"Doug,
I’ve been tuning into your blog over the past several months… great
information. After many years of chronic back pain, I’m scheduled to for
a discectomy next month. I’m actually looking forward to getting some
relief. I have a lumbar support that I where sparingly, only during
strenuous activity. What is your take on rigid plate lumbar supports? "
Thanks,
N
Personally, I find the rigid lumbar supports uncomfortable. During my recovery and rebuilding, I used a System-Loc. It was comfortable and greatly reduced the motion in my spine.
A lumbar support is helpful but, like crutches, the purpose of a support is to help you get out of the support. Something to be aware of - surgeons will sometimes decide, almost on a whim, to take you out of the support. I've had clients who had worn a brace after surgery for several weeks and then one day, the surgeon decides the support is no longer needed. Of course, the spine muscles are completely unprepared for full body weight loads. What works better is a combination of gradual time out of the brace coupled with a rehab program designed to rebuild your core strength and endurance. Then, when you finally get out of the brace, your spine won't be so shocked.
Here's an article I wrote on the brace I used.
I hope your surgery goes well (and consider following that up with rehab to help you get on the right track) and that you feel better soon.
DK
"Doug,
I’ve been tuning into your blog over the past several months… great information. After many years of chronic back pain, I’m scheduled to for a discectomy next month. I’m actually looking forward to getting some relief. I have a lumbar support that I where sparingly, only during strenuous activity. What is your take on rigid plate lumbar supports? "
Thanks,
N
Personally, I find the rigid lumbar supports uncomfortable. During my recovery and rebuilding, I used a System-Loc. It was comfortable and greatly reduced the motion in my spine.
A lumbar support is helpful but, like crutches, the purpose of a support is to help you get out of the support. Something to be aware of - surgeons will sometimes decide, almost on a whim, to take you out of the support. I've had clients who had worn a brace after surgery for several weeks and then one day, the surgeon decides the support is no longer needed. Of course, the spine muscles are completely unprepared for full body weight loads. What works better is a combination of gradual time out of the brace coupled with a rehab program designed to rebuild your core strength and endurance. Then, when you finally get out of the brace, your spine won't be so shocked.
Here's an article I wrote on the brace I used.
I hope your surgery goes well (and consider following that up with rehab to help you get on the right track) and that you feel better soon.
DK