ADR advice for physio and activity

[Caroinsaudi]

Hi to all,

I am 32 years old and have finally received an ADR for my L4/5. I suffered with it for 7 years and was pretty much disabled on a few occasions, in these cases I had endoscopic surgery to remove small herniated fragments. It did give temporary relief, but the killer pain always came back.

I was finally diagnosed in Bonn, Germany with a "painful black disc", this disc was very degenerated and Dr. Zeegers operated on me in June and gave me a new lease on life. I am full of energy now although my back is still quite sore, as is my scar at times and I do have to take it easy. Is there anyone out there who knows about specific physio for the Active L prosthetic disc, and more specifically what I need to avoid?

I have bought the Yoga DVD for back pain and find it comforting. I do need to lose weight, but have to take it easy this time. Any advice about exercising, not doing certain movements such as twisting (?) and manual therapy would be great. I assume there will be no more cracking of the spine with my physio.

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

Regards,

Caroline

[ajj1001]

Hiya, think that is the disc that one of the members on here got a few months ago and she has been doing physio. She comes on pretty often so if she doesn't post in I'll forward this to her.

After my two level adr I started with walking and built up to doing swimming and then light weights. I felt very ill for the first 5 months so did nothing at all then started.

Sure you will get lots of good advice!

alison x

[Justin]

Hi Caroline,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society! It is so great to read that Dr. Zeegers gave you a new lease on life. He is one of the world's best spine surgeons.

Any advice about exercising, not doing certain movements such as twisting (?) and manual therapy would be great. I assume there will be no more cracking of the spine with my physio.

Here's a previous discussion on physical therapy that has a link to a Disc Prothesis Postoperative Physical Therapy Manual that is hosted on Dr. Fabien Bitan's website (an orthopedic spine surgeon located in Manhattan).

The linked manual above depicts a lot of exercises that I would never do to be honest. This is not to question the safety of certain exercises and stretches--I just believe some of the exercises shown in the manual show exaggerated movements that are recommended between 0-3 weeks (specifically the twisting and low level bending forward exercises in the "Leaning" & "Bending" sections). Dr. Bertagnoli also recommended that I avoid the following activities: low-level bending activities (sitting in a chair and bending forward [chest to my knees] to tie my shoes), twisting motions and high-impact activities for the first 3 to 6 months post-op.

Here's another link to some information I complied in regard to manual therapy options for Spine Patients: Manual & Manipulative Therapies for Spine Patients. Personally, I avoid manual therapy that involves high-velocity "realignment" adjustments of my lumbar spine, where I have had my surgery.

In terms of exercising, I would avoid heavy weights--stick with high repetitions, low weight. I also would avoid running, especially on hard surfaces, as it is really hard on your joints. The best thing to remember with any exercise or activity is to "listen to your body" (they should all be pain-limiting).

I hope this is a good start. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me.

[dalhousie]

Hi Caroline,

I had activ L @ L4/5 in the UK in April. Everybody progresses at different rates & I had problems with nerve pain in the first 6 weeks & was delayed starting meds & therefore rehab.

Post op-6 weeks: Straight leg raises, knee rolls from side to side, pelvic tilts, pelvic floor exercises, lying on my front for up to half an hour. Walking gradually increasing distance in split walks.

6 weeks - started doing core strengthening exercises. Specialist said I didn't need physio but had 3 sessions locally as they weren't experienced with ADR. Physio showed me: lying on my back & hug knees, sitting in a chair & reach down to both ankles, sitting on a chair & reach with both arms between my knees, stood up reach down my legs until my knees start to buckle, extension in standing.

3 months - started at the gym on alternate days. Preferably would have started swimming but chlorine aggravates sinus problems.

My specialist gave me a free rein with some twisting at 3 months but obviously not to the extreme. Advised not to ever do extension in lying. He didn't like treadmills or rowers in the gym. Advised to do static bike or cross trainer, light weights on the ball for upper body conditioning. He's VERY keen on core strengthening.

Instructions vary from surgeon to surgeon. I see Justin was advised to avoid bending & twisting movements for 3-6 months.

Hope this helps. Kathy (KBear) also had activ L - post op rehab seems to be better in the US than in the UK so it would be interesting to see what she was advised to do.

The best advice I'd give is to listen to your body when doing things.

[KBear]

Hi and welcome to the board!

I also have the Activ-L at L4/5 in March of this year. I started physical therapy at 6 weeks post-op. I do about 15 different exercises at home now. I was also told to walk, walk, and more walking. I have ridden my bike some; but the bending can cause added pain, so I only do that occassionally.