Alex, Im a pelvis to T2 fusion with surgery in November 2018. No rods. Surgery took about ut 4 hours and the pain was managed in the hospital and at home. I did a recent post on this exact thing. Ive had two spinal stimulators put in, the first was out in too low and I could only feel it in my feet and the second one they tried to shove under my original stimulator and it just made things worse. I literally almost had my blueberries and cottage cheese come out through my nose (I was eating it for lunch at the time). The information in Fitness4BackPain.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical help or advice but is to be used only as an aid in understanding spinal rehabilitation. I still get cramps and muscle spasms. Hopefully someone on here can respond with experience. Once you are there pain-free, try to progress on your own at your own pace. How would you use it? Spinal fussion two weeks ago . You WILL have a productive and active life you just have to jump through these hoops first. I think the pool is a great idea. First off, you keep saying fusing DISC. Hey Bonny! I then (without getting into the dirty details) ended up having to go into substance abuse treatment (Been clean for 15 years or so). Ive had constant pain since my surgery. Im getting good cardio workouts by using the hill on the treadmill and some resistance on the elliptical. I have 2 rods, 16 screws and 4 cages in my back. Then I get clicking above and below adr and that goes away, then I get pain across my hips that is shooting out. Is it ok to do? Its not so much about staying away from a certain exercise but rather stay away from the ones that cause discomfort and hopefully your trainer is experienced enough to make adjustments in your program . Thank you for the article and any help or advice you have on this. I have an appointment with my surgeons NP next week to check on things but when the nurse spoke to me and I said what my doctor told me she agreed and said it is all in my head because it is only nerve pain from the formerly compressed nerve healing. may not be the best thing for you to do right now, Its not the vertebra you had fused that you need to worry about, its the extra weight the discs above and below it are now responsible for. It will get better. My surgery went without a hitch. Traditionally, CNBs are performed using a combination of surface anatomical landmarks, I wish you the best!! Am I doing to much or is this part of healing ? Cannot walk but across the room without it. I got a cortisone shot in my lower spine but the relief only lasted a few days. I have to go back to see my surgeon in a few weeks and so I am trying to find out all I can in the meantime. With machines I would stay away from spinal loading until your confident in your ability to maintain a neutral spine at various depths. I pray for everyone with any spine issue, this is not easy. Is this common? The Visible Human Project is an outgrowth of the NLM's 1986 Long-Range Plan. I was then begin my physical therapy program along with my exercises & was trying to get back to the regularity I was accustomed to. With that being said, I havent found many exercises/ stretches that work for me. As far as time goes, you never know. We talk and teach a lot of this HERE, i juts had spine fusion L5 si 6 weeks back and i am doing better now with pain but little numbness and tingling in left leg and i am walking too much daily and just small excercices for legs movement whcih adviced by physical theraiest but my question i came here cause i am so scared of adjacent segment disease as i am only 34 years old and was very active person and i want to be like that after surgery but looking to avoid alot of things which retun me back to doctor and i am very happy to read your articles , my question please can i do swimming and go back to gym and when will be that , also is it deserve to be too much scary from adjacent segment. I recommend that if anyone who has severe neuropathy you should investigate this. Ive been on disability for the last 8 years and Im no better than when I started and actually feel worse than Ive ever felt and now my new pain management doctor and neurosurgeon who had to go in and straighten my spine out are wanting me to try another stimulator. In you opinion are either of those good or bad? There shouldnt be any twisting going on. Maybe a split squat or get a hex bar? My husband is still having a hard time with his new disabilities. Its been 3 months and I still have the same knot and pain. I have spina bifida occulta bringing on bilateral pars fractures, grade 2 spondylosis, a severely degenerated disc and an annular tear. -Mathew M. "I absolutely love your website and videos. Recovery is going very well. In spite of its Enhance Institutional Standard. I had a 4 operations on my back in 5 weeks. Hey Rachel, I know this is super frustrating to hear. Im able to do my normal chores about the house but Im not lifting anything heavy and am only bending with my hips and knees so to keep my back straight. Quadratus Lumborum Nerve Block, Rectus sheath block: CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met: 64486: evaluated the peri-articular distribution of genicular nerve blocks in a fresh cadaver model and described the technique in a preliminary group of patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Im told I have failed back syndrome . Maybe we are having it on the same day! Dont judt blindly do things because someone else is doing them. Like leg