The sooner you become active, the sooner you'll get back to normal. But you also need to protect your back so it can heal. Try to increase your activity level steadily but gradually. Begin walking as soon as you get home. Be sure to follow any guidelines from your doctor or physical therapist.
Expect to feel weak and tired when you first get home. But you should feel a little stronger each day. You'll probably be sore around the incision. You may still have some pain, tingling, or numbness in your back or legs. This should decrease gradually as the nerves heal. Keep moving as much as you can without increased pain.
Increased pain for more than two hours after an activity usually means you've done too much too soon. Don't just reach for the pain pills. Take pain as a warning sign to slow down and pay attention to your posture and movements. Make sure you're bracing your abdominal muscles and keeping your ears, shoulders, and hips in line.
By about the sixth week, your back is well on the way to healing. If you're using correct posture and movements and exercising regularly, you should feel better and be able to do more each week. Continue to let pain be a warning to slow down.
Walking is the best exercise after back surgery. It strengthens your back and leg muscles and increases your endurance. It also relieves stress, which can cause the muscles in your back to tighten. Begin walking around the house. Build up to taking several walks a day. Brace your abdominal muscles and take medium strides.
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