According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, lumber fusion surgery is a “common and successful way to relieve back pain from many conditions of the spine.” However, as with any surgery, it’s important to take the proper precautions during your recovery period in order to avoid any further injury. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ten exercises to avoid after lumbar fusion surgery—and why you should avoid them.
Which exercises are to avoid:
1. Bending Forward: Bending forward at the waist is something we do countless times throughout the day without even thinking about it. However, after lumber fusion surgery, this simple movement can put undue stress on your incision site and cause further injury.
2. Twisting: Similar to bending forward, twisting your torso can also put unnecessary stress on your incision site and lead to further injury.
3. Lifting Heavy Objects: It’s important to avoid lifting any objects that are too heavy for you after lumber fusion surgery. Lifting heavy objects can cause additional strain on your incision site and lead to increased pain or even re-injury.
4. Running or Jogging: As tempting as it may be to get back out on the open road after your surgery, it’s important to avoid high-impact activities like running or jogging until you’ve been cleared by your doctor. These activities can put too much strain on your incision site and lead to setbacks in your recovery process.
5. Playing contact Sports: If you’re used to playing contact sports like football or hockey, you’ll need to take a break during your recovery from lumber fusion surgery. These types of activities are just too risky when you’re healing from a major surgery like this one.
6. Working Out Without Clearance: Even if you’re anxious to start working out again after your surgery, it’s important not to wait until you’ve been cleared by your doctor before starting an exercise routine again. Working out before you’ve fully recovered can set back your progress and increase your chances of re-injury.
7. Exercising in Hot Conditions: Exercising in hot conditions—like in a sauna or steam room—can cause dehydration and lead to complications with your recovery from lumber fusion surgery. It’s best to avoid these types of activities until you’re given the all-clear by your doctor.
8. Exercising in Cold Conditions: Just as exercising in hot conditions can be dangerous after lumber fusion surgery, so too can exercising in cold conditions like snowboarding or skiing. These activities can put too much strain on your still-healing body and lead to setbacks in your recovery process.
9. Taking Part in High-Altitude Activities: Climbing mountains or hiking at high altitudes can also be dangerous after lumber fusion surgery due to the lack of oxygen at those altitudes.. This lack of oxygen can cause complications in your still-healing body and make it more difficult for you to recover from your surgery.
10. participating in Impact Activities Too Soon: Last but not least, participating in impact activities like running or jumping before you’re fully healed from lumber fusion surgery can cause serious complications.. impact activities can put too much strain on your still-healing body and make it more difficult for you to recover. Instead, focus on low-impact activities like walking or swimming until you’ve been given the all-clear by the doctor.
Conclusion:
Now that you know which exercises to avoid after lumber fusion surgery, it’s time to focus on getting better. Remember, following instructions from both surgeon and physical therapist will help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.