Lumbar Fusion

Physical Therapy

by the Brain and Spine Neurosurgical Institute

Here are a few simple exercises that might help you after a posterior lumbar interbody fusion operation. Please note that each person is an individual and has their own medical problems, therefore you might experience different types of pains that others may not feel. This should be a caution to you not to continue and you can always consult us at any time. We are going to discuss three exercises that will help you to recover after your lumbar fusion procedure.

Sciatic Nerve Stretch

The first stretch we’ll discuss is the sciatic nerve stretch. When performing this stretch, make sure to do it on both sides and only continue if you feel a comfortable stretch in the back of your leg.

Lie on your back with your knees bent.
Bring one knee towards you and grab the back of this thigh with your hands. You may use a towel if you have trouble reaching your thigh.
While holding the thigh in a stationary position, lift your foot toward the ceiling by straightening your knee.
Stop when you begin to feel a stretch in the back of this leg.
Hold this position for about 10 seconds. You can try to extend and flex your ankle a few times if that makes the stretch feel better.
Repeat this stretch with the opposite leg.
Stretch each leg three to five times.

Please be aware that you should only feel a stretch with this exercise. If you feel pain or tingling in either of your legs, you should stop immediately. A support strap or towel may be helpful if you have difficulty reaching your thigh with your hands.

Seated Hamstring Stretch

The next exercise is the seated hamstring stretch. For this exercise, you’ll need a chair and a stool.

Begin by sitting on the edge of one chair with one heel supported on a stool. Your leg should be straight and your other foot flat on the floor.
Keeping your back straight, bend at your hips to bring your upper body forward.
Stop when you feel a stretch in the back of the knee or thigh.
Hold this position for about 15 to 20 seconds.
Relax by moving your upper body to the original position. Breath slowly in through your nose and out through your nose and pursed lips.

Short Walks

The last exercise is to simply go for several short walks per day. While walking, you'll want to maintain a stable spine. You can do this by squeezing your shoulder blades back and making sure to keep your belly button in. Also, keep your pelvic floor muscles contracted. Pretend as though you are stopping the flow of urine.

Limit your first walks to about five minutes at a comfortable and steady pace. When you can accomplish this without any difficulty, increase your time by about one to two minutes per day. Do not increase the time until you feel that the current distance is not difficult.