Has anyone gone back to running after a back surgery?

[babyruth]

I had a surgery for a herniated disc 8 years ago. I used to run 5ks before that. When I was in PT I was told I probably shouldn't ever run again. My current primary doc says, stop if it hurts LOL. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with this. I'm in OK shape. I go to spin classes and yoga, do mild weight training and walk my dog. So I'm not sedentary, but I think running might help me shave off a few pounds. As I get older that's definitely getting harder. Plus we are cruising in February and as I love all things Disney I wanted to do the Castaway Cay 5k! I've also had a pregnancy since then and didn't have any issues. I take a medication for residual nerve pain, from the damage that was done prior to the surgery. Thanks for any input!

 

[Wendy98]

I don't have firsthand experience with back surgery (just back issues the past few years), but by all means run. If it hurts, then stop.

 

[disneygpa]

15 months ago I was involved in a car accident and fractured my L1. I'm fused from T12 to L2, nice shiny plates and screws. The first thing I asked the surgeon after the bad news was if I could run again? She said she didn't see any problem with getting back to running. I started off with VERY short walks and then short 10 second jogs and walking, then a min... etc etc... It took 5 months after surgery to run 2 miles at a decent clip. Now I'm happy to say that I just completed my second half marathon!!

My advice would be to listen to your doc... maybe go see a back specialist before running.

My post op doc pretty much said the same thing your primary said. As long as it doesn't hurt go ahead.

Good luck!!

 

[Z-Knight]

June 2018 I had Neck disc replacement surgery - I have one fake disc now. I was back to "jogging" at 6 weeks but very slow - 12+ minute miles at best and very short distances. I went from a 4 hour marathoner to 5-6 hours ... and I am still struggling to get back to form and shape. Being bedridden for 10 weeks and slow running for the next year has caused weight gain. I'm now 1 year and 3 months after surgery and still struggling to lose weight and get faster. I've done 2 marathon during that time and finally can at least get my 5k times down to 23 minutes - they could be even lower if I lose the weight. Surgery sucks but pain also sucks so I hope you continue getting better.

 

[RunDopey]

Following this with interest, as I had a car accident 10 days ago with a wedge fracture of L3. <Waves to @disneygpa > I agree that contacting a doc would be a good start.

I have been able to walk on our elliptical for 65 min X3 without any pain in the last week. Supposed to do a 170 mile bike ride in two weeks with my wife (fingers crossed) and Dopey in January.