Greetings
2 weeks ago I underwent a lumbar discectomy operation (L4/L5) to fix a rather large disc bulge (spinal canal diameter was 2-3 mm) 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 said I did not need any physical therapy, however I am concerned that I might need some. I used to be very active prior to this injury (the one causing the discectomy). I used to be a competitive powerlifter so my back muscles are very strong. However, my job is a desk job so I am sedentary for extended periods of time.
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 besides walking? Any physical therapy routine I should start?
I can exercise on my upright stationary bike for hours without any complaints, however when I walk I struggle after the first 10 minutes. Any help/advice is appreciated.
Regards
Rida