3 Tips for Returning to Sports after Spine Surgery

Athletes who sustain spine injuries or develop spinal conditions that require surgery often assume that their athletic careers are over the minute they go under the knife. However, many professional and amateur athletes have returned to their sports after spine surgery. That being said, it’s important to keep your limits in mind when getting back into your athletic routine. In this article, we are going to offer a few tips for athletes who want to return to their sport after a minimally invasive keyhole spinal procedure.

Listen to your Surgeon

We have said it before, and we’ll say it again – listen to your surgeon’s post-op advice. If you only take one thing away from this article, let it be that. If you are considering returning to competitive sports after a spinal surgery, always ask your surgeon if they think it’s a good idea. It may be difficult to follow their recommendations but you will be better for it in the long run. Returning to sports too quickly after surgery can undo all the healing you’ve done. So listen to your surgeon and follow their recommendations after surgery.

Know Your Boundaries

If and when your surgeon gives you the green light to return to the field, court, rink, etc. you still need to know your limits. Your surgeon can give their best recommendation taking into account all the specifics of your situation, but they can’t feel what you’re feeling. If you begin to feel pain or numbness after returning to your sport, slow down. A gradual return may not be ideal, but it’s much better than pushing yourself too hard and having to start your post-op rehab all over again.

Don’t Deviate from your Prescriptions

After surgery, your surgeon will likely prescribe you some pain medication, as well as a physical therapy routine to help you recover. It is important to stick to these prescriptions – both the medications and the physical therapy exercises.

Inspired Spine’s minimally invasive keyhole procedures offer less risk, and shorter recovery times than traditional procedures. The Inspired OLLIF and Inspired MIS-DTIF procedures are particularly well-suited to athletes looking to return to their sport quickly after surgery. If you have any questions about these revolutionary Inspired Spine procedures, do not hesitate to contact us or find a provider in your area who performs Inspired Spine surgical procedures.