What can/should one be able do post laminectomy???

[happygolucy]

Hello Everyone,

Can anyone please share with me any information in regards to what restrictions one needs to follow Post Laminectomy.

I had a T12-L5 Laminectomy, and at my post op appointment I forgot to ask my specialist if I still had to follow the Physio's restrictions.
Like no forward flexion, no twisting , no lifting more than 5 kilos etc...

My surgeon said my spine has been weakened forever because of the laminectomy.

So I am unsure as to how careful I need to be in regards to performing activities from here on in.

Have others that have had Laminetomy's returned to doing everything they use to do?

Or are we just so altered now , that maybe there are just some things that we should avoid doing altogether?

Thank you
Shaani

[linda]

Shaani,

It sounds like you're doing well from what I've been reading...that's wonderful.

As to your question, I think because everyone is different (yet alike here) you should probably ask your doctor for specific instructions.

In the mean time I certainly would be cautious until you have more information.

The laminectomies I had weren't as extensive as yours, yet I needed to present a note at work informing them that I was not allowed to lift more than 10 lbs. I am coming up on 5 years post op and I still have questions, so I would use the suggestion of Linda44 and start a journal on this and future questions.

This site is and has been a great source of information and brings things into question that I thought were just 'normal' stuff happening that I NOW know could be from the SCT.

linda c.

[wobbly1]

We are all the same yet different here, but I can share my experience. I had three laminectomies nearly 5 years ago. My NS acted like it was no big deal- that the structure was uncompromised.

These days I am limited to what I can lift, but this seems due to lack of strength related to nerve damage in my shoulder. Alas, I ride a bike, surf and lightly train martial arts. I am always aware of those big holes in my vertebrae, but they don't stop me.

Maybe you can see an orthopedic doctor- I did and he was able to explain weight distribution to me in a way that made sense. Now don't get me wrong, I don't plan to take up skydiving, but I am not immobilized, I just need to go a little lighter

[itsallgood]

I had a laminectomy from T12-L4 for my sct resection. I'm coming up on my 7th year post-op. I'm now running ~3 miles 3-5 days per week. I use a back extension machine with 120+ lbs and I'm still slowing increasing that amount. My dr indicated I could go back to sports 6 months post-op, but it's been longer to overcome the challenges from surgery. I feel great now, and continue to get more active. I do try to avoid high impact activities. It's still painful if I take a hit to the low back, so I reman cautious in the activities that I do get to.


The idea of logging your activities is a great way to track painful elements and the successes your encountering. Each case is different - so just do what your comfortable and follow the advise you obtain from your dr and potentially physical therapists (if you're visiting one). General advice- if it hurts - stop. But most importantly, if you're wondering what you can do the first few months after surgery, don't do anything but let your body heal and perform the recommended exercises by your DR or PT. Let your friends and family pick things up off the floor, dont lift anything heavy the first 6 months... let your body heal and don't get cocky after surgery by trying to pick up something heavy because you think you can... I hurt myself by the 3rd month lifting something I shouldnt and I felt the pain from that mistake for quite awhile

[Tmasgio]

I think it depends where it is at in regards to your spine. Mine is in the cervical area so it does not compromise the Thoracic or Lumbar area. For instance, I was carrying furniture yesterday without problem. It is the muscles that are the protector of the spine and they will harden and become stiff so I would think just talk to your doctor and you will be fine. Just trust your body and do what you can.

[betty]

Shanni,
Each person responds and heals so differently. I had 3 laminectomy. I am 3 mos out from surgery.
I am doing PT yet I have lot of achyness in that area still. he best person is your surgeon and PT person to advise you after doing a strength eval and range of motion. God luck.
Betty

[happygolucy]

Thank you all very much for offering your advice and opinions.
It is very interesting to hear.
I am glad that some of you are able to be so active and sporty post laminectomy. Very inspiring!!!

I am looking forwad to seeing just what I might be capable of doing post laminectomy.

Thank you all again so much
Shaani

[deirdre612]

Shaani, I've had 2 surgeries that affected 11 vertebrae. I'm still running, jumping and doing all the stuff 'normal' people do.

I was told post op that I may experience some problems later in life, as normal bone degeneration sets in, but I figure I'll worry about that if and when it happens. I wasn't allowed to lift anything over 1kg for 6 weeks after surgery, mainly due to the fact I had a very active 1 year old to deal with. But since then the only restriction is that I'm to 'avoid impact to my body', which kind of eliminates any contact sports or any of the really fun stuff like snow skiing, water skiing, etc.

It really comes down to how comfortable you are with doing things. You'll know your own limits.

Deirdre

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