Back pain after L4/L5 discectomy

Greetings
2 weeks ago I underwent a lumbar discectomy operation (L4/L5) to fix a rather large disc bulge causing central spinal stenosis. Before the operation I had difficulty walking, pain running down my legs and I could not stand up straight.

At the moment, there is no longer any pain down my legs and no back pain unless I start walking. I find myself leaning forward (sort of posterior pelvic tilt). This causes problems when I walk: tightening of upper back muscles to compensate, reduced walking range and so on. Pain killers do NOT help with this pain, and this is my only complaint. I can sit/stand/sleep, ride my stationary bike without any pain. I have returned to work 1 week after the surgery (I was feeling well enough and still do)

My surgeon did NOT recommend any physical therapy, however I am concerned that I might need some. My question is a two parter:
1) Is this normal for 2 weeks after surgery or should I be concerned?
2) Is there something that can be done? Any physical therapy routine I should start?

Regards
Rida

[bigsissie]

Yes the pain is normal it will take time for you back muscles to heal. PT would be excellent for you, I would go back to surgeon and ask to be put into pt. PT will help limber up your muscles, help blood flow and also strengthen your lower back. I would not worry about anything unless the pain does not stop after a couple of months. I am actually surprised your surgeon did not recommend pt. Best of luck to you.

Sissie