Any recommended exercises for a person post back surgery?

Gurlyknockout

I had back surgery last year in March. Everything was fine and dandy until I was involved in a 6 car accident that through my back and neck out of whack. I’ve been seeing my Chiropractor for adjustments which helps but I still get sore and stiff just doing normal house chores.

Im not sure if my issue is lack of strength or what. I do know that the pain prevents me from exercising at all due to the fear of reinjuring myself. Is there anyone that has experience what Im dealing with?


Thanks

Gurlyknockout

Anyone???

trail_rnr

I am 2.5 years post fusion. Problems can come from hardware, strength of the supporting muscles (TVA, multifidus), and instability (or various combinations). Most people focus on strength, but instability is often as much (or more) of a problem.

Here's what I would do: restart the PT I did post surgery. Start with the basic stabilization exercises and progress in intensity over several weeks. Walk A LOT. I mean A LOT. And with purpose. Don't just stroll. Focus on good posture and bone stacking: head over shoulders, shoulders over pelvis, pelvis over arches.

There are times when my back starts to feel "off" and while I know the triggers (for me it is sitting), I've found that if I go through a couple of months of doing the Foundation program that I can get it to mellow out. Exercise always makes mine feel better; just have to dial it back sometimes. Google "Foundation". I have the book as I like to reference it as I do the exercises.

I truly wish you luck with this. Serious back injuries are not a piece of cake. Add the mental challenges to the physical challenges and you are in for one wild ride. It's a life-long commitment to take care of it. Hang in there! :flowerforyou:

preaser

I am 20+ plus post spinal fusion. Lots of years of back/hip pain. I would recommend PT that specializes in spine issues. I've had bad PT and then some really great ones that taught me how to get my back/hips stable. Doing ab exercises helps alot, but going to a PT will teach you how to do them correctly. They will also teach you to do them on your own as compared to the Chiropractor who wants you to keep coming back.

neverstray

Don't take anyones advice. Go see a specialist that can help you. Anyone that gives you online advice, ignore it. Only do what a specialist in this area of excerise tell you to do.

Casey45

I am 20+ plus post spinal fusion. Lots of years of back/hip pain. I would recommend PT that specializes in spine issues. I've had bad PT and then some really great ones that taught me how to get my back/hips stable. Doing ab exercises helps alot, but going to a PT will teach you how to do them correctly. They will also teach you to do them on your own as compared to the Chiropractor who wants you to keep coming back.

Perfect comment re chiropractors.

Physiotherapists (PT) goal : get the the patient well and to a point they can progress on their own through treatment and educating the patient about exercises and posture to help healing and strenght building.

Chiropractic goal: get the patient to keep coming back for 'adjustments'. Adjustments?

A person's body must be strong to be well, and you don't get strong by having 'adjustments'. I adjust my body myself with weight training and cardio.

And to those chiropractors out there, you'll never convince me otherwise. Despite all the industry's concerted marketing/PR efforts over the years to legitimize the practise, it's still just a few notches removed from shamanism.

chezileigh

Personally I would recommend physio as opposed to chiro, more tools in their bag and evidence based practice.

Gurlyknockout

@trail_rnr Thank you so much! I will look into foundation exercise. I think my biggest problem is I’m worried that I will reinjure myself so the smallest soreness I back off and rest my back. I didn’t get the fusion just the disc decompression surgery. I am get worried about the rest of my disc oozing out causing another bulge.

I have recently started foam rolling again. Found that I can do some type of crunch when rolling my quads. It felt quite amazing to do and the next day I felt a bit sore but not the same kind of soreness I am use too. So I will be playing around with this. I have also got back to getting on my teeder hang up when I feel sore or a bit off. Which helps lesion the adjustments.

Referring to going to the PT instead of my Chiro comments. My chiro does in house PT and I believe that the adjustments are what kept my spine in line and out of trouble over the years. I have been going to him for 8yrs and I 100% trust him. I actually wish I could work in his office because what he does for people is amazing and to have that type of job would be truly gratifying. I went to him that long because I did not want the surgery and put it off as long as I could. I don’t believe in it, and I still don’t unless you have no other options.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I will continue to follow my Chiro’s guidance and continue to build strength and stability.

emazen

Hi saw your post, I had two level lumbar fusion in oct 2010. Worst experience of my life, Im worst & in more pain than before the surgery. I have spent countless hours in pt with no real relief. I will look in the foundation exercises. I have been doing yoga which helps some what. Just curious do you have any restrictions for life from your dr??

I have lost 31 pounds but hasn't given any relief either. This was work comp injury, was put back on light duty within 1 week and full duty in 12. My balance was off and ended up falling two times, spraining ankle.

I am currently doing jm dvd, but some of the exercises my mobility is limited, step aerobics & I am strength training 3 times a week. Just curious is it safe to see a chiropractor with hardware?? I use to see one prior to surgery but not since.

KathieSwenson

You need to go back to your surgeon and get them to at your back. I'm 4 years post spinal fusion and I would not let anyone touch my back but my surgeon or a specialist. Just a thought.

davidmo55

Bump

Gurlyknockout

@emazen – I do have retractions from my Chrio but none from the surgeon. My retractions from my chiro right after my surgery is …

1) Can only stand for 1-2hrs at a time with 15min break of walking or sitting. I work in the office but my boss tried having me work out in the warehouse right after my surgery.
2) No bending or lifting loads more than 10lbs
3) No longer then 2hrs of bending or lifting loads more than 10lbs
4) Bending/ squatting. Climbing should be limited to less than 2hrs a day
5) Should not ascend or descend a ladder with a load of any weight
6) Duration of these restrictions is indefinite

I can lift weight more than 10lbs. Like my DD she is about 60 but I can only do that maybe 2 a day for max 2mins. Bending and lifting are trigger for pain. I can do that a few times a day as well. But I can do more now then what I could a year ago.

Basically the surgeon has done his job and he will assist me again if I ever need surgery again. I did go back to him after I got into my car accident. He didn’t find anything wrong with the disc. So I am thinking its was/ is more muscular (strain/ sprain) then anything.

I have heard my Chiro say that he does have a few patients with hardware but there is only minimal stuff he can do for them. Which is why I put off the surgery for so long and took the disc decompression vs the fusion.

Good luck emazen. I pray you get some relief with your back soon.

AngelaLVGJN

Bump - 2 months post surgery -- looking for some ideas of what to do...I need to lose weight. Dr. has given me the go-ahead to exercise...

NCchar130

I had a microdiskectomy in 2010. All I did for a long time was walk. Once I was cleared to do whatever as long as I didn't get the 'bad pain' I started out very slow. I did a step aerobics dvd when I first started on MFP and body weight resistance exercises in front of a mirror so I could make sure I was focusing on form. I was VERY leary of using weights at the gym so I started with weight machines and have slowly worked my way over to heavy dumbbells and doing squats and whatnot with those. I've been ok so far and my bad leg (with the nerve damage) has massively improved in strength and flexibility since I began exercising. My back almost never hurts anymore.

I like to think that taking it slow at the beginning and trying build up strength in my core, focusing on posture and form, etc, has allowed me to progress fairly quickly. I'm actually now running several times a week :bigsmile: I almost can't believe it and neither can my family. I could barely stand without pain for several years and the nerve damage to my left leg seemed to be permanent, even post-surgery.

None of this is intended as advice, you should of course check with your doctors. But there is hope after back surgery!