Lumbar spinal stenosis is a spine condition that involves a narrowing of the spinal canal that impinges the nerves in the spine, resulting in back pain. The pain also can affect other nerves, such as the ones that lead to the legs and back. To repair this condition, your physician may recommend a lumbar laminectomy procedure to remove the areas of spinal bone that are impinging your spinal nerves. While you will regain much of your back function after surgery, your physician may recommend avoiding certain exercises known to place excess strain on your body.
High Impact Activities
Exercises that are contraindicated after a lumbar laminectomy include cardiovascular exercises that involve high impact. Examples include jogging, running and sprinting. These are not recommended for lumbar laminectomy patients because of the constant repetitive impact your feet must absorb. This impact sends shocks up the feet to your knees and up to your hips and back. Receiving constant shock waves to your back can strain the back and cause pain. This contraindication is chiefly limited to high impact repetitive activities or those that cause jarring in the body. Smooth repetitive activities like bicycling, using an elliptical machine or walking do not place as much strain on the body and are safe to perform.
Heavy Weightlifting
Because resistance training helps you maintain healthy muscles and bones, it is a vital part of your regular exercise routine before and after a lumbar laminectomy. However, lifting very heavy weights is not considered as beneficial for you post-surgery. While the definition of heavy weights may vary from person to person, weights are considered too heavy if you cannot perform the weightlifting exercise for at least eight repetitions. When you lift weights that are too heavy, your posture may suffer, and your back takes over supporting the load. Avoid lifting too-heavy weights in favor of lighter weights and eight to 12 repetitions.
Twisting Exercises
In the six months after surgery, your physician may recommend avoiding twisting exercises, such as playing tennis or golf. Because twisting places extra strain on your spinal discs, it may be too hard on your back immediately following lumbar laminectomy surgery. While your physician may recommend some gentle stretching exercises that involve slight twisting, twisting exercises with weights or equipment may not be indicated. After a few months, your physician may clear you to return to twisting exercises.
Considerations
Listening to your body is important after lumbar laminectomy surgery. While some exercises may specifically not be indicated, other exercises can still be harmful or painful to your back. If you begin an exercise and experience pain or discomfort, cease that exercise and switch to another. Talk to your physician if you experience indications that have affected your back while exercising.
References
- Spine-Health; Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery for Spinal Stenosis; Dr. Peter Ullrich; October 2009
- Spine Universe; Lumbar Laminectomy; Dr. Vincent Traynelis and Mary Claire Walsh; February 2010
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina: Lumbar Laminectomy Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Spine-Health; Spinal Stenosis Treatment; Dr. Charles Ray; August 2009
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Alternative Exercise Treatments
Member Comments