Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to alleviate pain caused by a herniated disc in the spine. This minimally invasive procedure involves removing a portion of the herniated disc that impinges on nearby nerves, thereby reducing pain and discomfort in the affected areas. Microdiscectomy aims to address symptoms such as sciatica, leg pain, back pain, and numbness, allowing patients to regain normal functionality.
After undergoing this procedure, patients are eager to regain their mobility and return to their normal activities. However, it is crucial to follow a structured post-operative recovery plan, including specific exercises, to ensure a successful rehabilitation process and prevent complications. In this article you will learn about the first exercises that are typically recommended after microdiscectomy and their importance in the overall microdiscectomy recovery journey.
The Role of Exercise in Post-Microdiscectomy Recovery
Physical therapy and targeted exercises play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation process after a microdiscectomy. These exercises are designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall spine health. Engaging in a structured exercise routine can expedite the healing process, reduce the risk of future injuries, and improve the patient’s overall quality of life. A licensed physical therapist can tailor a program to meet the patient’s specific needs, ensuring exercises are performed correctly and safely.
The Importance of Early Motion
Early mobility is essential in the recovery journey after microdiscectomy. Engaging in appropriate exercises can prevent scar tissue formation and muscle stiffness, which can impede overall progress. Additionally, incorporating exercise into the recovery plan strengthens and supports the surrounding muscles, increases blood circulation, and accelerates healing. However, it is imperative to consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before embarking on any exercise regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your specific case and recovery timeline.
The First Move: Walking
The most commonly recommended first post-microdiscectomy exercise is walking. This low-impact activity is essential for several reasons:
- Promotes circulation – Walking enhances blood flow, which is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the healing tissues.
- Reduces stiffness – Gentle movement prevents stiffness, maintaining flexibility in the spinal joints.
- Strengthens muscles – Walking engages the core and lower body muscles, supporting the spine naturally.
Typically, patients are advised to start with short walks, gradually increasing the distance as comfort allows. It is essential to stick to flat surfaces, avoiding slopes or uneven terrain. Some patients may choose to use a walker or cane for balance support.
Early Days: Stretching and Light Activity
In the initial weeks following surgery, light stretching complements walking. Stretching exercises, particularly those targeting the hamstrings, can alleviate muscle tightness and support lower back flexibility. It is important to perform these stretches gently and within a pain-free range.
One of the safer stretches recommended after a microdiscectomy is the pelvic tilt. This simple yet effective movement targets the lower back and aids in regaining control over the muscles surrounding the surgical site.
Follow these steps to perform a pelvic tilt:
- Lie on your back – Begin by lying on your back on a firm surface, such as a yoga mat.
- Bend your knees – Keep your feet flat on the floor, hip width apart, and bend your knees.
- Keep your spine neutral – Ensure your spine is in a neutral position, with a small space between your lower back and the floor.
- Engage your core – Gently tighten your abdominal muscles to engage your core.
- Tilt your pelvis – Slowly tilt your pelvis upward, pressing your lower back into the floor. Hold for a few seconds.
- Return to neutral – Relax your muscles and return to the neutral spine position.
- Repeat – Perform 10 to 15 repetitions, gradually increasing as you become more comfortable.
Patients benefit from performing pelvic tilts in a number of ways:
- Muscle activation – Pelvic tilts engage the core muscles, promoting stability and strength in the abdominal region.
- Increased flexibility – This exercise gently stretches and mobilizes the lower back, enhancing flexibility without putting excessive strain on the spine.
- Pain management – Pelvic tilts can help you manage post-surgery discomfort by promoting blood flow and reducing stiffness.
- Easy integration – The simplicity of this exercise makes it accessible for individuals at various stages of recovery, ensuring a gradual and safe reintroduction to movement.
Once you become comfortable with the pelvic tilt exercise, additional exercises may be introduced to further enhance strength, flexibility, and overall recovery. These exercises may include gentle hamstring stretches, knee-to-chest exercises, and light aerobic activities such as swimming. Your doctor may also recommend sciatica stretches to ease pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Gradual Progression: Back Strengthening Exercises
As recovery progresses, typically between the second and sixth week post-surgery, patients may introduce gentle back-strengthening exercises. These exercises aim to fortify the muscles surrounding the spine, providing better support and reducing the likelihood of future injuries.
One such exercise is the opposite arm/leg raise, also known as the bird-dog exercise, which targets core muscles and enhances balance. This exercise is designed to be performed without bending or twisting the spine, making it suitable for early inclusion in the recovery process, provided it is approved by the surgeon.
To perform this exercise:
- Start by positioning yourself on all fours, with your knees and hands on the floor. Maintain a straight spine, ensuring your hands are directly below your shoulders and your knees are aligned under your hips.
- Extend one arm while simultaneously extending the opposite leg, keeping both straight and level.
- Hold this extended position for a few deep breaths, allowing for a gentle stretch.
- Gradually lower the extended arm and leg back to the starting position.
- Repeat the exercise with the other arm and leg. Aim for 10 to 15 repetitions on each side.
Long-Term Recovery: Building Endurance
Beyond the initial weeks, patients work on building endurance and strength. This phase may include a combination of aerobic exercises, such as swimming or cycling, and more advanced core workouts.
The journey to recovery after a microdiscectomy begins literally with a single step. Walking, followed by light stretching and strengthening exercises, lays the foundation for a robust rehabilitation process. Always consult with your healthcare team before starting any exercise routine, and listen to your body’s signals throughout the process. With patience and perseverance, patients can look forward to regaining their full range of motion and a pain-free lifestyle.
Even though microdiscectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, patients with these large holes in their discs are more than twice as likely to reinjure themselves by having what is known as reherniations. These reherniations often require additional surgery or even fusions. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study time frame. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us today.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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