I have recently been diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and may have to have a laminectomy and fusion surgery.
I'm wondering if any other swimmers have had this type of surgery, and what swimming is like after it's done?
Forgot to mention the problem is in my lumbar section. (L3-L5)
I assume the stenosis in the lumbar area is foraminal stenosis? Narrowing of the intervertebral foramin ("holes") where the nerve come out? And not stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal where the spinal cord is? If it is the former, generally back extension causes more pain as that closes up the spaces where the nerves are coming out even more. Unfortunately, most swimming is in the position of some back extension. This is just an FYI. So after surgery (as evidenced by the previous post), follow the surgeon's instructions and do what you are told. You must let the bone heal. Then start your physical therapy which will focus on core strengthening. This will help keep you in a good position in the water. Everyone is different, but recovery from this surgery takes time and you must let everything heal. Pain longer than 1 hour after you have done something mean that you have done too much. Hopefully, you can return to swimming and all will be well! This is my perspective as a physical therapist and a swimmer.
I assume the stenosis in the lumbar area is foraminal stenosis? Narrowing of the intervertebral foramin ("holes") where the nerve come out? And not stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal where the spinal cord is? If it is the former, generally back extension causes more pain as that closes up the spaces where the nerves are coming out even more. Unfortunately, most swimming is in the position of some back extension. This is just an FYI. So after surgery (as evidenced by the previous post), follow the surgeon's instructions and do what you are told. You must let the bone heal. Then start your physical therapy which will focus on core strengthening. This will help keep you in a good position in the water. Everyone is different, but recovery from this surgery takes time and you must let everything heal. Pain longer than 1 hour after you have done something mean that you have done too much. Hopefully, you can return to swimming and all will be well! This is my perspective as a physical therapist and a swimmer.
