Excercising after Spinal fusion/back pain

HeidiLynnM
HeidiLynnM Posts: 34
edited November 11 in Introduce Yourself
Hello everyone! I am not new here! I have been tracking my calories, and excercising. I fell off the wagon, and back on now.:glasses: I am wondering if anyone else has back issues? I would love to tackle those awsome videos to lose weight! I use the elliptical, treadmill, and I do have a weight machine/system. I am looking to lose at least 40 pounds. I am on the 1,200 calorie diet. Any thoughts? Anyone else with the same?:smile:
I am not here for MEDICAL HELP :o)
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Replies

  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    With such specific issues you need to be seeking advice from a health professional, not random people on the Internet.
    Good luck
  • HeidiLynnM
    HeidiLynnM Posts: 34
    I have talked to my surgeon. He did tell me walking is good :) I didn't need help, I was just curious :)
  • Hernandeak11
    Hernandeak11 Posts: 351 Member
    As stated, this is something you should talk to your doctor about.

    From personal experience, I first started out eating right and doing cardio (running, elliptical, biking, etc.)

    I'm now 17 lbs down, have ZERO back pain!, and am doing videos, more intense exercise.
  • HeidiLynnM
    HeidiLynnM Posts: 34
    Yes, I have noticed that walking on the treadmill/elliptical does help to ease the pain! I didnt come here for ANY medical advice :O)
  • cypher300
    cypher300 Posts: 10
    Of course I'm going to echo what everyone else has said about talking to your doctor...however...

    If there is anything I can tell you is that there is life after a severe back injury. I have recently (within the last year) found out i have 3 herniated disks in my lower back. With that in mind, I've gotten back to a somewhat aggressive workout routine that all but takes out any twisting movements. My doctor, along with my professional trainer, has found a significant amount or exercises that focus on my core (leg raises, planks, extensions, etc). I've had to start out VERY slow but, pushing my pride aside, things are going very well!!

    Keep focused, listen to your doctor, and just keep up with the diet! There is life after a back injury!!
  • HeidiLynnM
    HeidiLynnM Posts: 34
    Thank you! I am not sure why I am told to talk to my doctor. I have already done that :) I wanted to see if anyone else has also had a back problem. I am not here to get anyone upset. I have found that having back issues does stink, but yes there is life after this!
  • DianeG213
    DianeG213 Posts: 253
    I had a back fusion 10 years ago. The strangest things get the pain in my back going - mostly vacuuming! It hasn't really affected me too much, my range of motion is less, but you get used to it and now it is not really even noticeable, you just adjust. Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like.
  • MandaJean83
    MandaJean83 Posts: 675 Member
    I've had back surgery, about 12 years ago. I am fused from T3 to L1, so it's most of my back. Other than the physical limitations of not being able to arch my back, I really have no problems at all! I take all of the normal classes...body pump, aerobics, step aerobics, zumba...I can lift weights and do cardio. No problems at all! :)
  • busymom11
    busymom11 Posts: 15
    I had back surgery 8 years ago. Herniated disc L5S1. I have what I'm guessing is permanent nerve damage in my right leg, and arthritic changes in my last MRI. Tried circuit training about a year ago which caused a flared up of radicular pain and weakness down both legs. So now I'm afraid to try any lifting. Walking outside (hate the treadmill) and the elliptical, averaging about 60 min a day is what I currently do.
  • HeidiLynnM
    HeidiLynnM Posts: 34
    Thank you for the replies! Having back issues is horrible, but it is also doable! (sp). I would love to try all those crazy weight losing stuff. I was looking at the 30 day shred. Anyone use this? I was also fused at l5 s1. I cant believe the weight I have gained! I want to at least lose 30 pounds!!!! I have a major issue of snacking at night. I need to get more fruit, and veggies! I have a major craving for sweets too!!!!! Please add me if you would like :)
  • afrikat
    afrikat Posts: 14
    Hi, I haven't had any surgery but I suffer from lumbar spondylosis (degenerating disc disease) and have back pain daily, ranging from a little niggle to severe spasm that means I can barely move. My back gets worse when I have a period without doing much exercise (e.g. when I am on holiday or if I just get lazy) and the more active I am, the better it gets. I go through stages where I am fine running, other times it just doesn't feel right so I do other cardio.

    Pilates is absolutely key - getting your back as strong as possible will allow you to incorporate more and more exercise into your lifestyle. Yoga is also good for flexibility but you have to be careful to keep within your limits or you can do more harm than good. Either way, you should attend classes run by an experienced instructor and make sure you fully explain your back issues before you begin any classes. There are usually alternatives to every exercise that may be easier on your back.

    Walking is also excellent - I find that if I am having a bad day and am in alot of pain, I can always go for a walk and in the long run keeping active

    I think the trick is to listen to your body - if something doesn't feel right, don't do it but at the same time make sure you keep active and build up slowly.