press, hack squats, lunges, ham curls, quad ext?? I am very similar to you. Surgery should be last resort, but can be successful. So happy for your successful surgery! Your recovery and return to a normal active life is in your hands. Complete cross-sectional images of representative male cadaver. Do you have any residual nerve pain (I developed neuropathy in my left leg/calf, forefoot and toes). If youre curious about my background and how I came to do what I do, you can visit my about page. Its scarier before the surgery than after. Walk often, and pray. I would not be the one to ask about revision surgeries. Copyright 2000-2022 IGNACIO GARCIA, LLC.All rights reserved Web master Iggy Garciamandriotti@yahoo.com Columbus, Ohio Last modified May, 2021 Hosted by GVO, USC TITLE 42 CHAPTER 21B 2000BB1 USC TITLE 42 CHAPTER 21C 2000CC IRS PUBLICATION 517. Thank you. People accumulate too much time in poor positions and use poor mechanics way too much. Bonny, Great so you have something to start with as far as exercise goes. Randomised controlled trial to compare surgical stabilisation of the lumbar spine with an intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic low back pain: the MRC spine stabilisation trialBMJ2005;330:1233, APA Tarnanen, Sami P.1; Neva, Marko H.2; Hkkinen, Keijo3; Kankaanp, Markku4; Ylinen, Jari5; Kraemer, William J.6; Newton, Robert U.7; Hkkinen, Arja1,5 Neutral Spine Control Exercises in Rehabilitation After Lumbar Spine Fusion, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: July 2014 Volume 28 Issue 7 p 2018-2025doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000334. It happens 10-25% of the time. I HAD to feel good about my choice. You dont want to do exercises just to do them. Thanks for the exercises I will definitely be trying them! I would say that I am very lucky although I do still wonder what the next 20 years may bring and that healthy fear keeps me going to the gym and exercising every day in some capacity. However, I still had severe neuropathy in my left leg and foot with no relief in sight. These are both very important and building healthy self-efficacy is paramount for long-term relief and confidence in your body. Besides constantly working to maintain a healthy range of motion after the procedure, you want to be very cautious when doing something that directly affects the fused area. I would love to know apart from swimming if I can continue with the pilates core workouts without doing crunches (if thats even possible) and not affect my surgery. do you know if his mobility will be seriously reduced or if his lower back will be in a lot of pressure?? Severe thoracic scoliosis, 70 degree curvature. I dont think doing light stretches will compromise your surgery. You could really help them out! Its a long process, its difficult physically on our lives and its mentally draining and its just a lot. He is walking and doing stairs, We are doing stretches in the morning to help him get up. With his rehabilitation a lot of what you will need are the limitations he will have issued by the doctor. Daytona Beach, I would listen to your body. Kidneys in a cadaver: From superior to inferior and from anterior to posterior, you will find the renal vein, followed by the renal artery, and ending with the ureter. Walking is good, so do it. Im 56 years old with severe scoliosis, (curve is greater than 50 in both my thoracic area and lumbar). I suffered cauda equina syndrome. I would appreciate your input very much. And believe me, I understand your frustration, I was a dancer, played lacrosse and soccer then nothing for 9 months, but 13 years later and I have had no problems. Although it took quite a while for things to settle after surgery I have had a relatively pain free life until October 2018. I had a spinal fusion L1-S1 due to Osteomyelitis after a disc herniation. So, thank you so much for this post." While you are starting to get around read this article and take to heart everything it says. 5 weeks after surgery I am feeling great and now struggle not to do to much too soon. C) Fill your workout program with lots of Anti-Rotation and neutral spine work like Stir the Pots, McGill Crunchand Pallof Presses Circles. My husband commented often on how I much I was laughing again. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. 3) What are his/her expectations for my recovery 3-6-8 months from now? I cant bend over and have to squat to pick something off the floor if need be. In February of 18 is when I had my most recent fusion. So 4 months later Iam still pain free!! Hello William , So heres my dilemma, Do I take a chance and do nothing and continue to be active for as long as I can? He is, as I hear, a great surgeon and this is my second fusion in two years. If you could be a little more specific I am happy to help any way I can. It is an enlarged prominence that is formed at the lower region of the neck. As long as you dont have any pain that gets worse then keep it up! I walk with a pace and incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes and work out with the elliptical an hour a day. I think I will buy an exercise bike with arm attachments and stick it in front of the TV, yeah, I think I like that idea. As i read on the internet all fusion surgeries require further surgeries within 10 years so your post really brought a smile on my face . Now however, the pain is back, and the disk is displaced twice as far as the last time. I was taking Tramadol for eight years. Focus heavy on a