#110 Lumbar Fusion Surgery. Can you exercise? 

I am so greatful I had my fusion done and can walk and do my martial arts at 57. I also have 2-hip, 1-Knee replacement. These surgeries keep us out of wheel chairs

I just had a two stage spinal reconstruction surgery. They went in through the front to replace two fractured and disintegrating lumbar vertebraes with donor femur bone. Two days later, they went in from the back and fused me from T12 all the way down. That was two weeks ago. I'm in an enormous amount of pain right now but I'm determined to work hard to strengthen my body. I am now standing upright and am able to walk. I was bed and wheelchair bound before this. Thank you for this video. It has made me realize how much work I have to put into this life altering change.

Thank you very much for this very educational, very clear, very practical, and very hepful video. I highly appreciate your very "excellent professionalism" in explaining your timely relevant subjects. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!

This makes a lot of sense. I have a Zoom call with my surgeon from UC San Francisco tomorrow regarding a lumbar fusion. Thank you for your time, information, and ongoing work.

So educational. I’ve had the surgery & was not told what I could do after 6 months❤

Great video with VERY accurate information, at least as far as it relates to my situation. I have had five back surgeries, the last two were fusions. I'm fused from L3 to S1 (also have a double neck fusion and my right big toe is fused, not to mention 4 knee surgeries, 3 shoulder, and two ankle) and exercised a great deal before, even though I could barely walk. It made the recovery much better. I workout regularly 1) because I love it, and 2) because it's necessary. There is almost always something you can do. I had to have my second back fusion because of additional disc problems that should've been fused the first time that weren't. My last back fusion was in 2014, and it's going very well. I still have pain and discomfort at times, it's just how it is after you start having back problems, but I still workout, still play some sports, hike, mountain bike, ride motorcycles and more. Back fusion is far better than the low quality of life I was living before the fusions.

I am 64, femsle and just had lumbar fusion, L4 L5 S1. One month out, feel great. Prior to the surgery, i changed the way i was eating, dropped 50 lbs and i know I'm feeling as good as I am because of the work i did prior to having the procedure. I'm looking forward to working out again in a few months but until than, I'm walking every day and still losing weight. I'm almost at my goal and my back is pain free... Thanks for the great advice.

I did lumbar fusion about 10 months ago. Although I'm much better than before my surgery, after cycling (mountain bike) I feel my back really bad. I can assure, lumbar fusion should be avoid if possible. After the surgery, my performance as an amatuer cyclist never more has been the same!!

I’m 6 weeks past my double fusion and laminectomy’s. You are obviously anti surgery and I have clearance to do light gym workouts with my back supported and so far my pain and numbness has decreased by about 60% and should continue to get better as the nerves heal. I would have been constantly tortured with pain masking shots and never ending pain and therapy. I also completely stopped prescriptions after 10 days.

Thank you so much! The surgeon didn’t talk to me about what I could do after this surgery or the spinal decompression surgery that followed. You don’t have a video on that do you? 😊

People who cancel their surgery amaze me; unbelievable. It was two weeks for me to get passed up the treatment chain from a CNP to his attendee... From there it was qbout two months total to get my Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Dr. Virojanaoa does 3 or 4 a week and is booked up one month in advance. I'm older so the choice was lay around for 10 years +- or get help. Dr. Virojanapa saved my quality of life! Thank God for Dr. Virojanapa! I think individuals who cancel a scheduled procedure never needed it; maby they have a high tolerance for pain; who knows. It's extremely difficult to jump through the hoops to get it when one can't drive, etc. 3 or 4 a week at qbout $155,000.00 each; one of 8 neurosurgeons on staff...

I had always been in pretty good shape and had been working out and hiking regularly. After the last episode Sept.20, 2023 where I couldn’t walk or hardly move I had to do the steroid pills, and then the epidural and 16 weeks of therapy. Then back to the gym lifting much less but using a lot of resistance, and I walk 2-4 miles a day. I went from 5’8” 202lb to 168lbs and my 2 level fusion is in 3 days. I can’t wait to get back to the gym afterwards.

