If you need to undergo a spinal procedure, odds are you’ll have to progress through weeks or months of rehabilitation before you can get back to doing some normal activities, like driving, working or exercising. Even when you’re cleared for these activities, you want to be smart about how you approach them, otherwise you can suffer a setback. In today’s blog, we’re going to focus on how you can safely get back into an exercise routine after a spinal procedure.
Developing An Exercise Routine After Spine Surgery
It’s important to remember that the following is just general advice for becoming more active after a spinal procedure. It’s in your best interest to speak with your surgeon to develop a plan that is catered to your specific needs. With that said, you’ll likely find that they’ll echo a number of the same recommendations that you read below.
Start Slow
Don’t assume that you’ll be able to pick up right where you left off after an operation. Your body is going to be in a weakened state after your surgery, and your muscles won’t be getting the normal amount of activity as you work through your rehab. Even if you’ve been cleared for activity, take things slow and build up your activity levels. Taking on too much too soon can lead to a setback. Start slow, and gradually take on longer or more intense exercise routines as your body shows that it can handle what you’re putting it through.
Low-Impact Exercise
Exercise comes in many different forms, but many people find it helpful to pursue low-impact exercise as they work to make a full recovery after spine surgery. Some low-impact exercises include:
- Walking
- Elliptical training
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Pilates
Exercises that are more jolting to your body, like running or activities that involve a lot of jumping or twisting can lead to overstress injuries. Work your way up to these activities, and be careful about making them your primary form of exercise if you have a previous back injury
Follow Restrictions
Even after you’ve made a full recovery, it’s possible that you’ll have some restrictions that you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re exercising. If you have lifting or movement restrictions, make sure that any exercise routine stays within these limits.
Mind Your Posture
This is a helpful tip to keep in mind at all times, but it’s especially helpful during activity when your spine may be under additional stress. If you are leaning too far forward during your run or your seat isn’t positioned correctly while you’re riding your bike, different areas of your spine may be overstressed, and this can cause problems for your surgically-addressed spine. Talk to your doctor or an athletic trainer if you have any concerns about your posture during exercise.
If you can keep these tips in mind, and you reach out to your spine specialist if you start to develop new pain or discomfort in your spine during exercise, we’re confident that you’ll be able to prevent and treat any issues that may arise as you work your way back to exercise after spine surgery. For more information, or for help with your back pain, give Dr. Sinicropi’s office a call today at (651) 430-3800.
