spinal injury/surgery and running

Running in the traditional western technique (heel strike first) is horrible for your back and all the other weight bearing also. I've got low back problems and the jarring is so painful after a short while, its not even worth it. If you are truly addicted to running, you could try going with the mid-foot strike method that is gaining in popularity (see also barefoot running technique) and allows for the ankle joints to be a more effective shock absorber. Otherwise, you will want to stick with exercises that are low- to no-impact like cycling or elliptical work. Sorry for your injuries but you don't want to cripple yourself for the rest of your life.

I work at a spinal institute and unfortunately a lot of our patients used to run and don't anymore because of the wear and tear it puts on their bodies. Not just spine but their knees and hips too. If you are already having spine issues, but you love running. You could continue to do it but I would do it a lot less and try not to go all out when you do. Also wait the three months, you really need time to heal well. If you really love running cut back and try to take it easy so you can do it for a long time to come. Otherwise you might get to a point where you physically can't run anymore because of the problems and pain.

I started running in 2010 (because I told my personal trainer I hated running, so she forced me!) and quickly became addicted. I ran 14 5K's last year and never really noticed anything out of the ordinary with the back pain from a bulging disc that I had been experiencing for over 20 years. But by the end of the season it developed into full blown sciatica, complete with weakness and a droopy left foot. I went to a specialist and was diagnosed with an extruded L4/L5 and he recommended surgery.

I had the procedure done in February of this year. Luckily he performed it with minimal invasiveness (is that a word?) by drilling a small window into the vertebrae to get inside and trim up the disc. He also found and removed a benign cyst in there that was pressing on the nerve. I had instant relief walking out of the hospital. He told me that he preferred that I not run but would never tell anyone to not be healthy, so I could get back to it in about 6 weeks and let my body guide me.

It was slow getting back into it but I have and really haven't had a problem. I'm sore now and then but that's probably because I'm still heel striking. I intend on working on my style to do more "barefoot"-like running. Overall I'm glad I stuck it out. I ran 13 5K's and a 10K this year and pretty much got my times back to where they were at the end of last year. I'm aiming for my 1st 1/2 marathon mid 2012.

Sorry for the long winded response. I know your situation is very different with the upcoming fusion, but I just wanted to share my experience and say that if you go slowly, let your body guide you and perhaps alter your style as suggested, it can work out for you. Good luck!