Originally Posted by
Clipped_in
I herniated my L4/L5 spinal disk back in August and had a laminectomy performed yesterday. I'm now off my bike for 6 weeks to recover. I'll be walking as much as I can, focusing on no weight gain, trying to build my upper body a little bit, but 6 weeks is a long time for me to not ride.
Any suggestions on how to use this time most productively?
I had the same surgery in 2002, same level, L4/L5. I recovered quickly with little residual sciatic pain. First, listen to your doc. If your injury and surgery was like mine, sitting and bending at the waist is difficult at first, so walking is the easiest form of exercise. It will strengthen your core and improve your range of motion. After a couple of weeks, you may be able to swim which will help cardio. Since I live in the snow belt, I also was able to cross country ski on the flats within 3 weeks of surgery (be careful not to fall). If you live near hiking trails with elevation changes that will help also.
Watch your caloric intake. Your metabolism is burning way less than when you were riding.
I would be really careful of upper body workouts unless you can use a machine that does not place any load on your back!
When you do begin riding again, you may have to raise your stem to limit your bending. Gradually, your flexibility will return. Hopefully to it's orginal state.
You will be surprised how fast you will recover.
Stay positive and enjoy the pain relief.