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exercising after back fusion

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Posted 8/28/2012 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
I had a decompression laminectomy and fusing of L-4 and L-5 on June 22. I received a comment from my surgeon regarding the 6-wk post-op x-ray and that comment was fusing is taking place and things look "quite good". I was given no advice, limitations or any suggestions on what I could do. So I asked for my limitations--NO to a total gym, NO to bike riding, NO to any twisting; what was suggested is walking, light spin and light weights-anything that does not put a strain on the lower back.

I don't know what light spin is. I am anxious to return to my trainer after labor day. From Dr. B's reply, I still don't know if that would be advisable or not. It seems from what he wrote down that I am extremely limited, which is understandable; however, I guess I was hoping for suggestions as to what I could do that would not be detrimental to my back.

I wrote a note to the doctor to ask what I could do. No reply as of yet, but what is your opinion? When may I return to trainer? What exercising can one do that does not add stress the lower back? Certainly I don't want to screw things up that seem to be healing successfully now.

Thanks for any advice on exercises that would help me that do not touch the back!
Posted 8/28/2012 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
 

         Good afternoon!

             Just a note of caution!....you do not want to mess up this fusion this early in the game, and live to regret it posibly the rest of your life....so please be very careful. Walking is the best form of exercise and the safest so far. I would think that a gentle swim might be good...but again be careful.

      While your fusion has a decent start, it is not complete by a long shot. I cannot help you with what a spin is...maybe another member will know.

       Good luck...but again...be careful...and wait until you get a good solid green light for any normal activity.

      Take care,

     SE wink

Posted 8/28/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
I think the "spin" is a light spin class. This is usually ok as biking outdoors has all the bumps in the road and a spin class is not jarring. Obviously not a full, hard core spin class is not advisable and why they put "light spin"...But you want to check with them to make sure of all of this.

As SE writes...you need to make sure you follow their orders to a T....Doing anything that can damage the healing process or ruin the fusion would be devastating and not worth it.

It's wonderful that you want to get back out there and start moving again....just do so in the ways they allow:)

Glad to hear it's going so well!
Posted 8/28/2012 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
My physio therapist said I could ride a bike there, but it had to be one of those full back seat ones to reduce all strain from back. That of course is the busiest piece of equipment so still have never tried it.

Lots of walking is all my surgeon has told me over and over again. I have not the best experiences since my fusion but as I posted at least it shows on X-rays as successful. I am planning aqua exercises starting in September but as you know we are all so different.
Posted 8/28/2012 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
From what he has said to avoid I would think only a very light exercise program.The xrays did not say a solid fusion. It said the fusion was taking place, big difference. With it not being solid you sure do not want to be doing any aggressive type of exercising and mess up the fusion. I can tell that you are really wanting to get in there and exercise, but try to be a little more patient and give it time to heal. Six weeks is not very long ago. When a fusion is not solid, most drs will only allow walking as the exercise.

Take care...>Susie
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