Fellow spinal fusion brothers and sisters

S

scoopy

New member
I'm about 4 months post op and everything looks good. Last week, doc took x-rays and showed fusion is happening. I'm still on pain meRAB but decreasing as time goes by, taking only one norco a day. The only PT I have been doing is walking. The doc now says I can do more. My question is what exercises, stretches, PT etc have you guys done? I am very leary of most PT's. In my case they have hurt me more than help me in the past.

A couple of the stretches/exercises they told me to do are the following:

1. Lay on back and pull single leg to chest then double leg pull to chest.

2. Pelvic tilt

3. Lower back rotation-this one scares me lay on back and drop both knees to one side then the other.

4. Hip lift-lay on back and raise your hips upward.

5. Various hamstring stretches

6. Seated rotation-sit on chair and twist to right side then left

7. Partial crunch or curl up-scares me too

8. Elbow press or cobra pose

What is your guy's take on these? Also, plz tell me what has benefited you guys as far as exercises go. I am walking about 3 miles a day now with minimal pain and lately been in a pool doing breasts stroke and dog paddleing. Thx much and better health to all of us.:)


Shannon

L4-S1 fusion in March
42 years old
 
Scoopy, glad you are fusing. My husband had the same surgery and is a few more months along than you are. He had a lot of pain doing the pelvic tilts with the pt. When we were at a dr's visit he mentioned this to the neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon said emphatically that fusion patients should never do pelvic tilts or any exercises that arch the back. Pt is only there to stretch the back muscles. If there is any pain you should stop immediately and let them know. My husband had your same issues before the surgery as they hurt him more than helped. Good luck in your recovery.
 
Scoopy
I am glad you are doing well but am sad you have had a bad PT experience. I have a great PT. I had an L5s1 fusion 10 weeks ago, and had severe muscle spasms and si issues at 4 weeks but am now over them and on my way. I am up to about 3 mile walk and swimming. The cobra pose you speak of I do but only very slowly up and slowly down, anything I do in extension is just slow motion to try to retrain the muscles to engage not actually 'work' the muscles. I would ask your Dr or PT before doing exercises and if it ever hurts dont do it.
1. On back knees bent with a soft ball between knees, squeeze for 5 seconRAB release. Same position just raise pelvis off the ground to retrain muscles to work. Then with a band around knees and ankles together go out slow against the band like 5 seconRAB out then in repeat till you get tired(knees bent on your back)
2. On stomach keeping hips on a pillow slowly raise each leg about 3 inches off the ground and lower alternate legs. When strong enough you can also lift the opposite arm the same height when you lift the leg.
3.Hamstring stretch on back with leg in the air have a dog leash/rope around foot and slowly pull straight leg into a 90 degree angle(or put your foot up a wall with your butt next to the wall and your back on the floor)
These are just some of the beginning things I have started to do under my dr and pt supervison.
good luck
PeMom
Lamins 3x
L5S1 fusion april 2010
 
Scoopy:

I have been thru a nuraber surgeries over the years. Both on the cervical and lurabar regions. Fusions which included instrumentation

Yes, in the beginning when I was upto it I tried walking. But with each of the surgeries I went thru there was alway physical therapy afterwarRAB. In my opinion it is the doctor and therapist that should determine what excercises should be done especially after surgery to help rebuild and strengthen the area where the surgery was done.
I really think you need to discuss with them as to what activities are appropriate. They can tell where you are after the surgery and what neeRAB to be done for strengthening. And they can measure your progress as well.

Good luck
 
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