My Spine - Lumbar
Rehabilitation
It is important that you gradually become more active and mobile and that
you follow an exercise programme.
Your return to work should depend on a realistic assessment of your ability to
perform your work. After a spinal fusion, it would usually be after two to
three months, depending on the type of work you do and the circumstances
under which you perform your work.
It is important to follow the exercise programme according to the guidelines
laid down by your physiotherapist and later by your biokineticist. You should
refrain from exercises that involve impact until you are much more comfort-
able. Jogging, mountain biking and equestrian pursuits usually have to be
delayed for some months.
Follow-up
You will generally be seen by your specialist between two and six weeks fol-
lowing surgery, but you may be seen earlier if there are any complications.
The spinal fusion would ordinarily be examined by means of an X-ray of your
back a few months after the operation, to evaluate the bone growth between
the two vertebrae.
It is important to realise that you will have to protect your back for the rest of
your life and apply good back habits (see the chapter Everyday Life).
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