Physically active before injury - What are your limitations now?

[iluvthebeach]

I wanted to hear from everyone that was physically active before their injury and subsequent surgery what their limitations are for physical activity. Have you found that you had to give up things you did before your surgery? The reason I ask is because I am a very active person. I like to work out, run, swim and other activities. I wanted to find out if having adr surgery would limit those things or eliminate them from my life. Currently all of those things are eliminated but I would like to get some of them back. When I go to my appointment next week, I will be asking the doctor this question. I do know it is also based on a case by case basis for each individual, but I would love to hear your stories too.

[trkdoc714]

I was very active prior to the final injury that damaged the disc(s). After 3 years and two failed surgeries I had ADR surgery at L4/5, L5/S1. The recovery period before I felt confident enough to return to the prior routine was about 6-7 months. Since that time I've ramped back up to "my old self" except for the higher impact exercises like running. It sounds like that'll be an activity you'll miss. It's not good for the spine. Biking is though, so maybe that could be a good trade off for you.

I hope this helped.

Bob

[Hooch]

It depends on a few things:

1. How effective the operation is from a purely anatomical perspective.

2. The determination of the individual to rehabilitate themselves.

3. Development and maintenance of optimum biomechanical function.

There are many examples of people undergoing disc replacements and fusions and returning to high level physical activity in elite sport and demanding professions such as firefighting and the military.

Different surgeons will give wildly varying responses on the level of activity appropriate after such an operation. The point to note is that surgeons are very good at surgery, and that is where the bulk of their expertise ends.

For disc replacement your main concern is life of the prosthesis. If you are placed in hyperextension under load you place a lot of stress on the prosthesis bone interface and can risk expelling the core on certain types of adr. This is the reason they will say avoid bungee jumping, water sking etc.

Here's the big hint: When you have a bad back you can become asymptomatic by maintaining neutral spine and transmitting the load to your muscles instead of your passive tissues. This same biomechanical process can be used to load your muscles preferably to your prosthesis.

Less force applied to the prosthesis = longer working life. Plus you won't blow your other discs which is kinda important to.

Ultimately u will have to make the decision yourself about what is appropriate for your back and what isn't.