neutral spine and work that core! Hi- I am one year post op for a burst fracture of a lumbar vertebra. However, at times my knees hurt worse, and so does my back. I am 63yrs old, I had same procedure as you back in February of 2019 I Immediately felt so much better after , my pain was gone!!! For example, If I were to push the envelope with my doctor, I would probably be a good candidate for an L5-S1 Spinal Fusion due to me rupturing the disc 8+ years ago and being diagnosed with degenerative discs above the site. I see amazing results with clients following a very specific way of training. All that being said, no need to freak out. I am 16 weeks postoperative and anxious to get working out again in and out of a gym. Hi William Im having my third repair surgery on May 28th 2020 I have so many problems live to share. Surprisingly I am doing really great I only have the fusion and I have dropfoot in my left leg so I have to wear a brace. . The strength greatly improved & shooting pain in my right leg was completely gone. I came across this site and Im glad I did. One theory is that because I was bed ridden for so much longer and strict with keeping my body straight, it allowed the fusion to set properly. It really hasnt limited me much I still golf and ride bicycle and work with cattle and lately started lifting weights again. I ended with a L4/L5 fusion with severe nerve pain and left drop foot. I had nerve pain in my right leg for three months and discomfort in many seating positions. the central stripe the quadratus lumborum, and the lateral stripe the transversus abdominis muscle. I am a 42 year old women who had L5 s1 He had badly damage his T10 so they fused T8-T12 on Aug 16th. Go slow and always underestimate what you think you can handle. The key now is just making sure you are doing it smart. What you dont want him to do is create new movement habits around an injury that are poor yet get the job done. im 18, 60kg, 178cm im in good shape and have suffered from severe sciatica in left leg and back pain since January 2017 due to degenerative disc disease in L5 / S1. I too cannot lay on a flat area. I did pain injections for about 5 years before they stopped working. Maybe a treadmill and bike in front of the TV? Margee I just want normalcy. I had L5-S1 fusion done 06/18 after 3 failed micro discectomies. Hi Kevin,I have had my L5-S1,L4-L5 fused for the front ( calll AFL fusion) plus L4-L3 full disc replacement to stop further deterioration in my spine.The disc L M-6 mimics the full motion of the normal disc. It is now available to order on Amazon at the bargain price of 22 inc p&p. My surgery was 12/21/2015 and I am still using a walker. I am not a gym junkie but constantly active gardening, attending to my animals, hiking, playing tennis, or basketball, etc with my grandsons. Not only pain from the surgery, pain from from spine, nerve damage, spinal stenosis up and down my spine, bone sours damaging multiple nerves and muscle and to top I all off I had a fracture in my spine the first doctor never caught and he told me all the pain was in my head and that he had cured me which was a shock to here from me. Hope this helps. I started swimming and the following Janruary I did my first 1k swim and all felt fine. Theres an ideal lower back position for you and you only that you have to be a detective and figure out for yourself. I think I was supposed to have needed additional surgery around the 11 year mark but I appear to be doing just fine and I attribute that to exercising and building a shroud of muscle around my spine. Now I have an L4/5 S1 fusion, then they went through the abdomen and put in more hardware. Im benched for a little while, but feel good. Its so stiff and sore and I battle to get it loose. obliquus capitis inferior. Pull out where you are weak or why your back is in the condition that it is in and build a program around that! The pain clinic has given me trigger point injections with some success. The thoracic cage is a component of the thoracic wall and encloses the majority of the structures of the respiratory system. bilateral contraction of the quadratus lumborum muscles causes. I had many complications post-surgery while in the hospital (wont get into it) but it left me bed ridden for much longer. My last surgery was over 6 hours long and in the hospital for 5 days. I am now just over 5 months post-op and finally to the point of feeling well enough to begin working out at the gym again. Surgery is not a magical fix and will not work if you dont strengthen and build your core. Just keep moving! This is when I felt a burning sensation like my back had been ripped open. Vet Anaesth Analg.2021 Sep;48(5):804-808. At the same time, you have to get rid of the no Pain, No Gain mentality. I use an ARC Trainer and recumbent bike. The male was sectioned at one millimeter intervals I think i must immediately resort to weight loss program and follow a exercise program. The doctor had to go back in a repair the hardware. Enter In: The whole reason for this article. Im just thinking ahead. Thanks much for your time and thoughtfulness. My family doctor told me I dont have any more pain its all in my head. I get a lot of emails regarding exercise choice after a fusion (specifically safe core exercises). Linda. Finding the right surgeon was key. My BF just had his spinal fusion T3-L3 al thought now we are both stressing as we keep reading about mobility and additional pressure on the lower disks of the spine. I am doing exercises with 3 