A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses or welds painful vertebrae together so that they will heal as a single bone. It is typically used to relieve symptoms of medical conditions that affect the elderly such degenerative disk disease and scoliosis. With your doctor's approval, you can perform daily back exercises to help rehabilitate the spine, restore flexibility and increase blood flow to the injury which can speed up the healing process.
Pelvic Tilt
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet resting flat against the floor. Exhale and contract the muscles into your abdomen. Pull your abdomen in as if you are pushing your belly button inward toward your spinal cord. Flatten your lower back into the ground. Hold the exercise for about five seconds and then slowly release back into the starting position. Repeat up to ten times.
Nerve Exercise
Lie on the ground with your back and legs flat against the floor. Slowly lift your right leg with your hands until you feel a stretch through the back of your thigh and hip. Hold for approximately 30 seconds and then pump your leg in the air by bending your knee toward your chest and then pointing your foot up toward the ceiling. Repeat the entire exercise sequence three more times. Continue on the left leg.
Bridge
Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and hands resting at your sides. Place your feet about shoulder-width distance apart. Exhale and push with your heels and lift your hips up from the floor. Keep your back straight and rigid. Hold the exercise for a few seconds and then slowly return back to the starting position. Repeat for as many repetitions as desired. Try practicing the exercise one leg at time as you grow stronger.
Shoulder Squeeze
Lie on your stomach with your arms down at your sides. Place a pillow beneath your abdomen for extra comfort. Slowly lift your head and shoulders up about one inch from the floor. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Keep your neck straight and gaze trained on the floor throughout the entire exercise. Hold for about 30 seconds and then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat three more times.
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