Ankle pumps
Pump the feet up and down to keep the blood moving.
- 20 times
- Every hour while awake
Should feel: The calf working Should not feel: Calf pain or swelling — tell us
Home / Patient library / Exercise sheets / Sheet 91
After screw fixation of a broken back (thoracolumbar spine)
Neck & back · After spine surgery
Count the weeks from the day of your operation. The date is on your discharge card.
If your doctor wrote a different plan on your prescription, follow that instead of this page.
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Weeks 0–2
Sit up and walk from the first days after the operation, with help at first and with the Taylor brace on. Put the brace on while lying down, then roll onto your side and push up with your arms. Short walks, often. Keep the ankles moving to protect against clots.
Weight bearing Full, in the brace, as comfortable, unless we have told you otherwise.
Quad sets
Sit with the leg straight. Press the back of the knee down and tighten the thigh.
- Hold 5 seconds
- 10 times
- 3 times a day
Should feel: The thigh muscle tightening Should not feel: Knee pain
Walking
Walk in short blocks. Sit before the pain builds, then carry on.
- Little and often
- Every day
Should feel: Distance building slowly Should not feel: Pushing through heavy legs
Not yet Bending forward, twisting, lifting, or driving. Sitting on the floor, squatting or using an Indian toilet — until we have told you it is safe.
Move to the next stage only after we have seen you, and the X-ray if one was planned.
Weeks 2–6
Stitches out. Wear the brace whenever you are up: sitting, standing and walking. You can take it off in bed and to bathe. Walk a little further each day. Carry on with the earlier exercises.
Weight bearing Full, in the brace.
Walking
Weight-bearing walking loads the bone and helps it stay strong.
- 30 minutes
- Most days
Should feel: Comfortable exercise Should not feel: Sudden back pain — stop and tell us
Straight leg raise
Lie down, one knee bent. Keep the other knee straight and lift the leg 20 cm.
- 10 times
- 3 times a day
Should feel: The thigh working Should not feel: The knee bending or back pain
Standing hip extension
Hold a chair. Take the leg backwards, keeping it straight.
- 10 times
- Daily each side
Should feel: The buttock working Should not feel: Arching the back
Not yet Bending, twisting or lifting, or riding a two-wheeler. Sitting on the floor, squatting or using an Indian toilet — until we have told you it is safe.
Move to the next stage only after we have seen you, and the X-ray if one was planned.
Weeks 6–12
Keep wearing the brace whenever you are up, for 12 weeks in all, unless we tell you otherwise. Build leg and tummy strength. Carry on with the earlier exercises.
Weight bearing Full, in the brace.
Core brace
Lie on your back, knees bent. Tighten the tummy gently as if bracing for a poke. Keep breathing.
- Hold 10 seconds
- 10 times
Should feel: A firm, gentle tension Should not feel: Holding your breath
Standing hip abduction
Hold a chair. Lift the leg out to the side, keeping the body upright.
- 10 times
- Daily each side
Should feel: The side of the hip working Should not feel: Leaning over
Single-leg balance
Stand on one leg beside a worktop. Balance prevents falls, and preventing falls prevents fractures.
- 30 seconds
- 3 times a day
Should feel: Working to stay steady Should not feel: Losing balance — hold on
Not yet Lifting anything heavy, or bending to pick things up from the floor. Sitting on the floor, squatting or using an Indian toilet — until we have told you it is safe.
Move to the next stage only after we have seen you, and the X-ray if one was planned.
Month 3 onwards
Brace off, as the X-ray shows healing. Build back and tummy strength and return to work gradually; heavy manual work only after we clear you. Lift with the knees bent and the load close to the body.
Weight bearing Full.
Bridging
Lie on your back, knees bent. Lift your hips off the floor, hold, then lower.
- 10 times
- 2 times a day
Should feel: The buttocks and back of thighs working Should not feel: Cramp, or back pain
Bird dog
On hands and knees, stretch one arm forward and the opposite leg back. Keep the back still.
- Hold 5 seconds
- 8 each side
Should feel: The back and tummy working together Should not feel: The back arching or twisting
Not yet Heavy lifting from the floor until we clear you.
Stop and telephone us if
- Loss of control of urine or stools, or numbness between the legs — go to the hospital the same day
- New weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs
- Sudden severe back pain, or a crack or click felt in the back
- Wound redness, discharge or fever
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or a swollen, painful calf — go to the nearest hospital
Ready when you are.
Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.