Category: Spine Surgery | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: February 11, 2026
A multifaceted approach is necessary if you’re hoping to make the strongest recovery after spinal surgery. You’ll need to rest in the short-term before working to strengthen your back with the help of physical therapy exercises, but one aspect of recovery that is easy to overlook is your diet and nutrition intake. Eating the right foods can help fuel tissue recovery after surgery, whereas a poor diet can actually hinder your healing. In today’s blog, we explain how you can eat your way to a better recovery after spine surgery.
Diet Considerations After Spine Surgery
A healthy diet is important to a strong recovery, but remember that it is just one aspect of your recovery, and it’s a rather passive care option, so be sure you’re also working to assist in your recovery through active interventions like physical therapy and controlled exercise. With that said, consuming the right foods can help your body get the nutrients it needs to fuel key regeneration processes following the trauma of surgery. Here’s what we recommend:
- Protein – Protein is a wonderful option that promotes tissue repair and wound healing. It provides the building blocks for tissue regeneration, so it’s wise to get a healthy dose of protein in the weeks leading up to your operation and during your recovery period. Lean beef, eggs, cheese, nuts, chicken and fish are typically all great sources of protein.
- Vitamin C and K – You should strive to get your daily dosage of all vitamins, but Vitamin C and Vitamin K can be especially helpful following spine surgery. Vitamin C helps cells build and restore connective tissue, while Vitamins K aids in wound healing by promoting optimal blood clotting.
- Zinc – Zinc is a mineral that aids in tissue regeneration and wound healing, and can be found in foods like lean meats, nuts, seeds and seafood. It’s also helpful for immune support, and you’ll want a robust immune system following a surgical procedure to help ward off infections.
- Calcium – You’ve probably heard how calcium helps to support strong bones, and that can be essential if bone healing needs to take place after a spinal surgery. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt are great sources of calcium at a time when your body needs it the most.
- Vitamin D – We mentioned that all vitamins are essential after spine surgery, but Vitamin D is especially helpful because it is crucial for the absorption of calcium in your body. Calcium intake needs to be paired with ideal Vitamin D exposure for best results. Your body can convert sunlight into Vitamin D, but you can also find it in foods like fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk and orange juice.
- Omega-3 – Healthy fats are a helpful component of our diets after a spinal procedure. Omega-3 fatty acids aid in vitamin absorption and can reduce tissue inflammation, which in turn accelerates the healing process. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish like salmon sardines or mackerel, and in seeds and nuts.
Ideal nutrition can make it much easier for your body to get the nutrients it needs to perform necessary repair functions following the trauma of surgery. Keep these tips in mind, but lean on your treating surgeon’s advice for best results.
For more information, or for help with a different spinal issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
Related
