i had spinal fusion of my L-4 and L-5 a couple years back, its worsened since..what exercises should i do?

Question

Since my surgery, all doctors tell me is to exercise... what specific exercises should i do?

Answer 1

I have had the exact same surgery -10 years ago. Great for 6 years and then heaps of pain again,worsening with time. Two weeks ago i had another op to help relieve the pain. Have had some relief. Go back to your Doc and ask for specific exercises that help your particular case. I got mine on a video. No heavy weight bearing exercises or jogging. My best results were in the pool. Let the instructor know your problem and go with it. I found doing just about anything in the pool to be helpful as it is weight free. Careful not to overdo but as you will feel it a few hours later. Start gentle. If your pain is getting worse, it could just be you are not looking after it, or, like me, the vertebrae above and below are being affected because they are doing more work due to the fusion. You will now always have chronic back pain, but please go back to your Doc. and get those exercises specified. I truly sympathise with you and hope things improve soon. Good luck.

Answer 2

Ask your doctor to provide you with a prescription to see a physical therapist. The PT should be able to point you toward some safe activities to start, and then help you to progress.

Also, the surgeon should probably screen you for a few other problems: If L4-5 is fused, that means more stress on L5-S1, which can lead to breakdown there.

Go to APTA.org, click on "find a PT", and search your home area.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You need to strengthen your abdominal muscles because they are what holds the spine in place. I would ask your doctor to send you to a physical therapist for specific exercises.

Answer 4

lay on the floor put your feet behind your ears and roll around.