For a decompression procedure done using minimally invasive techniques, you need to wait
at least four weeks
before working out. If your decompression surgery was more complex, you may need to wait as long as six months.
What exercises can I do after laminectomy?
- Postural Correction. …
- Walking Exercise Program. …
- Prone Press Ups. …
- Prone Straight Leg Raise. …
- Sciatic Nerve Gliding. …
- Supine Lumbar Flexion. …
- Posterior Pelvic Tilt. …
- Hip and Core Strengthening.
What can you not do after a laminectomy?
Avoid strenuous activities, such
as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise
, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
How long does it take to fully recover from a laminectomy?
After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you are usually able to return to light activity (desk work and light housekeeping) within a few days to a few weeks. If you also had spinal fusion with your laminectomy, your recovery time will likely be longer — from
two to four months
.
Can I run after a laminectomy?
Running, jogging, treadmill, elliptical, and swimming laps are usually possible
within 4-6 weeks
. Again, those heavier activities are possible 4-6 months after surgery.
How soon can you walk after a laminectomy?
This is usually
2 to 3 weeks after a laminectomy and discectomy
and 4 to 6 weeks after a lumbar fusion. Narcotic pain medications will delay your reflex time. Begin with short trips first and get out of the car every 30 to 45 minutes to walk around and reposition.
Do you need physical therapy after a laminectomy?
In general, you should expect to start
physical therapy 4 to 6 weeks after your lumbar laminectomy
or discectomy. If there were any post-operative complications like infection or excessive bleeding, then you may need to wait a bit longer.
Is laminectomy a major surgery?
Laminectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications
. You may have less invasive treatment options available.
How successful is laminectomy surgery?
The present prospective study of 170 patients with follow up from 1 to 11 years (average 5.1 years) showed the success rate of decompressive laminectomy to be
70.8% for lumbar stenosis
, 66.6% for lumbar stenosis and herniated lumbar disc, and 63.6% for lateral recess stenosis.
Why do Laminectomies fail?
One of the most common causes is
damage to the spinal nerve root
. This damage may not have been caused by the surgery itself, but the procedure did not help it recover from the trauma it previously experienced. Another possible cause is the formation of scar tissue as the body tries to heal itself after surgery.
Can I lift weights after a laminectomy?
Following decompression surgery, you should
refrain from heavy lifting for six weeks
. You can start back to cardiovascular conditioning at three to four weeks, and can start physical therapy about one month after surgery. With good progress in physical therapy, a return to sports can be expected at three to six months.
Has anyone had a laminectomy?
I had a lumbar laminectomy on May 1st on L3-S1 to relieve degenerative disc and spinal stenosis. Surgery went fine. I took it easy for several weeks. At 6 weeks I got the go ahead to do physical therapy.
How long does it take for muscles to heal after back surgery?
Discectomy/laminectomy—if you have had a discectomy the recovery rate is between three and six months. Soft tissue such as muscle, ligament and disc takes
12 weeks
for full healing to take place.
How painful is laminectomy surgery?
You can expect your
back to feel stiff or sore after surgery
. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery.
How long is hospital stay for laminectomy?
A hospital stay of
1 to 4 days
is typically required following a lumbar laminectomy surgery. During this period, the patient is monitored by the hospital staff for any complications.
How long before nerve pain goes away after laminectomy?
Sometimes this is a temporary condition as the nerve root or roots take time to heal. This
can take days to weeks
. If the pain is still there after 3 months, it is unlikely to improve on its own.
