Disc protrusion surgery is recommended when symptoms of this condition interfere with your day-to-day routines and do not respond to more conservative treatments. Whether you’re just starting to consider surgery as a treatment option or have already scheduled your surgery, learning what to expect following the surgery is important to a successful recovery.

Recovering from disc protrusion surgery

Before your procedure, your surgeon will provide you with guidelines on what to expect during your recovery period. An important aspect of your recovery is getting active again as soon as possible to help maintain mobility as you heal. However, there are certain exercises that are best avoided following a disc protrusion surgery, as they can cause more harm than good for your spine. Some exercises that you should avoid include:

1. Twisting stretches. Movements that involve twisting the spine, such as those commonly found in yoga, can be harmful following a disc protrusion procedure. Try more gentle stretches that extend the spine without twisting it.
2. Running or jogging. The impact each time your foot hits the ground is absorbed by the discs in the spine and should be avoided following a disc protrusion. Instead, walking or water aerobics can provide similar benefits while eliminating the impact on the spine.
3. Weightlifting. Lifting weights can put strain on the spine, especially if lifted above the head. When working with weights, it’s better to use them for exercises that raise them no higher than your shoulders to keep the back protected.
4. Toe touches. Bending forward to touch the toes can put strain on the discs and other parts of the spine. To protect the back while getting in a hamstring stretch, try lying on your back and pulling your leg up in the air instead.
5. Sit-ups and crunches. While these exercises are primarily intended to work out the abdomen, they often cause unnecessary strain on the lower back. A safer alternative is a bridge exercise, in which you lie on your back and lift your hips in the air.

While these tips can be used as general guidelines, it’s important to listen to your body and stop any exercise that causes back pain. You can consult with your physician to determine which exercises may be most beneficial for you following disc protrusion surgery.

Disc protrusion surgery at USA Spine Care

USA Spine Care specializes in providing minimally invasive surgery to treat various spinal conditions. Requiring less than a 1-inch incision, our minimally invasive procedures have no lengthy recovery compared to traditional open neck or back surgery.^ If you’d like to learn more about receiving disc protrusion surgery at USA Spine Care, contact us today.

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