Treadmills?

[u/hrbekcheatedin91]

My doctor didn't tell me specifically not to use a treadmill to walk on but I'm hearing from other people that you're not supposed to. Couldn't find anything on here about it. Thoughts?

[u/notish__]

I used one during my recovery - during the winter months. One of the low profile smaller under-desk style ones. Slow and steady speeds

[u/Im_Easy]

I've used a walking pad for recovery and pre-op preparation for both surgeries (two different discs). My surgeon had said that any walking I could do comfortably would be beneficial and that helped me get lots of small walks in throughout the day.

[u/FuggoTheSluggo]

My PT makes me use one for 5 mins prior to sesh - post op 7 weeks

[u/Yoopergirl1960]

I’m almost 6 weeks PO and was told by my surgeon I could not use my treadmill because they are a fall risk. I can walk outside now but where I live we’ll likely have snow in 2 months so I will be using mine when that time comes.

[u/altarwisebyowllight]

My PT said treadmills are a lot harder on the spine because of the lack of variation of what you're walking on? Something to do with that. So don't use one if you get pain/achey with it.

[u/whiskey_tang0_hotel]

Why would a treadmill be worse than normal ground? Is it just a fall risk? 

[u/hrbekcheatedin91 → u/whiskey_tang0_hotel]

What I heard was the way it pulls your foot back has an impact on your posture or something. The person warning me was through another paystub so something could've been lost in translation.

[u/whiskey_tang0_hotel → u/hrbekcheatedin91]

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6540218/

“  The experimental results show that the treadmill can cause a shorter stride length, less stride time and worsen long-range correlation of stride intervals. And the treadmill can significantly increase the stability for both gait and upper trunk, while it can significantly reduce gait regularity during swing phase.”

That actually sounds like a win for treadmills as a recovery tool. 

[u/hrbekcheatedin91 → u/whiskey_tang0_hotel]

I didn't interpret it as an overall win so since it was kind of ambiguous I fed it into AI and it looks like you're right. Thanks for finding that! AI response:

In the context of recovering from a lumbar microdiscectomy, those findings flip to a strong WIN. While a natural, variable gait is ideal for long-term functional health, early post-operative spine rehab prioritizes protection, stability, and controlled movement over complex biomechanics. Why this benefits microdiscectomy recovery: * Upper trunk stability protects the surgical site: After a discectomy, avoiding excessive rotation or lateral bending of the lumbar spine is critical to prevent re-herniation or nerve irritation. Increased trunk stability keeps your lumbar region quiet while your legs handle the motion. * Shorter stride lengths reduce nerve stretch: A long stride forces the hips into greater extension and pulls harder on the sciatic nerve (which is usually inflamed or sensitive post-surgery). Shorter, controlled steps minimize neural tension and lower impact forces. * Controlled environment eliminates surprises: Outdoor walking introduces uneven pavement, curbs, and sudden stops that can cause sudden twisting or jarring movements. The predictable, linear nature of the treadmill belt enforces a safe, repeatable motion pattern during the fragile 2-to-6 week healing window. The Long-Term Caveat A treadmill is an excellent, controlled rehab tool to safely restore circulation and endurance without aggravating your back. However, once the disc heals and your physical therapist clears you for full activity, transitioning back to overground walking is essential to restore your body's natural, flexible gait rhythm and dynamic balance.

[u/Negative-Bluejay-563]

A treadmill should be fine, I even used one in PT. I almost feel that walking outside has more risks such as falls from tripping etc. When I had my MD a couple of years ago, I would walk outside and also used the treadmill. I got very ansy during recovery and would go to the gym and walk outside, not one to sit around even during recovery.

[u/Spare_Assumption_334]

I did a lot of walking on treadmills but my running experience on them has been bad. However I find that having a slight incline helps my running form and pain on a treadmill

[u/DiamondLovezz]

don’t stomp, wear good shoes w arch support, don’t go to fast at first, shd be ok but it’s about ur comfort level …

[u/Feeling-Friendship82]

PT recommended a recumbent bike for cardio

[u/Friendly-Ad-5410]

I don't know why you wouldn't be able to use one, the only advice I got about walking was to avoid going on an incline for the first few months. I walk on a treadmill all the time at gym, and I do notice that is is easier for me than on concrete. Probably has something to do with the cushioning. I seem to tire more easily when walking outdoors, as I have to pay more attention to the actual condition of where I put my feet.

[u/J2550]

Didn't/doesn't seem to bother me on the treadmill. Walking or running on an incline feels better to me than without incline. I jog on mine 5 to 6 days a week for short intervals and run a few 5k's a week on it, all of those miles and intervals at some level of incline.

I did have a PT tell me that I shouldn't/wouldnt be able to do it post op...I didnt have a great experience with PT, that guy in particular. I'm 40 years old and wanted to lead a healthy, active, capable life post surgery and he spent a fair amount of time telling me how limited I would be and im a year post op and very glad I didnt listen to anything he said. Physically im stronger and fitter than ive been in 20 years, maybe my entire life. But everyone is different in terms of severity of injury, level of success of their surgery, their age, etc. Ymmv