8 yrs post op L5/S1 BAK fusion - abdominal exercises?

Question

Had a very successful L5/S1 BAK fusion June 2002 at age 42, female. Are there specific exercises I can do to strengthen my abdominal area with this in mind? I have that constant low grade "ache" between my hips and for the most part, manage it with Aleve prior to going to bed. I don't always need it, just depends on how active I've been. I work full time, sitting on my bum 8 hrs a day. I walk 2 miles on treadmill every day and during the summer, cycle 12 miles a day (round trip to work).

This discussion is related to Re: continued pain after spinal fusion.

ATTI2D · Answer

I know that's one of my biggest mistakes, getting into something at work and not getting up to move around then when I do - yowza, my hips feel stuck!  I also bought myself the Wii Fit Plus and have been trying to use it in conjunction with my treadmill routine.  I used to run 30+ miles a week until diagnosed with the ruptured disk.  It's a huge bummer that I couldn't resume running.  I love the suggestion regarding the used sports car !!  I haven't seen my surgeon since he confirmed my fusion at 9 months post op.  I am curious how much arthritis I have in that region.  I had a lot on the initial x-ray as I "put off" seeing a dr. for three years after the initial injury.  I thought I had pulled a hip muscle - oh well, I said I was stubborn.  Denial played a huge part in it too.

ggreg · Answer

You can tighten your tummy muscles, but don't do the sit-ups or crunches.  Just pull them in as tight as you can for a few minutes several times a day.  In six weeks, you'll notice a difference.  When you are at work, you must get up out of your chair every hour, even if you just have to stand at your desk, a good time to pull in those muscles.  By the way, it's possible the cycling is making your hips hurt.  You could have an ordinary black & white X-ray done to see if your hips have arthritis in them.  If so, buy a used sports car and drive to work.