rehab after lower back surgery - JP Fitness Forums

jcruver · 07-28-2007, 08:20 AM

A brief history - (I am a 40yr male - 5'11 170lbs - in very good shape - was working out 3-5 days a week for many years)

I have had lower back issues on and off for awhile. Last year about this same time I injured it and went to general doctor. He had me take advil and rest. The issue lessened and I proceeded to workout once again (I was lifting heavy..mostly compound moves..NROL..ect).

This year a few months ago I aggrevated it again (deadlifting). I went back to the same doctor and he prescribed a steriod (prednisone (sp?)) to reduce swelling and loritab for pain. After a week the pain lessened and he had me off the steriod. A few days later the pain was very VERY intense and went down my entire left leg as well. I could not move and was in the worst pain of my life. I went to the ER and had a catscan and was immediately referred to a neurosurgeon. He had me in for a MRI that day and gave me the news that I had a severely herniated disc that required surgery. (I also had circulated my catscan results to a number of doctor friends of mine who all said the same based on what they saw).

The nuerosurgeon showed me the type of surgery he would use which was a newer (relatively) kind that uses the METRX tool (http://www.sofamordanek.com/patient-minimal-metrx.html if you are interested) and he goes in through a small incision (he expained it as like scoping a knee). The surgery was very successful and he saved 80% of the disc and told me everything else was very healthy. (side note - this surgery was amazing - I went under the knife at 730am and walked out of the hospital at 130pm that day with only pain from the surgery..my back/leg pain was totally gone).

The surgery was 2 weeks ago yesterday. I feel virtually no pain and am very happy with the results.

While I know I need plenty of time to heal properly and will follow the surgeons orders for the upcoming weeks I was hoping I could get some feedback from members here who may have had similar surgeries on what to expect when I am healed.

I would also like to know the opinions from the experts (based on the limited info I have here) on the types of excercising I might be doing to properly rehab and the types of things I may want to avoid. The doctor has already told me there is only a 10% (or so) chance of this reoccuring but did say I probably will want to avoid things such as deadlifting and squatting (my 2 favorites).

Thanks in advance for your opinions or experiences.

Victoria · 07-28-2007, 08:56 AM

I had the same surgery almost 3 years ago now. Except I had mine after suffering for 12 years with pain and numbness down my left leg. But, I had a similar experience, the chronic pain was suddenly gone. It was an incredible relief. I, too, was up and walking within hours of my surgery. I went in at 12:00 pm, and was back in my hospital room by 4:00pm, up and walking, albeit very gingerly, to the bathroom, hallway, etc.

It was my first surgery and it was a completely positive experience for me. The first few weeks were a bit sore, especially at the incision site. But, I was amazed at how quickly, overall, I recovered. Truly amazing. I still have numbness which I think is permanent after all these years, no ankle reflex, and some loss of strength in my left calf, but the pain is completely gone, and my general mobility and overall attitude and emotional state has improved greatly since (years of chronic pain really messed with my head).

I have my limitations with certain exercises and heavier weights, but I make appropriate substitutions that, for my purposes, which are primarily general health and fitness, are more than enough. And, I remain very mindful of my limitations and try to focus on what I CAN do rather than what I cannot.

My best advice, work with a qualified, skilled physical therapist who can assess your situation and abilities and make recommendations on exercises to build up your core and make sure your form is spot on before anything else. That’s where I started. And, now I’m able to do full resistance workouts, BW circuits, HIIT, even ride my bike again comfortably. I’ve never been fitter…or happier and I feel 99% functional again. Not a bad percentage.

Good luck!

UConnJulie · 07-30-2007, 06:49 AM

You should ask your surgeon for a referral to a physical therapist with whom he works closely and whom he trusts. It is best to get in person help with things like body mechanics. It is likely that it is not just deadlifts and squats which caused your injury, but a cumulative effect of poor body mechanics in your daily life.

And having seen many people with this injury with successful surgery, you will be back to lifting and such in short order (with some modifications as Victoria states).

Best,
Julie

RobLL · 07-30-2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UConnJulie

You should ask your surgeon for a referral to a physical therapist with whom he works closely and whom he trusts. It is best to get in person help with things like body mechanics. It is likely that it is not just deadlifts and squats which caused your injury, but a cumulative effect of poor body mechanics in your daily life.

And having seen many people with this injury with successful surgery, you will be back to lifting and such in short order (with some modifications as Victoria states).

Best,
Julie

I've mentioned before a kin's experience. After surgery a best (for real, not sarcasm) surgeon said Physical Therapists don't do any good. This person had access to a great PT, but turned out that a specialist PT in lower back injuries was all that kept the injury/recovery from permanent disability.

UConnJulie · 07-31-2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobLL

I've mentioned before a kin's experience. After surgery a best (for real, not sarcasm) surgeon said Physical Therapists don't do any good. This person had access to a great PT, but turned out that a specialist PT in lower back injuries was all that kept the injury/recovery from permanent disability.

Rob, I'm not sure I understand your post ... the PT was NOT advised by the surgeon but your relative went anyways and the PT kept him/her from surgery?

RobLL · 07-31-2007, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UConnJulie

Rob, I'm not sure I understand your post ... the PT was NOT advised by the surgeon but your relative went anyways and the PT kept him/her from surgery?

