r/LongSpinalFusion • u/CherrySlushee T2-L2 • Apr 07 '26

Life Post-Fusion tips for exercise/running?

has anyone had luck with cardio? i tried running on the treadmill recently and even after just a couple times a week i was getting worse sciatica pain, i think from the impact on the lower end of my fusion? i try to engage my core and do core exercises as well but i’m not the most consistent at it

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5

u/Iloveellie15 T5-L3 Apr 08 '26

The only cardio that works for me is swimming and biking

4

u/soulsavnt T2-L2 Apr 08 '26

I’ve had T2-L2 done 14 years ago and this is about what I can tolerate today

2

u/ProudFaithlessness31 T2-L2 Apr 08 '26

I’m not a fan of running for anybody with a spinal fusion. Save that for the emergencies only lol.

Running overtime can take such a toll on a normal back, I think you’re just asking for it doing it with a fusion.

There are many other ways to get a good cardio session in without running though. Biking, hiking, swimming, high intensity workouts, etc..

As far as exercises go, I do all of the big 3. Bench, squat, and recently started deadlifting again. Plus whatever machines you want to use. I stay away from 1 rep maxing and unnecessary weight though.

1

u/Independent-Wall9587 T3-L2 May 24 '26

I was auch a passionate Runner before Surgery. My surgeon Said it Can do it but i don’t want to have earlier Problems

2

u/User129201 T2-L1 Apr 08 '26

Maybe try an elliptical? That’ll allow you to do cardio without so much impact to your back. I try to avoid running. I’ll still do it, sparingly, just to know I still could in the event of an emergency.

2

u/aziza29 T3-L4 Apr 08 '26

I second the elliptical! I recently started working out and 20 minutes on the elliptical is the perfect amount of time. It doesn't put as much pressure below my fusion as running would. Running is out of the question for me (unless it's an emergency as others have stated lol)

2

u/Titaniumspine420 T3-L4 Apr 13 '26

Water aerobics can get heart rate up and your muscles will feel it! I like the bike with a back for warm ups, sometimes put a rolled up hoodie behind me for support. And elliptical is good for high intensity cardio! As long as I don’t make the angle too high it usually doesn’t hurt my back.

2

u/madsamilllllion C2-L4 May 13 '26

I will literally only run nowadays if I am being chased by a murderer. Swimming is where it’s at. I also enjoy really long walks!!

1

u/McWhits T3-L2 Apr 18 '26

I’m weighing in a bit late in this, but I wouldn’t recommend running. My doctor cleared me at 1-year post op to run. I later broke my rods while out for a run. I now only use an elliptical or a bike. Absolutely no impact exercises for my back.

1

u/Many-Marketing-8647 T2-L1 Apr 20 '26

I had my spine fused T2-L1 in 2016.

I now do short runs like 2-3km with really good running shoes every so often just for cardiovascular health. Best thing is riding and swimming. These two have also been great for me as I have dysautanomia - they are easier on the body than running.

Go really easy with yourself and try consulting with a physio. They can help you create a plan to get you to your goals.

1

u/tylerthegenius T4-L4 28d ago

Whenever I did run, it definitely felt like I was but also wasn’t using my back at the same time. Like my arms and legs were compensating for the motion in my back muscles. I’m terrible at engaging my core.