After a spinal cord disc herniation, your physician may recommend a microdiscectomy. During the procedure, bone is removed to alleviate pressure on spinal cord nerves. While it is important to limit the chances of recurrent disc herniation after a microdiscectomy, engaging in moderate exercise can help strengthen the back muscles and increase range of motion post-surgery. Consult with your doctor for a program to perform strengthening, stretching and walking exercises to increase circulation.
Walking
At your physician's discretion, begin a walking routine after your microdiscectomy procedure. Walking improves posture and increases blood flow into the spinal cord. Walking pumps nutrients into spinal cord soft tissue. The increased blood flow promotes faster healing times at your surgical site. Reduce the impact from walking on hard surfaces with aquatic walking in a pool. The buoyancy of water decreases pressure exerted on the spinal cord.
Stretching
Like most procedures, a microdiscectomy will result in some scar tissue at the surgery site. When nerve roots adhere to scar tissue, you may experience post-surgical back pain. Stretching keeps nerve roots mobile and prevents them from adhering to scar tissue. Perform stretching exercises for up to 12 weeks post-surgery, or according to your doctor's instructions. Stop stretching at the point of pain. Stretching past the point of pain may cause irritation to your spinal cord nerve roots.
Strengthening Exercises
Strong back and core muscles alleviate pressure exerted on the spinal cord from everyday activity. The Neuro-Spine Center of Wisconsin recommends beginning a strength training routine two to three weeks after a microdiscectomy. Focus on strengthening your flexor, extensor and oblique muscles. Strengthening the flexor and extensor muscles in your back makes bending and standing after a microdiscectomy less painful. Strong oblique muscles stabilize the spine, allowing for easier torso rotation.
Considerations
Although exercise after a microdiscectomy procedure promotes a faster recovery, avoid further injury. The University of Southern California Center for Spinal Surgery advises against bending at the waist or lifting more than 5 lbs. for two weeks post-operation. For added support, purchase a lumbar support brace to use while you engage in exercise.
References
- Spine-Health: Exercise Walking for Better Back Health; Ted Forcum, DC and Thomas Hyde, DC
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Microdiscectomy
- The Neuro Spine Center of Wisconsin: Microdiscectomy
- University of Southern California Center For Spine Surgery: Microdiscectomy
- Spine-Health: Back Exercises and Abdominal Exercise Recommendations; Thomas E. Hyde, DC
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