What can you not do after lumbar fusion?
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
How long do lumbar fusion precautions last?
Avoid bending and twisting, lifting, pushing and pulling 15 pounds or more for 12 weeks. Limit sitting, including the car, to no more than 30 minutes at a time (standing/walk breaks).
How long is bed rest after spinal fusion?
After spine surgery, the patients were treated with a median of 3 months (range, 2–6 months) of bed rest.
How long will I need a walker after spinal fusion?
You will need an assistance device such as a walker or cane for the first week; however, you should strive to limit the use of this device after the first two to three weeks when you are on stable ground. By the end of the first month, you should be able to walk one mile without your assistance device.
Why do my legs hurt after spinal fusion?
The formation of scar tissue near the nerve root (also called epidural fibrosis) is a common occurrence after back surgery—so common, in fact, it is so common that it often occurs for patients with successful surgical outcomes as well as for patients with continued or recurrent leg pain and back pain.
How to cycle with lumbar fusion?
Rest as needed. Slowly return to your normal activities.
Is physical therapy needed after lumbar fusion?
The role of Physical Therapy in the management of post lumbar fusion rehab is NOT to ultrasound and e-stim the area, but to perform a movement analysis of the entire spine to determine areas of restriction and to then restore “normal” movement in the area. In my experience, this usually involves treatment of the thoracic spine and ribs to improve overall mobility regardless of the painful area.
Do corticosteroids affect lumbar spinal fusion?
The effect of corticosteroids on spinal fusion healing has not yet been determined. To evaluate the effect of corticosteroids on lumbar spinal fusion we designed a randomized, placebo-controlled animal study using high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate, which is widely used in patients with spinal cord injury who are undergoing spinal fusion.
Are lumbar vertebra fused?
When the final vertebral bone in the lumbar spine is fused to the sacrum, this is called a sacralized vertebra. This is just a name for a particular location of natural fusion in the lower spine and is not different than any other variety of organic bone joining.