[jayd10033]

#35021

7 weeks out from L3-4 XLIF. Cleared for PT and elliptical.

I was doing the elliptical, and I’ve probably done 5-6 workouts so far. I’ve noticed that I started to (and still have) now a little twinge in my low back, and some tingling down to the toes in both legs. Also it is now uncomfortable to sit for a super long time. Not like it was before, but I think maybe I tweaked something with those workouts. Obviously now I’ve stopped. But definitely feeling some radiating tingling and occasional ache. There is a kind of constant discomfort/tingling now. This all definitely started after the workouts.

Still taking the gabapentin and tylenol.

I did not have any of these sensations prior to the first workout. Is there any way elliptical exercise caused this? There is no disc left, so I don’t think I could have new herniation at that level.

Thank you

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#35022

In my opinion, 7 weeks is too early for an elliptical machine. Until the fusion level stiffens (at least 3-4 months), no up and down loading should be considered. A stationary bicycle and simple walking with hiking poles and pool walking should be the order of the day. Even though you don’t have a disc, you have a spacer (“stone”) wedged between two bony vertebra held together by thin ligaments and screws in the back of the spine (hopefully) which cannot withstand up and down pounding. I would back off.

Dr. Corenman

[jayd10033]

#35023

Definitely backing off. Is it possible I did real damage causing the pain (should I get an emergency appt and imaging)?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#35024

Unlikely. Give it two weeks to calm down.

Dr. Corenman

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