That was unduly cryptic. The surgeon assured relative that physical therapy was not needed and would do no good. Another kin, physical therapist, was up to date, but standard PT did not help. Subsequently a specialist for lower back injuries was found and made a huge difference.

Part of the 'cryptic' is not wanting to put other peoples private issues on public display. I would be happy to send a personal message or email with more details. It is a fascinating story.

jcruver · 08-01-2007, 05:31 AM

thanks for the replies so far..

It has been 2 1/2 weeks since the surgery and I feel great (even better than prior to aggrevating it). I am really amazed at how quickly everything has been going (from walking out of the hospital to the healing of the incision).

I know now the biggest problem I am going to have is not doing too much too soon. A huge part of me wants to be right back where I was and working out 4 or 5 times a week. It is going to be very much now a mental issue and my focus (hopefully) will be strictly following a rehab program once I have one.

I am sure most of the people on this board can identify with the issue of not being able to workout and how that can effect one emotionally...before this it was very diffucult to take the needed week off every 8 weeks or so..now being laid up for the last 2 months and knowing the rehab process will be slow even though I feel great..well..definately will be a huge mental test.

UConnJulie · 08-01-2007, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobLL

That was unduly cryptic. The surgeon assured relative that physical therapy was not needed and would do no good. Another kin, physical therapist, was up to date, but standard PT did not help. Subsequently a specialist for lower back injuries was found and made a huge difference.

Part of the 'cryptic' is not wanting to put other peoples private issues on public display. I would be happy to send a personal message or email with more details. It is a fascinating story.

No more details necessary .. just wanted to be sure that I understood! Just as there are persons in every profession who are good at what they do and others who are not, there are good talented physical therapists out there and there are some who are not good and don't expand their knowledge and just want to collect the paycheck. It's unfortunate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcruver

thanks for the replies so far..

It has been 2 1/2 weeks since the surgery and I feel great (even better than prior to aggrevating it). I am really amazed at how quickly everything has been going (from walking out of the hospital to the healing of the incision).

I know now the biggest problem I am going to have is not doing too much too soon. A huge part of me wants to be right back where I was and working out 4 or 5 times a week. It is going to be very much now a mental issue and my focus (hopefully) will be strictly following a rehab program once I have one.

I am sure most of the people on this board can identify with the issue of not being able to workout and how that can effect one emotionally...before this it was very diffucult to take the needed week off every 8 weeks or so..now being laid up for the last 2 months and knowing the rehab process will be slow even though I feel great..well..definately will be a huge mental test.

Doing too much too soon is definitely an issue. Here are some things that you can likely do safely (of course check with your surgeon first):
Walking
Mobility work (avoid spinal twisting movements) including lower body stretching
Gluteal activation exercises
Core exercises (primarily where you are resisting movement, like a plank or swiss ball rollouts, or even pushups and chin/pull ups)

Start slowly, with only a few exercises and limit the total time exercising to 20 minutes. Then gradually increase as your body tolerates it.

Best of luck!

jcruver · 08-01-2007, 11:26 AM

thats good to read..

(of course i will be talking to my surgeon before doing anything)..

....but I cannot wait to be 'allowed' to even just do planks, pushups, pullups/chinups again..it will be very interesting to see how much strength I did lose..I am really curious to see how many of each (or how long for plank) I will be able to complete first time out...

jcruver · 08-03-2007, 07:42 AM

I talked to a nurse from my surgeon's office..she approved walking a few miles a day but not much more till I see the doctor (aug 14th).

I asked about pushups or anything and she said pullups are ok for now. I did try one set and was surprised..prior to this my first set would be 12 or so and I was able to get 10 in...not bad. I am going to follow orders until I see the doctor.

My youngest started football practice this week and it is killing me watching them practice...I need physical activity. I am going to put together a few goals for when I return...

Thanks again for the support and opinions..

UConnJulie · 08-03-2007, 11:47 AM

Good news ... keep us updated.

jcruver · 08-09-2007, 05:59 AM

I have my follow up appt on Tuesday...and I can't wait. I have been strictly following the surgeons orders and limited my physical activity to walking a few miles a day. I feel great and really want to start rehab and get back to working out.

I drive past people running and I get very jealous (and I am not even a big fan of that type of cardio)....I will never take for granted being able to workout again.

Willie · 02-16-2008, 11:22 PM

JCruver--
Are you around any more? I'd love to hear how you are feeling now, 6 months out.

I'm not considering this surgery, yet, but it is in the back of my mind, as I've been dealing with a herniated disk since August.

sharsell119 · 04-06-2008, 06:50 PM

Your symptoms sound exactly like what happened to me. Back pain, ended up shooting down the left leg, all of a sudden I couldn't get up off the floor and was rushed to the ER. One MRI later I was having a microdisectomy at L5/S1. I will have a numb left leg and foot the rest of my life, but after some PT and watching my workouts closely (not to mention flossing my nerve on a daily basis) I'm stronger than ever.

After my first surgery they didn't have me do PT. When I reherniated 18 months later, and needed a second surgery, then they had me do PT. PT taught me all about my transverse abdominals, how to find them and strengthen them. They also taught me to avoid things that hyperextended my back, brought my legs behind me, crossed my legs to one side.