Post-Op Lumbar Fusion Exercise

A lumbar fusion operation combines two vertebrae through surgical procedure to relieve pain from pinched nerves or lumbar misalignment. The back is stiff after the operation and requires exercise for pain management and returning a full range of motion to the spine. Exercises should stretch the lower, middle and upper back without too much bending, as well as stretch and strengthen the legs to help fully support the back.

Ankle Pumps and Quadriceps Setting

Perform an ankle pump to stretch the back of the legs and the lower back. With limited movement in the lumbar region of the back, the legs will become tight as they bear the weight of stretches. Performing ankle pumps post operation, when movement of the back and legs is limited, helps loosen the muscles and keep the legs and back from becoming weak.

To perform ankle pumps, lie on your back with one leg straight and the other bent at the knee with the foot placed firmly on the floor. Bend the ankle of the outstretched leg toward your head as much as possible, then release it toward the floor. Repeat 12 to 15 times; then do the same with the other leg.

Once the body has begun to heal it is important to strengthen the quadriceps to aid in the body's core support of the back. Improving the core strength of the body keeps the back from overworking. Perform a quadriceps setting exercise to strengthen the leg against the tightness of the back. Lie in the same position of the ankle pump and put one hand on the thigh of the outstretched leg. Engage the muscles of the upper thigh making sure they are tight with your hand. Repeat until the muscle is fatigued and repeat with the other leg.

Wall Squat

Performing a wall squat will help strengthen and loosen the hamstring muscles. Tight or weak hamstring muscles can contribute and intensify the back pain from a lumbar fusion surgery. Stretching and strengthening the hamstring muscles through wall squats will improve your body's flexibility and render back movement less painful.

Lean your back against a wall with the legs spread shoulder width 12 inches from the wall. Place your arms at your sides, or if you need support, on the back of a waist-height chair. Leaning against the wall, bend the knees and slowly lower yourself into a squatting position. Go down until the legs are at a 45-degree angle, then hold for 5 seconds. Work your way down to a 90 degree angle over time as the muscles in your back become more flexible. Come back up to a standing position and repeat 10 to 12 times.

Hamstring Stretch

This hamstring stretch not only improves hamstring flexibility but also stretches the muscles in the lower back as well as the middle without the need to bend the back into uncomfortable positions after surgery.

Lie on the floor with the one leg straight out and the other bent at the knee so that the foot is firmly planted on the floor. Bring the hands behind the knee of the bent leg and slowly bring the leg up off the floor. Straighten the leg so that the toes are facing up toward the ceiling. Pull gently at the back of the thigh with the hands to aid the stretch. You will feel it in the back and the hamstrings. Hold the leg in this position for 10 seconds, then lower to the ground. Repeat 10 times on each side.