the bandage or strips covering the wound should come off. 
• Tell your child not to scrub or scratch the wound.
• Don't put lotions or creams on the wound until the surgeon says it's OK.

Activity:

• Encourage your child to walk or move around a little bit more each day. Light activity around the house (like going to get the mail) is a good way to encourage your child to do more. Move any trip hazards out of the way, like cords or throw rugs.
• Make sure your child does not drive, lift more than a few pounds, or bend or twist at the waist until the surgeon says it's OK. 
• Check with the surgeon about when your child should return to school. Most kids go back to school about 3–4 weeks after the surgery but can't do gym or play sports until the surgeon says it's OK.
• Let the school staff know your child will need help at first, such as extra time to get through the hallways or a second set of books to keep at home.

Medical appointments:

• To avoid infections, kids shouldn't get dental work or cleanings for 6 months after scoliosis surgery. If the dentist can't safely delay an appointment, your child will need to take antibiotics before the visit. Call your child's spine surgeon for a prescription at least 1 week before you see the dentist.
• Be sure your child goes to all follow-up medical visits.

• Liquid or pus is coming out of the wound.
• The wound is red or swollen.
• The pain gets worse, or your child gets new pain.
• Your child falls.
• Your child has trouble pooping or peeing.
• Your child's lower leg is swollen or painful.
• Your child has a fever.

• Your child has chest pain or is short of breath.
• Your child has weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs.