What should i expect going into a posterior fossa decompression surgery for chiari 1 malformation? recovery time? restrictions?

Chiari: Most surgery for chiari malformation is a decompressive operation. Surgery takes 3-4 hours. Hospital stay is usually 1 day in ICU and 1-2 days general care. I would recommend lifting less than 10 pounds for the first 2 weeks and less than 25 pounds after that. You will be asked to not bend your head lower than your waist. Recovery occurs in 6-8 weeks.

See below: Once the surgery is over you will experience some pain and muscle spasms that are managed by oral medications. The full strength will take several months to attain and you will initially be limited in what you can do. The head and spine can be affected by lifting weights and so initially should be avoided. Your surgeon will go through the limitations and restrictions with you.