I had spinal fusion surgery on my L4/L5 four months ago. I was totally pain free, until, in one week of pushing my limits exercising at home and in physiotherapy, things went really wrong – and I was in intense pain. Be careful what you do. Even four months down post surgery, I should remember – no intense bending, no heavy lifting, no twisting. The old BLT rules apply.
I was four months and a week into recovery from TLIF spinal fusion surgery on my L4/L5. I did a few exercises recommended by my physiotherapist at home (same clinic as my surgery). I also did a couple of exercises at the physio center, and suddenly, I had the most intense, unbearable pain.
I panicked, and was about to call the doctor (my surgeon) to see if my fusion had collapsed, and if every thing had gone wrong. There are failed back surgeries, after all, and some of them happen due to negligence of instructions or perhaps a bad procedure. This time, I knew the procedure had gone perfect, because I had my CT scans and x-rays, and my healing was well on its way. So, what was this?
Obviously, I had pushed my exercise routine a bit too much. The physioteherpaist ideally gives you a list of routines to follow, but you should know what your body can take, and when it is just too much. My word of advice? Take it easy. The whole bone healing and formation process takes a good year or even more. Do not push yourself.
Walking didn't hurt, but I had an excuciating pain for a couple of days. It is early yet, and I will do a follow up post, but do be careful with any exercises that ask for bending, arching backwards bridging etc. So far, it has caused a huge amount of pain, and a whole lot more anxiety.
I was four months and a week into recovery from TLIF spinal fusion surgery on my L4/L5. I did a few exercises recommended by my physiotherapist at home (same clinic as my surgery). I also did a couple of exercises at the physio center, and suddenly, I had the most intense, unbearable pain.
I panicked, and was about to call the doctor (my surgeon) to see if my fusion had collapsed, and if every thing had gone wrong. There are failed back surgeries, after all, and some of them happen due to negligence of instructions or perhaps a bad procedure. This time, I knew the procedure had gone perfect, because I had my CT scans and x-rays, and my healing was well on its way. So, what was this?
Obviously, I had pushed my exercise routine a bit too much. The physioteherpaist ideally gives you a list of routines to follow, but you should know what your body can take, and when it is just too much. My word of advice? Take it easy. The whole bone healing and formation process takes a good year or even more. Do not push yourself.
Walking didn't hurt, but I had an excuciating pain for a couple of days. It is early yet, and I will do a follow up post, but do be careful with any exercises that ask for bending, arching backwards bridging etc. So far, it has caused a huge amount of pain, and a whole lot more anxiety.
