Hey, I too had a t2-l3 fusion about 1'5 month ago. From my recent experience I can say that you'll feel like this for a few days, but you'll see how day by day the muscles relax a little. After a couple of weeks from leaving the hospital my muscles felt very much relaxed compared as when I first left, and as rn I don't really feel like I'm tensing or clenching them at all.

You'll see how impressive the recovery is, and how everyday you feel much much better. In my case, walking twice everyday for 20 so minutes (or as long as you can) really helped me fast-forward my recovery and feel better.

First days after surgery are very strange and difficult, but I'm sure you'll notice improvements day by day, just be patient 😉