How to Work Out With a Lumbar Fusion

Many people who are considering lumbar fusion surgery are concerned that exercise and rehabilitation after the surgery will result in more pain and difficulty getting around. Once the procedure is finished, however, most lumbar fusion patients respond well to exercise and make excellent progress once they start physical therapy and exercising on a regular basis. Lower back exercises restore strength and range of motion to the area and that improves a patient's quality of life. You will need to work with your physician and a physical therapist after surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Sit on the edge of your chair to do a hamstring stretch. Put your hands on the side of the chair. Bend your left knee so that your lower leg is at a 90-degree angle to the floor and extend your your right leg so that it is in a diagonal line from the chair to the floor. Hold this for three seconds. You should feel stretching around the lumbar area. Return to the starting position. Do this 15 times, and then do the same stretch with your left leg. Take a 30-second break and repeat the set. This will help you regain range of motion.

• 2

  Lie on a table or the floor while on your front. Have your legs extended, pointing toward the back of the room. Raise your right leg and bring it up as far as you can so that it is as close to your buttocks as you can get it. You may feel pressure, but stop if you feel pain. Bring the leg back to the starting position. Do this 15 times and then do the same thing with your left leg. Take a 30-second break and repeat the set. This will help you regain range of motion.

• 3

  Lie on your back on the floor and do a lumbar bridge. You can put a pillow under your head for comfort. Bend your knees so they are at a 45-degree angle. Put your hands by your buttocks, with your palms pressed against the floor. Press your buttocks up about 8 to 10 inches. Return to the starting position. Do this 15 times, take a 30-second break and repeat the set.This will help your lumbar region regain range of motion and strength.

• 4

  Wrap an exercise band around a door knob. Stand about 18 inches away from the door knob and grasp hold of the other end of the band with your hands at waist height. Pull the band back about 12 inches. Return it to the starting position. Do this 15 times. Take a 30-second break and repeat the set. This will help your lumbar area regain strength.

• 5

  Start walking briskly about two to three weeks after surgery. It is best to walk on a soft surface such as a high school running track, if it is one that is somewhat spongy and springy. Start by walking two full laps (1/2 mile) briskly. After about three days, add one more lap and once you reach the one-week mark, add a fourth lap. This will help you regain strength and range of motion in the lumbar area.