I workout and lift over 275 pounds now I have had a level 3 lumbar fusion I get pain in hip now for compensating the spine but the bdt thing I ever did was get back to building my core otherwise I was couch bound. Move get up do anything. Wilkyout

Hola, acabo de ver tu video y tienes toda la razón, hablando de mi caso, yo he sido operado de una Laminectomía y Artrodesis de L4-S1, anteriormente a la operación estuve haciendo una tabla de ejercicios que me proporciono mii cirujano. La operación a sido un éxito , y todos los síntomas que padecía desaparecieron, hace dos meses que me operaron y aun estoy con pequeñas molestias pero he de decir que el hospital coincidí con otras personas a las que le hicieron el mismo tipo de operación. En comparación yo me he recuperado mucho mas rápido, las dos primeras semanas fueron duras con mucho dolor...pero eso se pasa y a día de hoy ando todos los días con mis perros por la mañana y por la tarde, entre los dos recorridos serán 10 km, eso sí, me ayudo de bastones y mis caminatas son de Marcha Nórdica. Bueno espero que mi comentario le sirva a alguien que este esperando este tipo de operación . Un saludo desde Alicante, España😘

Glad I did physical therapy / exercise prior to my lumbar surgery!!!! ❤

I've had several spinal fusions and find the advice in this video to be excellent. It is exactly what is recommended. Having a strong core with pre hab is an excellent way to speed up your recovery and even prevent adjacent segment syndrome. If you cannot hold a solid plank for 2-3 minutes, then work on it!

Dr Andrea thank you so much for such informative content you put out on YT. Could you please share some info about post hysterectomy strength building exercises to avoid prolapse etc. Also any preparatory exercises prior to the surgery. Thank you so much.

I had a seizure while driving on the freeway, crashed into a giant pole on the passenger side going 80mph, where my sons mom was sitting. She broke her spine, tibia & fibula, her wrist, and her ankle, as well as rupturing both intestines and I walked away from the accident without a scratch. I wish it could have been me. She can’t run or hike or jump and she was a very active person it’s made her so depressed and I can’t help but hate myself for it because it’s my fault. I wish there was a way to make life normal for people who’ve been through these injuries

Love your content doctor. Recently I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and I stumbled upon your channel and started following your videos. Do you have any videos for fulll body work out for ra? Love from India.

I love this women when i am hearing her talking i feel so relaxed ❤️

Best thing a person can do prior to having this surgery if over weight is to get yourself as healthy as possible. Many time weight gain is the primary cause of the pain. Do not think surgery is your only option. That is your last option. Many times if you have this surgery you will continue to have this again..

Thank you very much for this very informative video on exercise after spinal fusion

The way u explained is so nice 👍

You suggested that I exercize BEFORE lumbar fusion, but that was impossible due to pain. I just had anterior L4-5 fusion and posterior pedicle screw fixation almost two weeks ago, and I want to do the right things so I can get my life back. Thanks for this video.

Hi, Dr ❤❤ I love your video !! I have a surgery like you put at it vídeo. I want to know is you have video about nerve damage after fusion lumbar ?

I had this done today L5-S1 for a bad herniated disc…It went very well. It is amazing for my sciatica pain. I have no more pain or cramps or any sciatic pains down the leg. I had those awfull pain for 5 months now, injection, physio, Chiro didn’t help. I wasn’t able to sit anymore and walking was very difficult and Painfull and on Dilodid pills multiple times a day. Surgery didn’t take long, under two hours without any complications. I am so gratfull. I can walk now short distances and stand up/down by myself hours after the surgery. I know that pain killers will go in a fews days/week but I’m very confident that it will be a win. Only now… not feeling down the extremely bad cramps and pain down my leg is worth it. We’ll see how it goes from here but i had no other option, when pain is unbearable… you can’t live like. Take care alls!

