Exercise regimen post 2nd lumbar disk surgery

creekman · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 08:59 PM

I guess this really shows my ignorance but what is ADR? James

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 02:15 AM

An ADR is artificial disc replacement. Your own disc is literally removed surgically and a metal one is put in it's place. Though there are now several choices in design, keel and core, this decision will permantly alter your spine for the rest of your life, but then again, so do discectomies.

This is an education and perhaps something you might want to explore should your second surgery fail, but don't cross that bridge until you have too.

Please make sure that whatever exercise regimen you choose, the instructor is well informed about back injuries/surgeries.

Hindsight is 20/20 vision. I wish now that I never had my first two surgeries but can't tell you if I would or wouldn't have made the same decision. Deciding on adr surgery is not something you enter into lightly.

Best of luck to you, Dale

Poncho · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 05:24 AM

Oh dear, I'm sorry for abbreviating....I will try to do better next time.

Dale couldn't have explained it better.

At the top of this webpage site, Mark has provided some pics of artificial discs.

Hopefully, you will not need more surgery. However, artificial disc replacement may be a viable option if you need it down the road. Then again, who knows - they may be regrowing this in tissue cultures on a regular basis replacing the need for disc replacement or fusion. One can only hope.

Take care and I hope you are able to obtain some insights from your healthcare providers soon in regards to therapy.

TTYL,
Poncho

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 04:00 PM

Sounds like you are in good shape in terms of fitness/exercise.
I have had two discectomies, L5S1 first which was successful but did rebulge, and L4 which was a failed surgery and rebulged as well. Small bulges but apparently painful as per discogram concordancy for pain.

If it were me in your shoes I'd probably be somewhat careful in building back up to a certain level of activity, however, unless otherwise restricted by pain, recover as much ground as you are able in time, and be careful not to really do stupid things that put an overload on the surgerized discs...

That may be impossible. I know I continue to do things that would be considered *stupid* based on my spinal history tho it just seems "natural" and I do it and then pay~ ouchh... probably why my back is such mess and I'm slated for further surgery!

take care, good luck~