Spinal fusion is a surgical technique designed to fuse two or more bones in your spinal column together. This technique is used to treat a variety of spine-related problems, including fractures, scoliosis, tumors and degenerative disc disease. If you undergo spinal fusion, you will need some sort of rehabilitation program to help you regain normal use of your back and the rest of your body.
Basics
During a spinal fusion procedure, your surgeon will use material called a bone graft to fill in the spaces between adjacent spinal bones, or vertebrae. Substances used for a bone graft include bone from your own body, bone from a cadaver, ceramics and synthetic proteins. Over time, the graft material will fuse together with your affected vertebrae to form one solid structure. To support your spine until this fusion occurs, your surgeon may support your spine internally with rods, plates or screws or ask you to wear an external back brace.
Rehabilitation
Specific rehabilitation plans for a spinal fusion depend on a number of factors, according to MD Guidelines. These include the reason for the procedure, your health and lifestyle before the procedure, the number of vertebrae that were fused together, the method used to support your spine during healing and the health of the bones that underwent fusion. Common goals during rehabilitation include protecting your spine during the fusion process, teaching you how to move independently and return to your everyday routine, and strengthening your torso.
Gaining Mobility
To help you gain independent function, your surgeon or physical therapist may recommend that you use a rolling walker or another device designed to help you increase your mobility, MD Guidelines notes. They will also teach you how to walk, sit, stand, get out of bed and reposition your body without twisting or bending your back. In addition, a health care professional called an occupational therapist may help you apply these skills to the requirements of your daily activities.
Exercises
Within roughly four to six weeks following surgery, your surgeon and therapist will start you on an exercise program that will help restore your back to working order. At first, you will likely only perform isometric exercises, which require you to work against an opposing force without changing the position of your joints. As you grow stronger, your therapist will add conditioning exercises for your arms and legs as well as some sort aerobic exercise.
Final Steps
At some point, your surgeon and therapist will allow you to start performing exercises that require you to bend your back. After gaining this approval, you can start performing exercises that will promote flexibility, strength and endurance throughout your torso. The specific time needed for recovery varies from person to person, and your vertebrae may need several months to fully heal. Ask your surgeon and physical therapist for more information.