lb weights for the most part but I am happy I can do some type of exercise and to keep myself active. Hey, I had 2 level AdR at L4/5 to L5S1 in June this year. Kidneys in a cadaver: From superior to inferior and from anterior to posterior, you will find the renal vein, followed by the renal artery, and ending with the ureter. Is there anything else I should try? Welcome to the community! Welcome to Iggy Garcia, The Naked Shaman Podcast, where amazing things happen. Swimming is a great way to do this along with a progressive exercise program. So more than likely as time passes the nerve pain should subside. She is in great shape despite the obstacles she has overcome. Thirdly, pray to God or whatever supreme being you believe in that He will not let anything happen to you on that table. I had a spinal fusion when I was 38, I am going to be 50 this year & I have NOT gotten my physical life back.. my thoracic was only very slightly curved but herniated and bulging disks at L3, L4 & S1, with radiating unbearable pain down my left leg. This means from head to toe your training the muscles on the back of the body. Rated 0 out of 5. ==> How to train your core after a spinal fusion. I can move but hate it cause if the pain ! This is where a lot of people run into more spinal fusions 5-10 years down the road after their first one. . This is where you are the expert. Is he following what the textbook says or what he sees for your specific case and how your body is reacting? After reading this article I would just like to know what I should stay away from with that fusion so that I dont end up hurting myself down the road. These are the fundamentals of our life. Thanks again. Anything would be appreciated. BUT and a big BUT. Lifting over my head or twisting are the only limitations. Core training after a spinal fusion is EXTREMELY important. Ive played rugby and been heavily involved in physical activities my whole life and wish to continue many sports down the track. Seriously. Its not yoga but its still activating muscles in the area that has been worked on without causing damage. I have to wear a brace when walking, in the car, exercising, and riding my bike for 6 months to remind me not to bend, twist, or lift anything, I will say that I did back exercises, went to the gym, swam, and rode my bike to get in good shape before the surgery. I reluctantly accepted my fate. Hearing so many negative things about this type of back surgery I procrastinated for years about having it done. Ive been medically cleared for work and exercises since January of 2019. WebQuadratus Lumborum Nerve Block, Rectus sheath block: CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met: 64486: evaluated the peri-articular distribution of genicular nerve blocks in a fresh cadaver model and described the technique in a preliminary group of patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To top it all off Im also now experiencing numbness on the surface of my skin on just the right side of my thy. https://fitness4backpain.com/private-membership-access/. I have trained in the gym with weights, I dont do anything heavy anymore Spent 25 + years Now back at full weights and sports (not lacrosse though, too much contact). Any suggestions? The only issues I have are the therapist forget the BLT rule. Its been a HUGE resource for so many people like you I had to share it! The main thing you have to understand is since the fusions have been done its the discs above and below the fusion that are now taking the brunt of the force. Hope this helps. As long as you have been cleared to resume normal activity then yes its okay. Fewer levels fused but she is in her early 70s!) It forms the bony framework for breathing. with another orthopedic surgeon in Pittsburgh, PA early October to discuss having all of the hardware removed. Does the fusion place me a greater risk for being injured in falls? If the doc is adamant about no movement other than walking then respect that but demand a time table of when you can expect to be able to begin to progress. They continued me on a oral steroid as Im still taking that now by the way and Im noticing day by day that everything is starting to get better in the numbness in my left foot is almost gone. I am questioning my decision for surgery every day, but I had 3 discs that collapsed and shifted, so Dr. said I may be in a wheelchair if I didnt do something. Posterior trunk. But I am moving and lifting light weights. are harmful to my body . Also does this mean its okay for me to do situps and other exercises I used to do? For you I would start with single leg work and go for higher reps. They had to remove 3 screws, shorten the rods and do a bone graft. Find another way to train your lower body or just reduce the load you use. There are a few rules that I like to follow when it comes to strengthening your back after a fusion. A description of an ultrasound-guided technique for a quadratus lumborum block in the cat: a cadaver study. I ended up having to stay three extra days in the hospital with two drains put in each side of my back it caused a lot of pressure and a lot of pain Ive hardly remember the first 3 days. You are looking for both a physical response to the exercise such as how it feels, limitations, and pain as well as a psychological response as in is your body responding or holding back out of fear? I have McGills books and have read innumerable online articles re back pain, but your descriptions, explanations and videos really hit it