POST PROCEDURE PROTOCOL FOR LUMBAR SPINE PROCEDURES
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No NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Naprosyn, and Aleve x 2 weeks
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Pain: Tylenol for mild pain and if needed use mild narcotic provided
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Driving restrictions: No driving until able to safely move foot from gas to brake if right hip,
and/or safely use clutch if left hip. -
Work restrictions: Depends on duration of weight bearing restrictions
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Exercise restrictions: 2 weeks relative rest followed by 4 weeks progressive PT. No running, jumping, or deep squats until 8 weeks.
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Use Lumbar support brace for __________ days constant, _____ days PRN with increased
activity -
Use crutches (partial weight bearing) until able to walk normally without limp
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Limit rotational movement of body/low and extension arching of the back for 4 days
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Avoid overhead work or lifting/weight bearing overhead for 1 week
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Avoid rotation motion with weight with for 1 week
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Use SI belt for 3-4 days continuously and then for 4-6 weeks with ambulation
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f/u for PT in 5-7 days
Activities: In general, with strength and activities, keep pain level below 4/10.
First 2 Weeks:
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Strengthening/Motion: Isometrics always good. Non weight bearing and passive range of motion is good too. Try to get full range of motion by 2 weeks.
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Walking: No hiking. May walk on flat ground initially for 10-15 minutes. If this goes well, may walk 5 minutes longer the next day.
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Cycling: May gently ride stationary bike for 15 minutes after week 1. Exertion level 1-3/10
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Swimming: May use pull buoy after week 1. No kicking.
Weeks 2-4:
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-Strengthening/Motion: Start gentle low load closed chain concentric/eccentrics.
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-Walking: May begin gentle hiking (no more than 30 minutes), watch hip angles.
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-Cycling: May ride 30 minutes. No getting out of the saddle till after week 3. Exertion 4-6/10
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-Swimming: May begin gentle kicking mixed with pull buoy. No more than 1⁄2 -1 mile.
Weeks 4-6:
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Strengthening/Motion: Progress to moderate load, progressive strengthening.
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Walking: May progress to longer hikes up to 60 minutes, still no big step-ups.
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Cycling: May ride 60 minutes. May get out of saddle. Exertion 7-9/10 during intervals
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Swimming: May swim up to 1-2 miles now. Still encourage breaks with buoy.