What are all the exercises advised 6 months after lumbar discectomy? Which core strengthening exercises? Please doctor

Hello How can I contact you? I can't find a doctor who can help me in my case. I can find my needs through your videos.

if you have failed syndrome and si joint pain with swelling and also have a replaced hip what would be a good way to relieve the pain

Thanks a lot. God bless you.❤🙏

Thank you for your useful Infos! My question is about non-fusion, failed back surgery. I am not overweight, never was, I eat healthy and did moderate exercises all my live, and I am walking a lot, before and after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. But I never fused! I had Revision surgery 2 years ago, because of loose screws, and still not fully fused. Besides, I have osteoporosis without bones ever broken. Would you still advise me to exersise very hard every day? My muscles in the back are very tight most of the time.

I love you doctor my best doctor in Europa ♥

i had spinal fusion. what are the exercises you recommend?

Can you do a video about exercises after cervical fusion?

Unfortunately, I was one who had to have a fusion. I also had a laminectomy and microdiscectomy at the same time. Everything was L4-S1. This was a result of me breaking my back as a kid. It never healed right because I never told anybody I fell. Over the years, I developed a slipped vertebrae. Back pain sucks. Pain, in general, sucks. I also have arthritis and degenerative disc disease. I’m only in my 40’s.

Thank you doctor I was wondering if I should exercise as if I had the lumbar surgery.

Very reasonable .. so nice .. so far of my experience is being concerned.. helpfully.

Hi doctor, why would you say that after lumbar fusion the rest of the vertebrae needs to work extra hard. The fusion already made it more stability for the spine so it is also doing its part to support the whole column same as the rest of the upper vertebrae. Thank you

Thank you for your help. I’m going through recovery from SF. When can I expect to get the hardware out?? Unless, it’s not possible.

And you are right I did that just like you said before my surgery and it works you know what you are talking about you do

Dr.Furlan the workouts after lumbar fusion?

I have had Lumber Fusion surgery in my lower back. I started exercising (keeping the lower back immobile or isolated) and continuing to look after my diet. This ended in me loosing weight further. The problem is that my posture has become bent over the front from my hip. Not my shoulders , but my hip. Can you or anyone suggest what workout should I do yo correct this, as it makes me look 10 years older than what I am.

I had spinal fussion, and now I have developed numbness and pain on my legs. What do you think it might be.its been a difficult can advice me

I'm 40 and in perfect health with a strong core and shredded muscles. I have a disc protrusion that is pressing my L5 nerve root. My right leg is completely jacked up. I can walk long distances but standing in one place is impossible. It burns my entire leg. My protrusion won't heal because the nuclei pulposa is stuck in the annulus. The buldge is there to stay. It's been 6 months. I have grade one spondy so a discectomy isn't an option. Fusion is really the only option to remove the disc and get it off my nerve. You can't exercise my problem away. Believe me, I've tried. I'm an athletic freak. What would you suggest?

Thank you for this! I’m 14 and I just had my lumbar fusion spine surgery from my neck to lower back and everything is swollen. Also I feel my stomach stretching since I am a dancer and I had to quit and my bowels are not moving like they should. I want to begin working out as soon as possible but I didn’t know where to start. 🤷🏽‍♀️

03:14 . If a person got overweight and out of shape after recovering from spine fusion . Is it too late to try to get back to shape as you suggest or has damage been after a couple years from the recovering time ?

Very good video thanks for sharing

I have gotten more information from this one video than l have gotten from my surgeon. 😢 thanks 😅

6 weeks ago I had spinal lumbar fusion. 5 lower disks. I am afraid of what exercise to start with what would you recommend I start with. I walk it’s about all I do and have taken on work at home again. I am so fearful of hurting myself as I do not want to face another surgery.😢

I am to have another fusion next month Feb 20,2023. I keep reading it's just going to cause me to have more later. I have L5-S1 done with cage and screws/bars. Now L4 is slipped, have spinal stenosis causing foot/toe numbness hip/leg pain and can't stand long. MY QUESTION IS: is surgery my only answer? Can't this be taken care of another way? I've been in much pain for 2 years now getting by with pain pills 2x a day.(Diclofenac) Please help me make a decision what way is the best. Thanks so much been watching many videos.

