exercise after back surgery

[robinfarnsley]

I recently had my L3 lumbar replaced with a titanium cage.  I was riding my bike and got hit by a semi-truck two days before Christmas.  I was a very active person prior to the accident and I am concerned now about what I can do to get my strength back and build up my stamina.  It has been three months since my surgery and I still feel so tired.  I am a classical singer and I have a big contract coming up in May.  What kind of exercise can I do that will enable me to be strong enough to sing a three hour opera in a couple of months?

[rayman38]

A related discussion, stopping NORCO 7.5/325 was started.

[Prem Pillay, MD]

I would recommend an Aquatherapy program. Info is avialable at www.aquaphysio.com

[Alandra]

Hi Robin,

I am 3 weeks post op of a similar surgery due to life long degeneration of my spine and this is my 3rd spinal surgery, the first thing I asked my neurosurgeon was - can I walk on my treadmill with no incline and slow? - my neuro laughed and said give it a couple of weeks but yes. After my first post op appt he said go ahead - no incline and slow. Everyday I am realistic in everything - just a few minutes every day - I walk just a little bit more than the day before and without pushing myself I am doing Great!! My pain is minimal compared to what I had at first, the brace is a great benefit and a life saver as well.

Talk to your doctor he/she is the only one who can tell you the right thing for your body and your surgery. Please be very careful, the surgery we had was major and needs to be respected. That cage will scream if you do the wrong thing.

Best always,
Alandra

[Katijanae]

Hi Robin,
I've had my share of back surgery.  I would ask your doctor to send you to physical therapy, or for a list of exercises you can do.  Walking is a great way to make your back strong and help toward getting you back to a place where you don't feel so tired all the time.   Pilates is good too, as the focus is core strength, and that's what you want to do, strengthen your abs without straining your back.  At three months post op, you should be able to do those things, or return to riding your bike, if you feel that you would still enjoy that.  Just don't do anything that causes pain in you back.  I'm not a doc, but I've been where you are.
Take care, Katijanae