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Posted by Doug Landmann
I am 55 year old former ultramarathoner who developed severe lower back
pain which caused me first to decrease my mileage and then to stop
running completely. I pursued a course of physical therapy and gained
some relief. Over the next several years I saw both orthopedic and
neuro surgeons. The lower back and sciatic pain increased progressively
and finally in February of 2000 I had a laminectomy. Unfortunately that
surgery did not resolve the problem and my doctor recommended an
additional course of physical therapy. The problem continued and in
December of 2000 an anterior interbody spinal fusion at L4/L5 and L5/S1
was performed. I am in recuperation at this time wearing a brace for
the 8 weeks following surgery then gradually starting a more vigorous
exercise program.
My doctor has recommended that I never run again. I will follow this
advise unless the evidence is clear that running would not compromise
the fusion mass or put at risk the other vertebrae of my back. My
doctor has been unable to explain what could happen other than to say it
is not recommended. I am wondering if this is the standard legal
disclaimer or if there is some concrete reason(s) to follow this
advise. Without question, any running would not be undertaken until
after the 6 month x-rays confirm complete fusion.
I would appreciate hearing from any runners who have had back surgery or
others that have dealt with the struggle to get back into running over
the objections of the medical profession.
