Cheerleading is a physically demanding sport that involves jumps, stunts and a lot of movement. Trying to maintain your lifestyle as a cheerleader after having spinal fusion surgery could be challenging and limiting. The procedure welds part of your spine together, which can limit the number or kind of stunts and events in which you can participate. Remember to follow all of your doctor's orders to avoid injury and ensure physical safety.
Features
A spinal fusion helps to relieve the pain from many back conditions, including scoliosis, fracture, infection, degenerative disk disease and a tumor. During this surgical procedure, parts of your spine are welded or fused together to form a single bone. The concept behind this surgery is that if the painful vertebrae cannot move, they will not hurt. A spinal fusion will decrease your spinal flexibility but, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, does not limit motion very much.
Recovery
After a spinal fusion, your body will need time to recover and the bones will take time to heal properly. During recovery your spine needs to remain properly aligned so that the bones will heal in the correct way. Your doctor will teach you how to lie down, sit, stand, walk and move. It will take longer to return to normal activities, because your doctor will want to ensure that your bone is healing properly. The North American Spine Society explains that substantial healing does not occur until three to four months after surgery and that bone healing can take up to a year after surgery. During recovery, your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program that includes back-strengthening exercises, stretches and wearing a brace.
Significance
Allowing your spine to heal properly before resuming cheerleading is vital for your health and to prevent injury. If you attempt to participate in cheerleading or other physical activities without your doctor's consent, you can cause damage to your spine and could need a repeat procedure to correct your spine's alignment. When your doctor does allow you to return to cheerleading, start out slowly. Avoid more strenuous movements such as flips and stunts. Talk with your doctor about which portions you can and cannot perform and what an appropriate timeline would be for reintegrating into the more challenging portions of cheerleading.
Warning
All surgical procedures have a risk for complications and post-surgery infection. Resuming a physically demanding activity, such as cheerleading, can put you at risk for injury. Pay attention to your body and seek immediate medical attention if you experience an increase in pain, swelling, pain in your lower extremities, drainage from the surgical site, a fever or a return of symptoms you experienced prior to the spinal fusion.