home with me. The key here is not to be scared. Id appreciate any insight you might have. haha I think both tools could work with certain types of people. I have various FREE resources through my site so make sure you jump on my newsletter if you havent already. I have had trouble sleeping because of nerve pain. My name is Yoli, and I had a spinal fusion on the L-4/L-5 level, and a bilateral Laminectomy, in February, 2017. Wow I am so sorry to hear about your son but thats is AWESOME to hear about his road to recovery! Hey Eddy, it really depends on the person. Sleeping on my back is horrible. Your body is strong and wants to recover and get stronger. Im 3 months out and had no therapy as of yet. with a braced core. I built up muscle again and about 10 years ago, took up cycling. Research shows that if people keep their pain level at or below a 4/10 they have a better chance of maintaining a positive recovery pattern and minimizing the chance of flair-ups or increase in pain 24-48 hours after their workout. of water therapy and have been going to the Y 3 times/wk. I do want to start core training, I started doing pilates but for legs and arms. Be positive and talk to God. I had a lower lumbar level 1 fusion L5S1 last year in march 2018. I had a lower lumbar fusion 1 level last year in march 2018. WebThe iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves (ventral ramus of L1 with occasional contributions from T12, L2, and L3) depart through the proximal and lateral aspect of the psoas major muscle and traverse the ventral surface of quadratus lumborum . In spite of its Also had huge synovial cyst in spine that had to be removed before fusion. I went through therapy and back injections after the fourth round of injections, they no longer had any effect, so we started talking surgery. It was done through the lateral/ front left side with bone cages and plates with screws. Glad youre doing okay. Do I have to be careful of engaging in activities where I may get bumped around such as jet skiing, horse back riding, etc.? What is a Dowagers hump? I had my 5th and 6th spine operations the summer of 2018 for spondylolisthesis. I am overweight though. I am a 53 year old male that just had a simple L3-L2 fusion 5 weeks ago. I get backache whenever I overdo, which is too long car ride, sit or getting in and out of car too many times a day on errand/shopping day. I am happy with the results, I knew a few years ago I would need another surgery and knew it would be a tough recovery. Actually 2 minimal and 1 rod, screw and spacer on my L5- S1. identify the distal attachments of the teres major. Im C3-6 T 7/8 and L4to S1 My current other issue is arthritis in my knees. I had the lower lumbar fusion and fixation (plates, screws, rods and bone grafts). Couldnt walk, sit, lay, sleep.. Nan. I do know the importance of neutral spine exercises & stengthening core. Not only in the gym but with EVERYTHING you do in your life from brushing your teeth to tieing your shoes. For example, if due to surgery he shouldnt do XYZ for a period of 6 months. Any suggestions please? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. When I overdo as in everyday housework, I feel a tight back ache. Probably due to nerve pain due to stretching of your femoral nerve during the fusion. I suffered for over 4 years with the pain, I did not want to do surgery, I put it off as long as I could, I did get steroid shots @2, did not work. Kidneys in a cadaver: From superior to inferior and from anterior to posterior, you will find the renal vein, followed by the renal artery, and ending with the ureter. Thanks for stopping by dude. If you can do these well and safely your body will begin to trust your movements and be able to relax. Hey Ashley, Well the honest answer is that I am not the person who can give you that clearance. If I end up getting surgery, is there any way I could come back to cheerleading, or would spinal fusion be the end of my competitive career? Meditation here and there. Quadratus Lumborum. I finally found an answers source for my questions. I had no PT and very little knowledge of the proper lifestyle to protect my spine back then. 3) I would never suggest to stop seeing a medical professional you trust but encourage you to ask questions and try (the best you can) to lead your rehabdont just follow protocol. Having to go through this type of surgery for us active folks is humbling because we felt most of our lives we were the healthy ones. My surgeon wants me to walk in chest deep water, starting in another 3 weeks and Im aiming to walk for an hour a day at the moment. I would be adamant About getting all the work checked and rechecked for any other source of what could be causing the pain. Recover is very very tough if you think you are going to be OK after a few months you are kidding yourself, it is a lot!! My L4,5 and S1 are now all fused together and I have rods and screws. This is a great sweet spot to be in and if you can remember to follow the pain scale rule with everything you do, your post-fusion exercise will not only be less painful but it will be more productive and working towards a stronger more resilient version of yourself. I believe each case is different and only you will know the answer to if you should get the surgery. Reach out to me at fitness4backpain@gmail.com and we can chat further. I would go with more neutral spine work as you build of stability in your trunk and around your spine. 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