I’m currently making arrangements to have my batteries replaced in my implanted automatic tensing machine. My controller did warn me that the batteries were in a low charged status. But there was a communication issue at the Doctors office, that went one for months. Thus the batteries are 100% dead at this point. My current referral is for a heart specialist, I’m guessing that since he replaces pacemaker batteries that he is my next option. Abbott Lab’s are the technicians and the stimulator is sponsored by St. Jude’s Hospital, yes the same organization that Danny Thomas the actor spent a lifetime supporting.

Are there videos and/or books by Dr Furlan?

after 6 to 8 weeks of spine surgery, can decompress or traction is good for your spine or not

Thanks for good , educational video.🙏🌹💕

This is preposterous. I for one, was bed bound for 2 years prior to a Spinal Fusion of L2, 3 & 4. If I was CAPABLE of doing "Prehab", I would NOT be a candidate for a fusion! The fusion was carried out by my surgeon AS A NECESSITY to walking! Wow, gobsmacked at the ignorance.

My mum had an surgery last year around aug.. She is still recovering.. But sometimes while standing or walking for a long time.. Her right leg foot usually has a swelling. Can it be cured quickly?

@Dr. Andrea Furlan. What are your thoughts on mini-trampoline exercises after a patient has recovered from lumbar fusion surgery?

Very informative. Thank u

It’s nice advice except I couldn’t walk anymore by the time I had lumbar fusion. I was in a wheelchair before surgery so much pain I couldn’t walk.

Thank you so much and that is so good news to know thank you i like your videos I love to

I had a double lumbar fusion and they damaged my L5 nerve root so I have numbness in my right toes and on the front half of my bottom foot. It is painful and I don’t know what to do. I have a second surgeon neurologist appointment the first week of January. My pain management doctor is working with me but it is not good. Does anyone have the symptoms I do and what helps you. I am at the end of my rope and can’t live like this much longer. Please any suggestions would be so appreciated. Thank you

Thank you so much for information

Could you do more on exercise's to avoid surgery. And the best vitamins to take for osteoarthritis 🙏 please

I am very confused that there is a Korean subtitle.... who made it??

Excellent video on lumbar fusion surgery exercises ...yes there are many surgeries done in my hospital immediate postoperative rehab used to give in bedside at 7 to 10 days with spinal orthosis support made them walk ..encourage them walking ...but iam in acute care setup so never seen after 6 mths follow up ...very hard to know you had undergone fusion ....yes aerobics and core exs are good " prehab " as evidence need to go through the article if you send link ....dr andrea fine

Bonjour quel hasard je dois décider si je me fais opérer ou essayer des exercices .Quels spécialistes Devrais-je consulter pour les exercices j'ai 70 ans .Merci pour vos vidéos

Salute for u dr. Love from Pakistan. Really informative

Thank you so much

Like to know after three vertebrae fusion can the person bend they back or not Thnks

Thank you very much mam useful video

What exercise do you recomend after a Laminotomy and laminectomy surgery

I am eight years out of spinal fusion . I worked hard,.walked exercised. Now I am in horrible pain and feel like my back is way worse, plus my spine feels like there is unusual movement. I am going to have a . I continue to walk and keep active. I am sixty six years. I have stood on my feet since I was sixteen with jobs.m

I stjll have excruciating pain after failed back surgery. I had been operated 3mnths ago.

I used to love exercising before the surgery and I had to stop due to pain and having to use a walker and mobility aids . It has been 7 months since my surgery and whenever I try exercising my pain flares up which is leaving me very frustrated and unable to continue. What is your advice for people that want to keep healthy and start exercising but it causes lots of pain when they do? I walk every day and pace myself best I can.

