Running after spinal surgery

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batman125

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I had scoliosis and when I was seventeen I had spinal surgery that fused nearly my whole spine with bars to reinforce the fusion. I have recovered and can exercise just fine except when I try to run. I really want to tone up and run so I can get in better shape but when I tried last I ended up sitting in bed a day or two later because I was in pain. That was nearly 5 months ago and I was thinking that maybe if I just concentrate on running without twisting that would help? I'm just not sure what to do and I don't want to end up in bed again. Is there something else close to running that would put me in shape and help tone my stomach?
 
Don't you think you should go to an orthopedic doctor to see what you should be able to do. You might need to be referred to a sports clinic for a particular exercise program to get in shape for running...or maybe you just can't do that sort of thing but first things first. I would expect an Orthopedic doctor to do some x-rays and see what is going on. Good luck.
 
There are lots of aerobic and strengthening exercises you can do that aren't jarring to your body. I joined a local gym when my yearly allotment of PT was up with my insurance company. It took some searching and talking with the guys that work there, but I've got a pretty good routine now that gives me a sweaty workout. I feel myself getting stronger. Nothing I do makes my spine bear any weight besides my own body, and nothing is jarring. If you're able, I recommend it.

I'm not trying to win any competitions (and I won't). I just want to be in as good shape as possible. It can only help me!

:) Emily
 
Doing your core exercises should help with toning up your tummy muscles..and it will help with your overall posture also.
 
I had a long fusion, too, for scoliosis. I was able to run once I was fully healed. My only problem was that since I had very little correction and was fused with about a 75 degree curve, I have restrictive lung disease. One lung is overinflated and one is compressed, so I ran out of breath quickly when I used to run. (I had a second fusion 3 years ago, going all the rest of the way down to my sacrum. I don't run anymore.) I have always had good abdominal muscles. I agree with ibake, those are vital!

Maybe you can go to a personal trainer or a physical therapist to get your core muscles in better condition. Someone with proper training for people with back issues should be able to help you strengthen without hurting yourself.

I wish you the best,
Emily
 
Hi have you tried a cross trainer or skiing classes without the skiiing just speak to an instructor at a local gym, Good luck try it all but in moderation its a long life you have yet to live and this life is on a long road a path to which we all have to travel so go gently go well and be strong !
 
How about cycling? I have grade 2 spondylolisthesis, DDD, and stenosis all at the L5/S1 level. Running kills me...but I still do it (I'm stubborn). However, I only run 3-4 miles, 3-4x per week. Anything more than that, and I'm in for a world of hurt. I took up cycling 2 years ago, when I was training for a triathlon. The cycling really stuck with me, and I love doing it. I mainly do longer distance rides (50-100 miles), which puts me on the bike for sometimes as long as 6-7 hours. As long as I take some breaks and stretch my lower back (I ride a road bike with a fairly aggressive riding position), I can handle the long hours in the saddle. Plus...cycling is non-impact, non-jarring, so I'm sure your doctor would approve. You can always wear a heartrate monitor to make sure you're working hard enough. I try to keep a certain pace (about 18-19mph) throughout my rides, that way I know I'm getting a decent workout.
 
I know what is going on in my back!! I get X-rays every year and see my doctor every year. My therapy was walking and swimming but now I feel like I can do way more than that. When I see the doctor he just says that I will work my way up and that running is jarring to the body. But I really want to get in shape. so what else will get me there besides running?
 
63 year old male. Two surgeries, 2002 and 2003. Fused L4-L5-S1.
Ran 1200 miles a year for 20 years. Since fusion I have found many other ways to exercise other than running. I have tried running and I have simply lost my form because of my fusions. I feels wrong, and is clearly not good for me.
Find another exercise, there are plenty of exercises as good as running, you have to find something you really like, or will will not stick with it.
Swimming, biking, spin class, treadmill with elevation, or just fast walking is also great.
Good Luck.
 
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