If you’re like most people, you probably take your back for granted. Unless you experience pain, you likely don’t think much about it. But when something goes wrong – whether it’s an injury, arthritis, or another condition – that’s when you start to realize just how important your back is.
If you have recently undergone a lumbar fusion surgery or you have been told you need one, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of your recovery. This blog post will provide you with an overview of the typical recovery process for lumbar fusion surgery. What to expect before surgery, after surgery and how physiotherapy can help. Keep in mind that everyone recovers differently, so your own experience may vary from what is described here. But knowing what to expect can help make the recovery process a bit less daunting. So read on for information about recovering from a lumbar fusion surgery.
Lumbar fusions can help to reduce low back pain
WHAT IS A FUSION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE?
A fusion of the lumbar spine is a stabilisation of two or more segments in the low back vertebrae. This can be effective at reducing painful movement of the affected segments. The fusion can cause structures at fault to be decompressed and correct deformities in the lumbar spine.
There are a few different methods of fusion that can be achieved by a surgeon. A cage, structural graft or spacer – all of which types of implants – can be placed in the low back. In order to do so however, the disc between the segments must first be removed to allow for the implant.
This blog will talk about lumbar spine fusions and the procedure preoperatively and postoperatively. If you require further assistance with postoperative rehabilitation following a lumbar fusion, please book an appointment to see us.
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A graft stabilising the lumbar segments
PREOPERATIVE PHASE: STEPS BEFORE THE SURGERY
During this period, transparency regarding the operation should be discussed and made clear. This promotes confidence in the surgery and justifies the rationale for the type of implant used. The specialist will also discuss which technique for the surgery will be used. It is important to understand the differences as each will have slightly different preoperative requirements.
In the case of a posterior fusion – meaning the incision is from the back – this kind of approach affects one of the core muscles. The multifidus group of muscles sits adjacent to the spinal column and needs to be shifted aside to grant access to the lumbar vertebrae. This might affect the nerves that supply the muscle and therefore rehabilitation focuses on retraining that core muscle.
A posterior approach stabilises from the back of the vertebrae
For anterior fusions, an approach from the front of the abdomen is done. Part of the abdominal wall and the associated muscles will be cut into and therefore rehabilitation focuses on retraining the abdominal core stabilisers.
An anterior approach stabilises from the front of the vertebrae
In both scenarios, proper core activation is taught preoperatively so that proper technique can be conducted postoperatively. These exercises are listed below:
Transversus Abdominis & Pelvic Floor contraction
Activation of core muscles including pelvic floor
The basic exercise to activate core muscles and becomes the basis of all further progressions for core strength retraining
A progression to core activation
Stretching will also help to maintain and improve range pre and postoperatively.