The most common back surgeries are Laminectomy, Discectomy, Disc Replacement, and Spinal fusion. Each one has its own nuances and intricacies but below is a general description of each.
- Laminectomy: A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the lamina, which is the bony arch on the posterior side of a vertebra in the spine. This surgery is typically performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or bone spurs. By creating more space in the spinal canal, a laminectomy aims to alleviate pain, numbness, and other symptoms associated with spinal compression.
- Discectomy: A discectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove part of or all of a damaged or herniated intervertebral disc in the spine. By removing the problematic disc material, a discectomy aims to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s spinal function.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: Also known as total disc arthroplasty, involves removing a damaged intervertebral disc in the spine and replacing it with an artificial disc device. This surgery is performed to address conditions like degenerative disc disease or disc herniation while preserving spinal motion and flexibility. It aims to reduce pain, maintain spinal stability, and potentially improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
- Spinal fusion: These are often employed to address severe back pain, spinal instability, or disc degeneration by fusing two or more vertebrae together, stabilizing the spine, and reducing discomfort.
The road to full recovery after such a procedure can be challenging, requiring diligent care and commitment. A rehabilitation protocol encompasses a range of exercises, therapies, and guidelines aimed at regaining strength, mobility, and quality of life post-surgery. Whether you are seeking to regain an active lifestyle or simply wish to alleviate persistent pain, a rehab protocol is an essential component towards optimal lumbar health and well-being. The protocol and rehabilitation will vary depending on the technique used by the surgeon and which specific surgery you had. Spinal fusion and laminectomy are typically more involved versus discectomy and disc replacement. Below is a rehab protocol that is for a more involved protocol. You should also receive PT in the hospital where they will teach you how to get out of bed, move, and use a brace without bending lifting or twisting with your spine. This protocol is what to expect in outpatient physical therapy.
Keep in mind every protocol will be different based on surgeons and restrictions will be adhered to as prescribed by your physician. Our team in Arlington, VA will listen to you and your needs. We believe in educating our patients regarding what to do, what to avoid, and understanding red flag symptoms regarding post-surgery. Each injury and surgery can be different, we work closely with your surgeon’s office to ensure we are on the same page with your recovery. We will ensure you understand post-op precautions during rehab so that you are safe with movement and facilitate tissue healing.
Weeks 0 – 2
Goals:
Wound healing and protection
Protection phase using brace and assistive device.
No lifting anything 5-15 pounds (per MD)
Exercises:
Quad sets
Ankle pumps
Gait training
Week 2 – 6
Goals:
Typically, outpatient PT begins at 2-4 weeks.
Progress gentle ROM
Exercises:
Core stabilization exercises
LE stretching
Treadmill walking progression.
Week 6 – 3 months
Goals:
Discharge brace at ~12 weeks
Improve ROM of LE and spine
Improve strength of LE and spine
Exercises:
Gait training
AROM inside bending, rotation, and flexion/extension
Months 3 – 6
Goals:
Establish neuromotor control of trunk.
Full ROM by ~4 months.
Begin functional training for work/sport.
Begin lifting > 20 pounds.
Exercises:
Cat camel
Quadruped rocking
Month 6+ <
Goals:
Progressive return to sport
Return to run.
Progressive return to strenuous work
Exercises:
Functional training dependent on sport/work
Walk/jog interval training.
Contact us today at our Physical Therapy Center in Arlington on Edgewood St or Arlington on Walter Reed Dr to learn more!
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Request An Appointment
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Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!
