Recovering from Spinal Surgery: Running Again…Or Not
Last month, my husband shared this on his personal Facebook page:
“Sharon Wilhelm is cleared by docs to run again…”
Yet here it is, several weeks later, and I’m still not running. Let me explain.
My husband’s post was accurate, if not overly enthusiastic. Yes, my primary care doctor cleared me to run. Technically, I’ve been cleared to run since my 3 month post-up visit last August. That’s when my surgeon lifted all of my restrictions and released me from his care.
But being “cleared” to run is not the same thing as being “able” to run. And despite what my doctors say, I’m not able to run. I know this for a fact.
I don’t mean mentally. While I do have some fear about running again, that’s not what I’m talking about here. What I mean is that I’m not physically able to run. My body can’t handle it – not yet, anyway.
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been having pain in my SI (sacroiliac) joints since February. And despite having physical therapy twice a week for the last two months, I’m seeing little (if any) improvement.
My hip alignment is off. My paraspinal (skeletal) muscles are spasming. I’m having lower back pain on both sides now (it used to be just on my left side). And I’m having hip pain & the tiniest twinges radiating down my legs. The leg pain is barely noticeable, but it’s a familiar pain (from both before and immediately following surgery) and it scares me to death.
Considering the above, attempting to run right now seems absurd – at least it feels that way to me. And my physical therapists agree. Until we get my acute symptoms under control, running is off the table.
Truth? I’m okay with this. I’m cringing right now just at the thought of trying to run around the block. I’m okay with waiting.
Physical Therapy after Spinal Surgery
In the meantime, I’m continuing to work my butt off in PT. We started out working on my core and hip strength & flexibility. But most of those exercises ended up causing lower back pain. So we’ve recently scaled back my exercises to focus on core & pelvic floor strength. These exercises don’t hurt, and I feel like I’m getting a pretty good core workout from them.
Here’s a list of my current physical therapy exercises:
- Transverse Abdominal Activation (drawing bellybutton to spine & holding for 5 seconds)
- Pelvic Floor Activation
- Glute Activation
- Hip Abduction Ball Squeeze
- Hip Abduction with Theraband
- Prone Prop
- Prone Hip Extension
- McKenzie Side Glide
- Single Leg Balance
In addition to the exercises, my physical therapists use a combination of TENS therapy, massage, and SI joint manipulation. I’ve also started riding a stationary bike in PT. The upright bike puts too much strain on my back, so I’m using the recumbent bike for now.
Outside of PT, I’ve started taking water aerobics classes at a local pool. They’re fun, and I can do most of the exercises without straining my back. Plus they make me feel super young & spry.
I’m still walking on the beach pretty regularly, but I’ve had to scale back my walks. If the sand is too soft or uneven, it aggravates my hips and back. This has been a hard adjustment, as my beach walks bring me great joy. But hopefully it’s just a short-term sacrifice, and I’ll be able to get back to my long low tide walks once my joints & muscles start to cooperate.
Spinal Fusion Recovery: My Next Step
While I like my neurosurgeon, there have been gaps in my continuity of care. As I mentioned, I was released from my surgeon’s care at 3 months post-op. At that time, I received no formal referrals, other than instructions to call if I had a problem and to follow up with my PCP. With the exception of a few exercises (sit-ups, push-ups, and crunches), my restrictions were completely lifted. Physical therapy was presented as optional and probably not necessary. I was given a few medication refills and sent on my merry way.
Well, my way has stopped being merry.
My surgical team is reluctant to treat me unless I’m having problems directly related to my fusion (e.g., a broken screw). And while my PCP was certainly well-intentioned, I don’t think the solution is as simple as starting to run again – at least not yet. First I need some answers. Is my hardware intact? Have my bones fully fused? Are my SI joints the true source of my pain, or could it be something else? Are new nerves being compressed?
After talking with some friends, I’ve decided that an orthopedic doctor may be my best option at this point. Hopefully I can find one who’s willing to see me. I’ll keep you posted.
