PATIENT EXPERIENCES OF REHABILITATION AFTER LUMBAR SPINE SURGERY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background: Rehabilitation following lumbar spine surgery is a critical yet complex component of patient recovery, with outcomes influenced by physical, emotional, systemic, and social factors. While clinical success is often measured by objective metrics, little is known about the subjective experiences that shape patient engagement and progress during rehabilitation. Objective: To explore patients’ perspectives on the challenges and facilitators encountered during rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery in a tertiary care setting in Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted over eight months across three urban tertiary hospitals in Pakistan. Purposive sampling recruited 22 adult patients, 6–12 months post-lumbar spine surgery, actively engaged in rehabilitation. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: Five major themes emerged: (1) Physical Barriers to Recovery (postoperative pain, mobility limitations, fatigue), (2) Psychological Responses to Rehabilitation (fear of reinjury, motivation fluctuations, emotional distress), (3) Healthcare System Challenges (inadequate follow-up, poor communication, limited access to physiotherapy), (4) Social and Environmental Influences (family support, financial burden, workplace pressures), and (5) Facilitators to Recovery (therapist support, clear guidance, positive mindset). These themes reflected the dynamic and multifactorial nature of the rehabilitation experience. Conclusion: Rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery extends beyond physical recovery and is profoundly shaped by psychological, social, and systemic dimensions. These insights highlight the need for more patient-centered, holistic rehabilitation protocols that address both clinical and experiential factors to optimize recovery outcomes.