Exercise after spinal fusion surgery
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello
I had spinal surgery when I was 14 years old, it was quite major. My curve was very rapid, it was going up to about 65 degrees. It was a lower back curve and I had 2 rods put onto my spine to correct it. The consultant said I wouldn't be able to do any strenous exercise, or any heavy lifing/manual work.
As I was only 14 at the time, I was fine with all of this. However, I'm now 24 years old and work in an office job where I am sitting for most the day. I'm starting to feel like I am very limited in what I can do, I do get up and walk around as much as I can, but sitting for long periods is making my back stiff. I've also been getting a weird feeling in my leg, it's like it goes to sleep and numb.
I've started to use a treadmill, if I can I power walk to and from work and go out for walks in the evening or of a weekend. This is the only physical activity I can really do. Can't do anything like sit ups, press ups, gym, weights, as this means putting pressure on my back. (I could go swimming but I don't feel confident in doing so). It's the abdomen and thigh area where I seem to gain weight easily. I also eat healthily as well, I have even asked a personal trainer for advice but because I wasn't a member, they said they couldn't advise me.
I'd just like to know what other people do that have had a major spine operation like this? I am very grateful that I'm ok after the operation, but I just feel like I am lacking with exercise.
0 likes, 4 replies
Jay91157 kt60978
Posted
Hi, I had spinal surgery a year ago February, in the thoracic region. My curve 71 degrees and I was 57. I was very active growing up although the curve was noticed at 14 I had 2 years of visiting a hospita and then fell of the radar. I trapped a nerve in my shoulder in 2012 and that set me on the path to spinal surgery. I started to feel lathargic as I had a desk job, and started to notice the shape of my body was changing. I happend to see an advert on TV for a product called the Wonder Core, retailing around £80.00. I looked up the product on the internet and was impressed by so many positive reviews. I purchased it last Novembe and can honestly say it is the best thing I have purchased. You can do lots of leg exercises, sit ups as it has a support to push you up, and I do not get back ache. It has adjustable springs to give you different tension. It really is a nice product and small and compact just as the ad states. I use it while watching tv at night so there is no excuse to say you cannot fit in time. I got mine from Argos who had the better price at the time. You do get a CD with it but I did not find it much help in terms of exercising. There is also a nutritional leaflet but again I was not interested in that. Have a look up on the internet on amazon too for pepoles feed back. I hope this helps as I know where you are comig from. Like you I don't have the courage to go swimming with a 14" scar. Another option would be to pay to speak to a private physio, but they will probably suggest core exercises anyway. I hope this may be of some help.
?Best wishes
kt60978 Jay91157
Posted
Does your back get stiff from sitting at the desk for most the day? I also have an orthopedic cushion that helps to support my back, but it doesn't make the stiffness go completely.
Jay91157 kt60978
Posted
margaret85310 kt60978
Posted
I had rods inserted and upper vertebrae fused at age 11. Worked pretty well until in my late 40s I developed a compensatory curve in my tailbone. I was pretty well crippled by the pain and the dr. said my only option was another surgery or an opiate pump (!). In desperation, I tried Bikram Yoga, which is practiced in a hot, humid room. The heat felt wonderful on my back, and after my first few sessions I was pain-free. At first I could not do very much, but as I kept going back I got stronger and stronger. A majority of the poses focus on core strength and spine flexibility. I can now walk or stand for as long as I want, I can lift pretty much anything I want to also. It was great to go from being disabled to completely able-bodied and pain free, and as someone with a pretty messed-up spine I highly recommend Bikram Yoga!