Had spinal fusion. Can I lift weights and play sports?
Patient: how are you doing i had spinal fusion l5 s1 rods screws and cage ( i wish i never rushed into it i personally didnt think i needed it well not right away any how my doctor kinda rushed me inot it i should never have listened) my question to you with it fully healed 2 years out now how strong is it, what kind of abuse can it with stand and what can i do and no do. Can i lift weights play sports etc im a 25 year old very healthy male other wise and very active well once was i am just so scared to re injury it i just dont know how strong something like this heals every time i ask a doctor i never get a straight answer or any answer really. I am also a iron worker i build sky scrapers just like you see on tv. So thats it and what else can i do to make it strong like lifting weights will that help right now i have no pain hardly at all and ever i just want to get back to my normal life without worrying what i can and cant do please help me with your best educated answer!!! you can reach me at YYYY@YYYY my name is ryan thank you very much!! Doctor: Hi Ryan. If it has been 2 years and if ur not having low back pain, it is likely that there is fusion between L5 and S1 which is the main aim of inserting screws and placing a cage. An x ray of your lumbosacral spine will confirm the fusion. If there is still doubt in xray ..then a CT scan will surely confirm the fusion. Once you confirm that it has fused, then there is no need to worry...U can bend, lift weight and lead a normal life.