What Are the Common Reasons for Difficulty Walking After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

After spinal fusion surgery, patients commonly experience difficulty walking due to pain, muscle weakness, and extended periods of rest. Pain at the surgical site can make walking painful, leading patients to limit their movement—which in turn can lead to muscle weakness. As muscles become weaker from lack of use, walking becomes increasingly difficult. Inflammation and stiffness in the back and legs further complicate mobility. Many patients also develop anxiety about movement, worried that it might increase their pain or disrupt their healing spine. This fear of movement often leads to reduced physical activity, creating a cycle that delays recovery of strength and mobility. Research shows that both pain intensity and early physical activity levels directly impact walking ability after surgery. Following a gradual and safe physical therapy plan helps patients rebuild strength over time, ultimately improving their walking ability and overall mobility.