Back Safety Precautions

(Lateral Lumbar Fusion)

You are required to use a walker for a minimum of 2 weeks to protect your spine and prevent psoas muscle overuse. After this type of back surgery, you may have weakness of your hip on the side of the incision.

Walker use: When using the walker, walk with your body inside the walker base, keeping your hips beside your hands.

There are three movements to avoid to allow your spine to heal properly. We refer to them as the “BLT”. No bending, lifting, or twisting. Follow these precautions until cleared by your surgeon.

NO BENDING

• Do not bend forward to reach for your feet or items on the floor.

• Use your adaptive equipment to complete lower body dressing.

NO LIFTING

• Do not lift anything greater than 5-10 pounds (for example, a gallon of milk). 

NO TWISTING

• Always keep your hips and shoulders in line.

• Use the "log roll" technique when getting in and out of bed. 

What to expect as you heal:          

Now that your surgery is complete, you should start working on standing up straight again for improved posture and to reduce pressure on your spine.  It may feel awkward and/or uncomfortable at first.