[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

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[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

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

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