anyone else have back surgeries? (exercise question)

alexandrarae90

I have had two spinal fusions.. both a year apart about 4 years ago. My back still hurts, I have some nerve pain(damage) but I WANT to exercise.

It hurts to do much of anything other than walking. I don't want to *just* walk. I want to build strength. I want smaller arms. I want to be strong...

My question: Is there anyone else out there that is in my situation, and are there exercises you do other than walking that don't hurt much and WORK?

xo

DESIREE1210

My husband just had a fusion of his L2 to L5, he also had nerve damage but they opened his spine and repaired his nerves, so far nerves are doing GREAT!!!!
It's only been 5 weeks and he see's a huge improvement. He's hoping to start strengthing his muscles soon, will see what doc says next week.
So sorry I cant help with your question but I hope you find a resolution soon as I know that back and nerve pain are herendous.

beckyann858

I just had acdf of c5-c6 in February and still have some nerve pain and the occasional stiffness in my neck. I am completely with you on the whole not wanting to *just* walk. I go to the gym about 3 or 4 days a week and use the treadmill and elliptical, and then twice a week I work with a trainer doing circuit training. She knows my history and makes sure the exercises don't involve my neck too much, but still makes sure I get one heck of a workout! I haven't been doing it very long, since I only got the clearance from my surgeon to exercise a little over a month ago, but I can already feel myself getting stronger and my pants getting looser :-) If you can, I would really suggest trying to find someone to work with that you can explain your history to, and then get a workout designed around your limitations that will still allow you to accomplish your goals. Best of luck to you!

picturesing

I just had acdf of c5-c6 in February and still have some nerve pain and the occasional stiffness in my neck. I am completely with you on the whole not wanting to *just* walk. I go to the gym about 3 or 4 days a week and use the treadmill and elliptical, and then twice a week I work with a trainer doing circuit training. She knows my history and makes sure the exercises don't involve my neck too much, but still makes sure I get one heck of a workout! I haven't been doing it very long, since I only got the clearance from my surgeon to exercise a little over a month ago, but I can already feel myself getting stronger and my pants getting looser :-) If you can, I would really suggest trying to find someone to work with that you can explain your history to, and then get a workout designed around your limitations that will still allow you to accomplish your goals. Best of luck to you!

Absolutely agree!!!!
A good trainer will work with you (with a doc release) and give you a program to do that will mazimize your potential!!!! And include more than walking!!
Much luck to you there many of us here who have or had back issues and surgeries!

alexandrarae90

Thanks so much for your responses! I think I'm going to try and contact a physical therapist or something. The thing about a personal trainer, is that you need money to do that. lol and being a 20 year old college student who just had to quit her job... definitely need to save the bucks!

Maybe I can ask for some free "advice," instead of an actual appointment.

Thanks again everyone!