Acupuncture, Nutritional Augmentation, and Physical Rehabilitation: Improving Recovery Following Spinal Fusion.

Spinal fusion is one of the most common procedures performed in spinal surgery. The increasing complexity and frequency with which this operation is performed has led to a rise in postoperative complications and delayed recovery. Perioperative care of patients with spinal conditions aims to adequately manage pain and accelerate the return to function following surgery. Traditional pharmaceutical interventions, especially opioid utilization, are associated with delayed recovery and significant adverse effects. As such, many studies are now evaluating the benefits and efficacy of non-pharmacological therapies for enhancing recovery after spinal fusion surgery. In this review, the mechanism of acupuncture relative to postoperative pain control and symptom reduction will be discussed. Additionally, this review examines the implications of malnutrition, current preclinical and clinical approaches for improving nutritional status, and various forms of physical rehabilitation that aim to combat postoperative complications and support recovery after spinal fusion surgery.