Participants in this arm receive a structured standardized care program in addition to routine postoperative management following lumbar spine surgery. The program includes individualized patient education regarding pain management, wound care, early mobilization, activity modification, body mechanics, medication adherence, prevention of complications, and follow-up instructions. Educational materials and verbal instructions are provided preoperatively and reinforced postoperatively to improve pain outcomes, functional recovery, knowledge, and satisfaction.

Participants in this arm receive routine postoperative hospital care following lumbar spine surgery without the structured standardized educational care program.

A structured, standardized educational care program is delivered to patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. The program includes preoperative and postoperative education on pain management, wound care, early mobilization, activity modification, proper body mechanics, medication adherence, prevention of complications, and discharge instructions. Education is provided verbally and through written materials.

Pain intensity was measured using the Universal Pain Assessment Tool (0-10 numeric rating scale). Higher scores indicate greater pain severity. The primary endpoint is the change in pain score from baseline (pre-intervention) to 8 weeks postoperatively.

Functional disability assessed using the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (0-100 scale). Higher scores indicate greater disability. The outcome is the change from baseline to 8 weeks after surgery.

Patient knowledge regarding postoperative self-care, pain management, activity modification, and complication prevention measured using a structured knowledge questionnaire developed for the study. Higher scores indicate greater knowledge. The outcome is the change from baseline to 8 weeks.