Walking after Discectomy: How Much and How Often?
Discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of a herniated disc that is compressing a nerve and causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs. Discectomy can be performed with different techniques, such as open discectomy, microdiscectomy, or endoscopic discectomy, depending on the size and location of the herniated disc.
Walking is one of the best exercises to do after discectomy surgery, as it can promote blood circulation, stimulate healing, prevent stiffness, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. However, walking after a discectomy should be done gradually and carefully, following the doctor’s instructions and listening to the body’s signals. This article provides a guide to how far you should walk after discectomy.
The Benefits of Walking after Discectomy
Walking has many advantages for your physical and mental health. Some of the benefits of walking after discectomy are:
- Stimulates blood flow to the surgical site, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and helps them heal faster
- Reduces swelling and inflammation, which can cause pain and pressure on the nerves
- Prevents muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, which can impair mobility and function
- Strengthens the core and back muscles, which support the spine and prevent further injury
- Boosts mood and reduces stress, which can affect recovery and quality of life
Walking Soon after Discectomy
Walking shortly following discectomy surgery is usually encouraged, as it can help with recovery and pain management. However, walking soon after discectomy should be done with some precautions, such as:
- Starting with short, slow walks – Start slowly and walk at a comfortable pace for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. This should not cause pain or discomfort, and you should stop if any symptoms worsen. Do this several times a day and gradually increase as tolerated.
- Using assistance if needed – At first, you may require some form of assistance, such as a cane, a walker, or a companion, especially if your balance or stability is affected. Assistance can prevent falls or injuries and provide support and confidence. Assistance should be used as long as needed and reduced as your strength and mobility improve.
- Wearing comfortable shoes and clothing – Comfortable clothes and shoes provide cushioning, support, and protection. Your shoes should fit well and be flat, firm, and skid-resistant. Clothing should be loose, breathable, and appropriate for the weather. Shoes and clothing should not cause friction, pressure, or irritation to the skin or the wound.
- Staying hydrated and rest as needed – Drink plenty of water before, during, and after walking to prevent dehydration and fatigue. Take breaks as often as you need to catch your breath, stretch your muscles, or relax your mind.
Walking Weeks after Discectomy
Walking during the first few weeks following a discectomy is usually recommended because it can improve the fitness, function, and flexibility of the spine and the affected limbs. However, walking several weeks after discectomy should be done with some considerations, such as:
- Increasing the distance and duration – Increase the distance and duration of your walks as the pain and inflammation subside and you continue to heal and recover. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day. You can try to walk for up to an hour, depending on your individual condition and goals. Walking at this stage of recovery should be done at a moderate intensity that raises the heart and breathing rate but allows for a conversation.
- Varying the terrain and scenery – As your confidence and endurance improve, walking on varied types of terrain and experiencing diverse scenery can minimize boredom and monotony. Walking can be done on different surfaces, such as grass, gravel, or pavement, and in different environments, such as indoors, outdoors, or on a treadmill.
- Avoiding hills and stairs – Walking on hills and stairs can put extra stress and strain on the spine and increase the risk of reinjury or reherniation of the disc. Hills and stairs can create excessive pressure or force on the spine and cause the disc to rupture or tear again. Hills and stairs can also cause pain or discomfort in the back, neck, arms, or legs and interfere with the healing and recovery process.
Walking Months after Discectomy
Walking is usually advised a few months post-discectomy because it can maintain the health of the spine and the affected limbs. However, months after discectomy, walking should be done with some adaptations, such as:
- Adding some challenges – As your strength, mobility, and flexibility reach their optimal levels, the need for improvement or variation increases. Try adding some challenges to your walks, such as increasing the speed, frequency, or incline, or adding some weights, such as a backpack, a vest, or ankle weights. Other challenges include changing your direction, pattern, or rhythm or adding some intervals, such as alternating between fast and slow or between walking and jogging.
- Combining walking with other exercises – As your spine and affected limbs are ready for more advanced or diverse activities, your interest or motivation for walking may decrease. You can combine walking with other exercises, such as lower back pain exercises or stretching, strengthening, or balance exercises that target the muscles and joints that support the spine and prevent stiffness, weakness, or instability. Other exercises, such as swimming, cycling, or yoga, provide more cardiovascular and muscular benefits without putting too much stress or strain on the spine.
- Consulting with the doctor – Consult with your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any exercise program, and report any problems or concerns that may arise. Months after the discectomy, you should also consult with your doctor about the possibility of returning to sports or other activities that may require more skill, intensity, or impact, such as running, jumping, or lifting.
How to Make Walking More Enjoyable after Discectomy
Walking does not have to be boring or tedious after having a discectomy. There are some ways you can make walking more enjoyable and rewarding after surgery:
- Set realistic goals and track your progress – Having a clear goal can motivate you to walk regularly and consistently. For example, you can aim to walk a certain distance or time each day or week or to reach a certain milestone in your recovery. You can also use a pedometer, smartphone app, or journal to track how far and how long you walk each day.
- Walk with a friend or family member – Walking with someone else can make the activity more fun and social. You can chat, share stories, and offer support to each other while walking. You can also challenge each other to walk faster or farther or to try new routes or locations.
- Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while walking – Listening to something that interests you can make walking more entertaining and stimulating. You can listen to music that matches your mood or pace, podcasts that inform or inspire you, or audiobooks that transport you to another world while walking.
Walking after discectomy is a vital component of the rehabilitation process. Striking the right balance between adequate movement and avoiding strain is key to a successful recovery. By understanding the factors influencing walking distance, following a gradual progression, and prioritizing communication with your healthcare team, you can navigate your discectomy recovery journey with confidence. Always remember, your body is unique, and your recovery should be tailored to your specific needs. With the right approach, you can step into a future free from the limitations imposed by herniated discs.
Even though discectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, 70 percent of all reherniations come from large holes in the disc. 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 timeframe. 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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