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Shelley Linde says
This is very interesting. I had fusion 10 years ago. I was a professional ballet dancer and ran distance after that ended. I taught pilates, dance, aerobics and yoga. The running became an addiction, it gave me a sense of freedom and vitality. It was calming and meditative. I hate walking, boring. Anyway the surgery was a nightmare. I had no choice but to have surgery because I could barely walk. I would love to run or dance however I know the next disc up wouldn’t be happy and I do not want another surgery.
Lisa says
I’ve been following your story for a while now; I’m a post op fusion L4/L5 December 7th, so you’re just a bit ahead of me in recovery. I see you had a spinal leak…I had one three days post op and my drainage port was still in so I lost a lot of spinal fluid. They put my bed in Trendelenberg position (feet up) for here days, but it all extended my hospital stay to 12 days. Having SI joint issues as well and I’m going into pain management on Tuesday for an si joint shot. I don’t have hip pain but I’ve got the si pain on right side with muscular tenderness all along the right side of the spine. I had an orthopedist do my surgery and while I’m ahead of schedule for hardening of the fusion, im not where he’d like me to be pain level wise. I’m praying this shot will provide real help…praying you will find answers and relief as well.
sharon says
Hey Lisa. I’m sorry you’re not doing as well as you’d hoped. 12 days in the hospital must have sucked -this surgery is no joke. Not sure if you follow me on Instagram as well, but I posted there that I had a myelogram and a subsequent spinal leak last week (this was my 2nd spinal leak). I’m really anxious to see my films – I have no idea what to do next, and I feel like no one is really taking the lead with my treatment. I’ve heard good things about the SI joint injections – will you let me know how yours goes?
Lisa says
Absolutely, I’ll let you know. I had sciatica for 13 years with no relief but the severity lessened after the first few years. But then the low back pain began about four years ago. I had lots of shots in the past but they didn’t help my sciatica. This is for a different reason, I believe. My surgery did help the sciatica, but this back pain is not the same pain as it was from degenerative disc, but on a pain scale, worse. Mentally difficult not to let myself panic and regret doing this. But my faith in the Lord carries me daily, as well as prayers from my church family.
Lisa says
Hi Sharon, it’s been 6 days since the SI shot and no difference yet. First few days were miserable. Very sore. Then it settled back to same level of pain, which is basically…I’m in bed, ice packs, pain killers, can’t walk too far. I had one day, Saturday, where I felt a slight improvement and I bent down to place a small container of juice on the floor and I heard/felt a pop on that same right side. Ow. Tomorrow will be a week (should have seen an improvement within a week); plan is to call my doctor to see what’s next. Definitely want to be seen and have a new MRI. I know I have degeneration on other levels but my fear is that they’ve deteriorated faster than I thought they would after my fusion. (It’s not even 6 months!). I would still get the shot if you’re thinking about it…from what I understand, it’s the best diagnostic way to determine if the si joint is the culprit. I’ll keep you posted. How are you feeling? xoxo Lisa
sharon says
Oh man. It’s been a couple of days since you wrote – still nothing? I wish it had gone better for you. I’m actually doing relatively well. My SI joint finally settled down. But (I don’t remember if I mentioned this) my activity level is basically zero, besides every day life stuff. No exercise, no stretching, no PT. Still trying to figure out the long term plan. Next step for me is lab work. Please keep me posted. I’m thinking about you. xo
Lisa says
Hi Sharon,
No change at all from the shot so that rules out si joint problem. Next step is MRI hopefully this week. Just waiting for insurance approval. When asked, my doctor said another surgery is NOT on his radar, so get that demon out of my head. Possible causes: joint above or below is inflamed and they will either do a nerve block or kill the nerve; other option is that it’s the hardware itself. Body may just not like it. So they would inject around the screws to help for pain (and also confirm), but you’d have to wait 1-2 years to be 100% fused and then they go in and back out the screws. MRI should hopefully tell them what’s going on. Praying for you and just about to watch your next video!
Lisa
Kerry says
I think Orthopedic is one of the better options to go. Thanks for sharing.
Renée says
You sound like you are doing what you can and following exercise instructions. these things take time I guess! Not the same AT ALL, but last year I had foot surgery and I was so very foolish to think that within a month I’d be up and running and training for a marathon again. I knocked everything out of whack and have had lots of back issues since (I do a few McKenzie’s myself and have had shots for my sciatic nerve). Needless to say, I’m a year further and feeling like I might *finally* be really recovered now.
