When can strenuous activity be resumed after spinal fusion?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a spinal fusion done from T8-T10 about four months ago. The doctor says that I am pretty much healed and can resume regular activities. My questions are, since that area (T8-T10) is not that mobile, would I be able to run, jump, play tennis, etc, in a year's time, compared to a fusion in the lumbar area and multiple levels? Are there fewer activity restrictions in the thoracic (T8-T10) area compared to the lumbar area?

I asked my doctor about the vertebrae above and below the fusion taking on more force over time, and my doctor said that more happens in the lumbar area. The doctor said that I could not play basketball for the rest of my life. Will it take a catastrophic accident to injure the fusion, or just simply running and jumping without any catastrophic injury?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you had a spinal fusion surgery done from T8-T10 four months back, and your query is about your ability to perform strenuous activities after one year from the time of your operation.

Actually, it will depend on your healing conditions or progress, as well as the health conditions at that particular time. Because it takes three to four months after surgery for bones to heal well, and healing may continue for at least a year. For that reason, avoid strenuous activities such as riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise until your doctor gives you permission to do so.

Once the surgeon confirms on the X-ray report that the fusion has completely solidified into one bone, then you can be able to come back fully to your active lifestyle. Strenuous activities like bending, jumping, running, lifting, or twisting may be permitted by your doctor. This permission usually occurs about six months after surgery. Again, it may take up to 12 months.

You should check up on your healing process routinely and without permission from your surgeon, avoid any type of strenuous activities because such type of activities may hamper your healing process.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Once the fusion becomes solid, it will be strong enough to do any strenuous activities. You will return to an active lifestyle, including running, jumping, bicycle riding, and bending like a quite normal person.

While playing basketball, there is a greater chance of becoming re-injured due to collisions with the opposite team's players. So you should avoid competitive sports in the near future to prevent any further injuries.

Otherwise, you will be able to perform all normal activities like a normal fit person. But before performing any type of activity, you should be permitted by your surgeon first.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.