    Hope that helps!
  • cheddar2000
    cheddar2000 Posts: 43 Member
    I think everyone is just being safe here on seeing the doctor first. I agree as only your doctor knows exactly how any exercise will help or hurt you. That being said (and I do see my doctor every 3 months and we go over any new exercise before I try them) I have found doing modified aerobics in a swimming pool to be the key for me. I can't swim laps as I don't have the neck and back motion due to surgery but I can move around and lift swimming weights, etc. And after doing the pool only for about a year (yes, a year) I have finally graduated to walking and low impact aerobics outside of the pool. But the pool is still the main exercise for me. I hope this helps!
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    After your spinal fusion you should have had Physical Therapy. They should have suggested safe exercises for your. I would ask for a home plan.
    I had 2 c-spine surgeries with plates and rods and was given safe things to do at home. Mostly resistance bands.
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Thank you for the replies! Having back issues is horrible, but it is also doable! (sp). I would love to try all those crazy weight losing stuff. I was looking at the 30 day shred. Anyone use this? I was also fused at l5 s1. I cant believe the weight I have gained! I want to at least lose 30 pounds!!!! I have a major issue of snacking at night. I need to get more fruit, and veggies! I have a major craving for sweets too!!!!! Please add me if you would like :)
    I would not do any high impact anything.
  • ChristineW82
    ChristineW82 Posts: 116 Member
    Have you checked out Leslie Sansone's walking videos?

    I have arthritis in my back. Her videos are great and most of them show you how to moderate moves to your needs.

    As for your sweet tooth, I buy the little 100 calorie packs, sugar free jello, & sugar free hard candies are great!
  • marcia724
    marcia724 Posts: 180 Member
    I've had lower back surgery...with a remaining bulge still in there. I've realized which specific exercises are bad for me and stay away from them. Other than that...the MORE I exercise, the better my back feels. It's like medicine to me. I love the stairmaster, elliptical...and regular old cardio/aerobics class. I just don't do squat thrusts or anything where I have to bend in half quickly. Also deadlifs are a no-no. But it's different for every person.
  • DoBetterDrea
    DoBetterDrea Posts: 85 Member
    Thank you for the replies! Having back issues is horrible, but it is also doable! (sp). I would love to try all those crazy weight losing stuff. I was looking at the 30 day shred. Anyone use this? I was also fused at l5 s1. I cant believe the weight I have gained! I want to at least lose 30 pounds!!!! I have a major issue of snacking at night. I need to get more fruit, and veggies! I have a major craving for sweets too!!!!! Please add me if you would like :)

    I had a fusion (L5S1) in June 2010 and I'll never regret it. I went from basically not being able to do anything (I could barely walk) to being able to do almost everything! :happy:

    I can lift weights, do squats and do relatively high impact stuff. The only things I can't do are those exercises that require me to lay on my back (crunches suck, leg lifts/butt lifts suck). I did 30DS and felt ok doing it but for the exercises that hurt, I just made modifications or did something different.

    Good luck!
  • KathieSwenson
    KathieSwenson Posts: 179

    I think the trick is to listen to your body - if something doesn't feel right, don't do it but at the same time make sure you keep active and build up slowly.

    That sounds like a direct quote from my physician. To me. My level of exercise depended on the time it had been sent I had l5s1 fused. The first six months the most I could do was walk. Now I'm three years out and I can do all kinds of stuff but do have problems with stiff like bent over rows and tricep kickbacks. The main thing is my physician told me to stay away from cruntches as they put pressure on your lower back. My back hurts me with leg raises. Cruntches don't hurt me that bad anymore but they used to. Anything that puts undo stress on my lower back will make me hurt. If you need a friend add me.
  • Sumo813
    Sumo813 Posts: 566 Member
    Hello everyone! I am not new here! I have been tracking my calories, and excercising. I fell off the wagon, and back on now.:glasses: I am wondering if anyone else has back issues? I would love to tackle those awsome videos to lose weight! I use the elliptical, treadmill, and I do have a weight machine/system. I am looking to lose at least 40 pounds. I am on the 1,200 calorie diet. Any thoughts? Anyone else with the same?:smile:
    I am not here for MEDICAL HELP :o)

    Thanks for posting this... I've been dealing with a herniated disc since about August... and FINALLY did my MRI today. The radiologist wouldn't go into detail, but indicated that it isn't pretty. Sooo... waiting to hear from the chiropractor about what he thinks I need to do. I know he will say I need to quit fighting (martial arts), and that's really going to suck. But I really don't want to have to do a fusion.
  • KathieSwenson
    KathieSwenson Posts: 179
    Thank you for the replies! Having back issues is horrible, but it is also doable! (sp). I would love to try all those crazy weight losing stuff. I was looking at the 30 day shred. Anyone use this? I was also fused at l5 s1. I cant believe the weight I have gained! I want to at least lose 30 pounds!!!! I have a major issue of snacking at night. I need to get more fruit, and veggies! I have a major craving for sweets too!!!!! Please add me if you would like :)

    I had a fusion (L5S1) in June 2010 and I'll never regret it. I went from basically not being able to do anything (I could barely walk) to being able to do almost everything! :happy:

    I can lift weights, do squats and do relatively high impact stuff. The only things I can't do are those exercises that require me to lay on my back (crunches suck, leg lifts/butt lifts suck). I did 30DS and felt ok doing it but for the exercises that hurt, I just made modifications or did something different.

