Return to Normal Life
Convalescence
The typical recovery time is 6 to 8 weeks. Rest and walking are recommended during the first 2 to 4 weeks, then light daily activities are resumed gradually. Physical activities and moderate exercise can be started from the 8th week.
Exercise capacity increases throughout the year following surgery.
In the long term, there is no contraindication to any sport or any specific activity in patients with Prodisc® L artificial discs, as spinal mobility and strength between vertebrae have been fully restored.
MSK Rehabilitation
Your musculoskeletal (MSK) clinician already understands your clinical history, your functional limitations before surgery, and your rehabilitation aims. They have an important role in your rehabilitation, especially if your objective is to return to physically demanding work or sports.
The duration and intensity of your rehabilitation plan will depend on your pre-operative mobility, the degree of muscle deconditioning, the number of vertebral levels treated with Prodisc® L, and your personal goals.
Whilst SpinePro actively collaborates with MSK clinicians, we do not offer MSK therapy services directly.
Resuming Activities
Following Prodisc® L Disc Replacement, the majority of patients will enjoy a life free from back pain & sciatica with a full return to strenuous activities and sports.
However, a small percentage of patients may experience the persistence of either lower back pain or sciatica at a reduced level than before surgery.
Feeling pain is the only limitation to activity, whether during recovery or afterwards.
It is important to note that the body requires time to heal and ‘too much exercise, too soon’ can slow down the recovery process and exacerbate transient post operative symptoms.
After one year, spinal mobility & strength are usually fully restored.
Sporting pursuits (golf, football, kitesurfing, skiing, tennis, running, etc.) and professional activities (office work, driving, construction, agriculture, etc.) are no longer hampered by the pain caused by degenerative disc disease.