A lumbar or spinal fusion is an operation in which two or more of your vertebrae are fused, or joined together. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes you may be a candidate for a lumbar fusion if you have a degenerative disease in which your vertebrae and surrounding tissues are disintegrating or putting pressure on your nerves. After surgery, rehabilitation increases your range of motion and strengthens your back muscles. Your doctor or physical therapist will oversee your program to ensure that you avoid further injury when you work out with your lumbar fusion.
Step 1
Limit your workouts to brief walks during the initial recovery period after a lumbar fusion. Spine-Health explains that some of your muscles have become immobilized from the surgery and must loosen up slowly. By the second week after your procedure, you can include some stretching in your workout routine.
Step 2
Sit on the edge of a chair and put one leg out in front of you, knee straight, toes pointing toward the sky. Move your stomach forward, keeping your back straight, until you feel a pull, but no pain, in your hamstring, the muscle in the back of your thigh. Hold for 30 seconds, and complete a set of three repetitions on each leg.
Step 3
Stretch your quads, the muscles in the front of your thighs, as part of your workout. These stretches are done without moving your torso and helps prevent scar tissue from damaging the nerves in your back, according to Spine-Health. Lie down on your stomach on the floor or a bed. Bend your knee and bring your heel as close to your buttocks as you can. Repeat with each leg.
Step 4
Incorporate core-strengthening exercises into your workout. Increasing the strength of your abdominals and back muscles supports your spine, the fusions you've had done, and may prevent future deterioration or back pain. One core exercise, as explained by MayoClinic.com, is the bridge. Lie down on your back and bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor. Tighten your stomach muscles and lift your hips up while keeping your back pressed to the floor. Hold the position for 3 seconds and relax.
Step 5
Participate in higher-impact exercises after you've completely healed from your lumbar fusion, after about three months. Spine-Health reports that at this point, you can safely swim, walk more briskly, jog and play a variety of sports without pain and the threat of continued injury.
Things You'll Need
- Chair
- Bed
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