How to Regain Flexibility After a Spinal Fusion
People usually undergo spinal fusion because of a herniated disc, severe arthritis, certain deformities or other painful back ailments. Spinal fusion is when one or more vertebrae are fused together after damaged cartilage or discs are removed. According to the article "Spinal Fusion" at MayoClinic.com, it usually takes about six weeks for the vertebrae bones to completely fuse together. Once the doctor gives the OK, usually after three months, you can commence certain exercises that will help you increase flexibility in your back and adjacent muscles.
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Instructions
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Gaining Flexibility After Spinal Fusion
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1
Get permission from your doctor to begin an exercise program. Lie on your back with your knees pointing up and your feet on the floor. Slowly press your lower back to the floor. Hold that position for up to five seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
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2
Grab both knees, while still lying on your back, and pull them toward your chest. Hold that position for up to five seconds. Relax. Do 10 repetitions. Next, fully extend your left leg, grab your right knee and pull it toward your chest. Hold that position for up to five seconds. Repeat the same movement on the opposite side, fully extending your right leg and pulling your left knee to your chest. Do 10 repetitions with each leg.
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3
Place a pillow behind your head while you lie on the floor. Keep your knees bent and place both feet on the floor. Slowly lift your buttocks and lower back off the floor and hold that position several seconds. Lower your back and buttocks back down. Do 10 repetitions.
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4
Place a pillow under your stomach and lie on the floor. Place both arms behind your back and slowly lift your head and upper body off the floor and arch your back. Lower yourself back down to the floor. Do 10 repetitions. Kneel on the floor with your hands in front of you. Slowly lift your right knee up and extend your right leg back as far as possible. Hold for several seconds, then bring your right leg back down. Repeat the same movement with your left leg, then complete 10 total repetitions.
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5
For cervical (neck) fusion, sit in a chair and slowly twist your head to the right as far as possible without incurring pain. Hold that position for a few seconds, then turn your head to the left. Do 10 repetitions. Next, bend your head forward and stretch your neck for a few seconds, then relax. Bend you head back and stretch. Do 10 repetitions.
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Tips & Warnings
Exercise is the best way to gain flexibility in your back or neck after spinal fusion. Exercise helps you regain mobility in muscles that have not been worked for a while. It also increases blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients essential for healing, to your muscles, nerves and bones. The exercises in steps 1 through 4 can be performed for both lumbar and thoracolumbar (middle back) fusion. Step 3 hits the middle back area. Start out slowly and only stretch as far as your muscles allow. Increasing flexibility takes time.
Never perform an exercise that causes you additional pain. Consult your doctor for exercises that are more appropriate for your particular type of spinal fusion.
