Sports after back surgery

  • Thread starter Thread starter steveakfr
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steveakfr

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Hi All, I'm very thankful to all those who posted their experience on this page, it is really helping to understand what is going to happen in my own case and also ease the stress.
I'm yet to have surgery, scheduled for tomorrow, but I'm trying to think of ways of returning to my level of fitness prior to injury.
I think I've had a weakness on my lower back for a long time, as I started Judo when I was just 5 years old, moved onto Karate, and became a blackbelt in Taekwondo with loaRAB of small injuries around the way, I thounght I was invincible, until I injured my back. I used to go to the gym (work out) 4 days in a week, then 3 days for Taekwondo, I was a really fit person, but now I'm a werck, I can't even use a hoover or slightly bend to brush my teeth.

I was never comfortable with the idea of surgery, but now I have no choice, seeing that so many of you have had it before, and even though it's been difficult, there's a life after it.

But I'm reaaly concerned as to how active will I be after surgery, will be able to resume with my normal sporting activities (after full recovery).
Will I be able to squat, I'm 78 KG and I used to squat with 180 KG, and leg press with 260 KG.

What about abnominal muscles, having a weakness aroung the waist does not encourage one to doing loaRAB of flexions, will I be able to do crunches, sit ups etc?

Will I be able to skate (inline skatting) or have Taekwondo sessions (contact sports that involve sparring with partners)

Thank you all again for all the information and check you later (after surgery).
 
Welcome. I cannot answer many of the specific exercise questions. My daughter had a two level fusion at the age of 16. She is now three years post op. From her therapists she has learned back exercises that are good for her and will strengthen her back. She pretty much has no restrictions, but has to use her head and listen to her body. She was a dancer prior to surgery but has not returned to dancing yet as that put a lot of stress on her back. She is going to ask her dr about dancing when we see him in July.

Since surgery she has gone back to snow skiing, water skiing (on one ski), she played tennis her senior year, bowls and has gone golfing a few times. She does not go on the rides at theme parks that will jar her back around, but that's about it. She's out living a life of a normal 19 year old now.

Hopefully someone else will be able to answer your specific questions. Make sure you ask your doctor all of these questions. He should be able to tell you what activities he'd allow you to continue. Just wanted to let you know what she can do now. Good luck with your surgery. cas
 
I had the exact same questions prior to surgery. Now 6 weeks post op I amazed at how much I can do. I am doing physiotherapy and they have me doing tons of stretches and I have started using weights. I am walking and using the eliptical for cardio exercise. They have just cleared me for inline skating but only because I am an experienced skater so there is not much risk of me falling. They did not suggest running because of the impact on the spine. I hope to be able to golf by Septeraber but I don't have the flexibility for it right now.
 
Hi, Steve.

I hope your surgery went well. I know the feeling of inevitability of having the surgery. You will get through this! Do take the time to recover well. This will be months! I know that's not what you want to hear, but it is an investment in your long term wellness to allow your bones and muscles to do the healing they need to do.

I had a fusion in my thoracic that failed. We don't know why for sure, but I suspect that part of it is because I pushed it too soon. I had a second fusion surgery that was not too fun. The good news is that this second surgery was a success.

Anyway, on sports, I'd suggest that as you heal, you work with a physical therapist who knows sports very well and understanRAB your goals. I suspect that you will be able to return to some sports activities just fine. You may not be able to do everything. You'll just have to wait and see. You DEFINITELY will be working on your abs! That's one of the first things you'll do in rehab to protect your back.

My only piece of advice (or 2 or 3 :)) is
1) to keep you eyes on your goal
2) take small steps every day (and that may include resting that day because your body may need rest to get to your long term goal
3) stay positive. Many people have successful surgeries and are busy living their lives.

My very best wishes for you,
Margaret
 
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