I can’t even ride my recumbent bike or do stretches scheduled for a mis tlif surgery

l had l1 bone fracture so l2 toT12 scrow and rod fixed my health is good how many weekto take rest

Is it possible to play contact sports like football and basketball after lumbar fusion?

After fusion I lost feeling in lower right leg below the knee

Thanks

But after there fuses you will be unable to bend very well

What do Canadians do if no spinal fusions?

had my neck Surgery almost ok Can Walk

Dra fala da fusão de cervical.

Bet she googled that😅

Lmao this is such bullshit. Prehab! Lmao I trained daily, I’m a trainer. This video is so discouraging to people who really need this surgery and it’s fear mongering.

Because I CAN'T exercise without squeezing the disc and buckling my legs. Maybe you should walk in our shoes before you tell us how to live.

🙏❤

Don’t do it!

I don't believe that lumbar fusion happens most in the U.S. Because there is just way too many older women around here in Canada too with mobility problems. Because some women patients in Canada are being treated different than men are only because they are stay at home mothers which some male born in Canada physicians and some female physicians too from more priviledged backgrounds with 1 or 2 children in day care who believe we stay at home moms are all leading a sedentary life. For example: When I was only in my late 20's after an X-ray was done on my spine a specialist physician who was born in another nation told my lumbar fusion was beginning to happen to me which he said was the norm at the time for women who are mothers to small children. While suffering from intense pain in the lumber region for awhile and with loss of neural function too I went to see a family doctor about it. He only got me to stand on his examining table with very little on only to tell me that I was young enough to avoid having to undergo surgery. While I was up until being thrown off of my bicycle once in a collision with the cyclist in front of me who had stopped suddenly often swimming, canoing, biking, hiking and for example once swinging from a T bar sliding along a long steel cable in the woods during scout camp. I once after being a leader in that cub camp during a family outing remember having to carry my daughter down a steep incline after being told by her father that she was fine trying to do that on her own which I had disagreed was true. I continued getting lots of various forms of exercise. With an undiagnosed chronic lung condition only mild at first too. Like in my 60's for 3 years while working for S.T.A.R.S. walking 3 hours per day 6 days per week for months in up to minus 20 degrees. After being in a roll over car accident now 3 years later I have 2 spots in my spine in which fusion has already taken place thanks to how Canadian women who marry young are being regarded my a lot of people.

This is absolute madness, why the hell would you need it locked in place. Na my mum is not is millions years having this dam operation. She will never be able to sit down on the toilet let alone get out of bed. This is madness. Nope!!!!!

Biased opinion from someone who starts with a video admitting that she doesn't treat many spinal fusions. Spinal fusions are from the United States. She has strong opinions for someone who works in a limited intervention healthcare system. She doesn't have access to more advanced interventions and experience in diagnosing and treating… With advanced interventions. Instead just declares exercise to everyone even when the structure has failed. Exercise/physical therapy is great, but when the structure has failed it's time to repair/replace the structure. Though her healthcare system won't let her do proper diagnosing and interventions so she sits back and declares her lack of interventions as superior. Truly sad that this person will never experience a myriad of interventions and outcomes. Just keep prescribing exercise when you can't do anything.

its all good til it fails, then you got metal impinging your nerves crippling you burning and you will wish you died, dont forget being labeled a drug addict for looking for relief, even with the scars and MRI's to prove.

I like you vidio Dr Andrea Furlan

What a waste of time watching this video. If a person could do all the exercising you are proposing with the pain they are experiencing, then you would not have needed the surgery - at least I would not have needed my surgery. I first had a lumbar laminotomy, but after the surgery, my L2 and L3 vertebrae collapsed on one another, so a spinal fusion was necessary. I had both spinal stenosis and scoliosis in my spine, which was worst at the location of the L2 and L3. vertebrae. I assume spinal fusion is not done on Canadians because of the limited health care provided by Canada’s health care system.

💜❤️❤️☘️☘️

Grammar alert. Single persons are referred to with plural pronouns.

নাইস..

Zero help.