    Good luck!


    I'm right there with you. Those exercises put me on a heating pad. I was like you I couldn't move. Once the neurosurgeon figured out how bad I was he didn't waist time getting me in. We had the disc test done (forgot the name now) and within 3 days I was having a laminectomy and l5 s1 total fusion.
  • pami218
    pami218 Posts: 9
    Hi I broke my back when I was 13 and have continuning problems with it .. I am 36 and trying to lose about 30 lbs to get to where I need to be have joined a gym and been taking various classes the only thing that has giving me back issues so far is crunchs on the floor after a few sets and doing the planks in Tobota . After agout 45 mins of Zumba sometimes my back will start to tighten but other than that so far so good .
  • KathieSwenson
    KathieSwenson Posts: 179
    Any one on here want to add me as a friend feel free it helps to see people with the same injuries and working through injury related problems together.
  • jenrod1118
    jenrod1118 Posts: 150 Member
    Hi heidi. My mom has, arthritis in her spine and 2 slipped or bulging disks. She's been taking a supplement called relief that has been helping her. She even started on some weight machines this month and it has really helped her. Please let me know if you would like more info and good luck with your journey :)
  • Shellitz
    Shellitz Posts: 188
    My good friend broke her back in a car accident a few years ago - and she does 90% of her workouts in the pool now. Aqua aerobics, swimming and running in water. She can use the seated bikes (the ones where your legs are in front of you rather than under you) without too much drama.

    Good luck!
  • nmlk_mom
    nmlk_mom Posts: 3 Member
    Well, not sure if it is the same, but I have a fusion from my c-2 to c-5 vertebrae. This obviously causes a lot of problems, but I am alive and walking, so praise Jesus!
    I too have found that I can do much more in the pool. I also find that alternating between hot and cold for relief helps. Oddly enough soaking with epsom salts seems to really help as well.
    As for exercise, I have found that using the machines is less effective then free weights. I have a personal trainer who researches exercises and plans them out for me.
    Hope this helps.
  • turnagain
    turnagain Posts: 1
    Hi my name is Kath and I am just new on here. I have a lot of lower back problems but always continue to exercise within my capabilities. I go to physio when needed and he continually tells me to keep walking, cycling and stretching. I have just started doing a weekly yoga class which I find is helping. I guess I am stubborn when it comes to exercise as itvis like a drug to me. However I know what I can and can't do and have recently been shown some really good stretches which help a lot. Yes back pain is constant and annoying but you can help decrease this. Good luck.
  • mgpage
    mgpage Posts: 123
    Thank you for the replies! Having back issues is horrible, but it is also doable! (sp). I would love to try all those crazy weight losing stuff. I was looking at the 30 day shred. Anyone use this? I was also fused at l5 s1. I cant believe the weight I have gained! I want to at least lose 30 pounds!!!! I have a major issue of snacking at night. I need to get more fruit, and veggies! I have a major craving for sweets too!!!!! Please add me if you would like :)

    I have three vertebra fused in my lower back and I have been doing the 30 Day Shred. I follow the modified movements to prevent to much strain. I am 13 days in and haven't had any problems. There is only one exercise I have real difficulty with due to the fusion and it is the plank twist. I just do them the best that I can and keep moving. I know you are not looking for advice but I have to give it, do what feels comfortable and if it hurts stop. I have to take longer than 5 second breathers, but everyday I do the workout I feel I am getting stronger. I hope this helps and feel free to friend me if you want. Good Luck!!
  • joj922
    joj922 Posts: 1 Member
    You should not be using a treadmill after lower lumbar fusion ever. If you walk slowly backwards on it, that is the only way that it can be used safely. I have had 2 spinal surgeries and my dr. is from the mayo clinic. elliptical and core strengthening exercises are the best, as is swimming.
  • DallastheGemini
    DallastheGemini Posts: 60 Member
    I've had 3 spinal fusions myself. The first one was terribly botched. I went from being a sports fanatic to an almost completely sedendary person who can barely walk. I suffer from chronic excruciating pain no matter what I'mdoing, even if I'm just laying in bed. I find it really hard to exersize with all the restrictions my doctors have given me and my phyiscal limitations make it almost impossible to do anything active. I'd love to make some friends who have spinal fusions or who have back issues or who are in a similar situation. Please feel free to add me. I really need some friends. ^_^
  • ivyhotchkiss
    ivyhotchkiss Posts: 1 Member
    i had T2-L2 spinal fusion and i am 4.5 months post-op and i have started running a little bit, but not much. i am biking though :) biking is always good. weight lifting is bad! it will hurt your back if it is more than 10lbs, thats what my surgeon said. best of luck to you x
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