Common spine surgeries include discectomies, laminectomies and spinal fusion, according to Dr. James S. Harrop, an assistant professor at Jefferson Medical College. How quickly you're able to return to your pre-operative routine after back surgery largely depends on the procedure. But it also depends on the type and amount of restorative exercises prescribed by your chiropractor or physical therapist. If an exercise is painful, though, Dr. Carol P. Dionne, a physical therapy specialist, suggests that you consult a doctor about making adjustments.
Walking
Nurse practitioner Nicola V. Hawkinson recommends walking as a post-operative recovery exercise because it is a low-impact activity that causes little unwanted motion in your spine. Walking helps your spine settle back into its correct position and helps you maintain your trunk flexibility. Inactivity, especially after back surgery, can result in the loss of segmental range of motion between your vertebrae, and it could cause a muscle imbalance that results in joint dysfunction, trigger points--tender nodules or bands of tissue--in your muscles and pain or discomfort. Walking also improves many of your cardiovascular health markers, including your circulation. Circulation is important to the healing process because your injured tissues require the nutrients traveling in your blood for repair.
Swimming
Hawkinson also touts swimming as an effective post-surgery recovery activity. Swimming incorporates your arms and legs, giving you a total body workout in an almost weightless environment. "The water will support your body weight, so your back won't be carrying as much weight as you work out," Hawkinson says. Unburdening your spine in the pool means the stress on your joints--and any joint-related pain you might have--is reduced, and that can be a tremendous relief in the early phase of your recovery. If swimming does not appeal to you, consider other pool exercises. Many people recovering from back surgery derive significant health benefits from water-walking or other pool-based aerobic activities.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise system that uses slow, gentle movements to strengthen and purify your body and mind. Movement therapies help you maintain or improve your spine flexibility and range of motion, which is especially important after surgery. Tai chi also helps you strengthen the segmental muscles that stabilize your spine and can help you recover muscle control after surgery. A qualified tai chi instructor can work with you and your doctor before or after your surgery to create a set of exercises that will speed your recovery. Because of its gentle, low-impact nature and its accessibility, tai chi can be practiced by almost anyone, regardless of age, weight or history of exercise participation.
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