Spinal surgeries are most commonly performed to reduce discomfort, musculoskeletal weakness, and numbness resulting from disc herniations (laminectomies), osteophyte formation, or to fuse two or more vertebrae. After an initial period of soft tissue healing, it is important to focus on exercises to stabilize the spine and strengthen the trunk musculature.
It is important to recognize that exercise programs are individually tailored. Check with your physician before embarking on any exercise program.
Spinal Stabilization Exercises
Because the human trunk most closely resembles a cylinder with the abdominal muscles comprising its outer wall and the spine forming its backbone, it is necessary to strengthen the abdominal muscles, also known as the outer core.
For the first one or two weeks following spinal surgery, it is important to start out with basic core strengthening exercises. Lie on your back, and pretend to squeeze the navel inward. Do this for a count of 5, at least 10 times. This particular exercise strengthens the transverse abdominal muscle (TA), or the abdominal muscle which runs across the front of the trunk in a side to side direction.
Progressive Abdominal Strengthening
As your strength increases, more on to progressive abdominal strengthening. Lie on your back, on a bed, with both knees bent so that your feet are flat on the surface of the bed. Squeeze the navel inwards, and alternately lower each leg to the bed's surface by sliding the heel and return to the starting position in the same manner.
While lying on your back you can place a small pillow or small ball underneath the knees and alternately, straighten them, 10 times each.
Continual Strengthening
About four weeks post surgery, you can progress to more challenging exercises.
Lie face down (prone), with a pillow under your stomach. Pull your navel inwards, and hold for count of 5. Repeat this 5 to10 times.
Progress by lifting the arms to trunk level, alternately, holding each for three to five seconds. You can progress this by alternately lifting the legs to trunk level, holding each for three to five seconds.
You can also assume a position on all fours, or on hands and knees, squeeze the navel inward slightly, then straighten one leg, lifting the leg so that it is horizontal with the trunk. Hold for count of 5 then lower and repeat with the opposite leg.
While still holding the abdominals, you can also raise an arm straight in front, keeping it horizontal with the trunk and alternate the same with the opposite arm. Progress this exercise by holding the abdominals, then lifting the right leg and left arm. Hold for count of 5, and repeat the same with the left leg and right arm.
Thigh Strengthening
Strengthen your quadriceps, which are commonly weakened following spine surgery. Stand with your back against the wall, maintain a neutral position of the spine and do a partial wall squat, bending your knees partially and holding this position for a count 3 to 5, then return to standing.
Endurance Training
A month after surgery, you can start endurance training. This entails engaging in a treadmill and/or a swimming program which emphasizes the backstroke and a home walking program as tolerated.
References
- "Physical Therapy"; Surgery and Post-surgical Management of the Patient with Low Back Pain; Mooney, Verr, MD; Aug. 1979
- "Orthopedic Review"; Dynamic Stabilization in the Non-Operative Treatment of Lumbar Pain Syndromes; Saal, Jeffrey MD; Aug. 1990