I hope you are up and running soon.
Christine @ Into the Glimmer says
Oh wow! Sorry to hear you’re still having trouble. I’d be freaked out about running, too, if I were you. I can’t believe your PCP gave the all clear. Some people would hear that and just go right back out on the road, so it’s probably good you’re listening to your body and taking time to heal.
HoHo Runs says
Welcome to the Weekly Wrap, Sharon. Oh my goodness. I certainly know how frustrating injuries can be, but I can’t imagine what it’s like to come back after fusion surgery. I really admire you for doing whatever you can and the water aerobics class sounds like a great option. It is very odd the surgeon said that physical therapy was optional. I would think it would be mandatory. I hope you can find the right doctor who can get to the root of your issues. Hang in there! Thanks for linking.
AmyC says
It sounds like you are doing the best thing for your body and I hope you find some answers soon. It so great to see you do wycwyc 😉
sharon says
Thank you – I’m frustrated, but I’m pushing on. Giving up is not an option.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I can’t imagine the change in your alignment and mechanics after a spinal fusion. I’d be scared to run too. Have you considered sports medicine? I’ve had really good luck with them–sometimes they’re more knowledgeable about running than ortho.
Hang in there!
sharon says
Yes, totally true. Everything feels crooked. My physical therapist literally has to pull on my legs to make them the same length almost every session.
My primary care doctor also specializes in sports medicine, so hopefully that will be an asset down the road. I wound up in his office back in 2015 when I thought my back & hip pain was related to a running injury. Never would’ve imagined what came next. Oh well. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Fairytales and fitness says
You know your body best!
Water areobics sounds fun!
sharon says
Water aerobics is fun! Love hanging with the 60+ crowd – those women are hilarious! 🙂
uprunforlife says
Please find a good orthopedic dr to help you. I am so sorry that you are struggling still with your back. I have had countless issues with mine but it was necessary. My pain dr told me that when they fuse L5-S1 that it increases the load on your SI joints by 5. You already know that those joints aren’t supposed to move much and now they are having to take more pressure. Plus, they can send referring pain in your hips/down your leg.
Have they tried rolling your IT band? It is something that happens after surgery too. Plus, the Piriformis syndrome can also cause problems too. Nerves and tight muscles from the surgery are to blame.
I had an MRI on my back just to make sure that L4 wasn’t taking too much pressure. The MRI revealed that the disc (dr left it in between the hardware) was still pushing on a nerve.
I hope you start feeling better. It is frustrating to deal with ongoing problems. I feel like I live at the dr and the physical therapy office.
sharon says
Thanks – you cross my mind often, and I always hope you’re doing better. They don’t foam roll at PT, but I do it at home. And I use a tennis ball a lot.
I am having a myelogram next week, so hopefully that will help me figure out what to do next with my treatment. I feel kind of on my own with all this, like I’m having to make healthcare decisions that a doctor should be making. Maybe an orthopedist will be the answer. I tried to make an appointment with one and he asked to review my surgical records before agreeing to see me. So at this point I’m going to wait until after the myelogram and go from there. I’m very nervous…have you ever had one?
uprunforlife says
I haven’t ever heard of the myelogram. I probably should have one done too. In 2011, I had a discogram. They put a contrest dye into my disc. The disc at L5 hurt like crazy. He did the disc above and it didn’t hurt.
If you can’t find an orthopedic dr that will see you, seek out a pain mangement dr. Be sure they specialize in sports medicine. I would be open to try it, they won’t push meds unless you need them. My pain management dr does all of my steriod injections in my back. I am also aiming to have injections in my si joints too. I know they are part of my problem but drs say that pain in the low back can radiate too. It is a process of trial and error.
I also am still in physical therapy and get therapeutic massages. See if you can find a DBC program in your area: https://dbcamerica.com. My dr swears by this program and has seen it benefiting many patients. I haven’t gotten a ton of relief from it though but I have multiple issues with my health. I do it because it is important to keep those muscles strong.
I really hope that you can find a good orthopedic dr or pain management dr.