CUH Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) - Lumbar spine. Physical Activity Advice

Contents

• Introduction
• Immediate Post-Surgery Guidance (Day After Surgery to 2 Weeks)
• Short-Term Recovery Guidance (2 to 6 Weeks After Surgery)
• Mid-Term Recovery Guidance (6 to 12 Weeks After Surgery)
• Long-Term Advice (12 to 16 Weeks After Surgery and Beyond)
• Key Reminders & Team Contact Information
• Patient Physical Activity Progress Tracking Charts

Introduction

You have been given this leaflet because you have been given a spinal cord stimulator implant. The leaflet explains what activities are safe for you to do following your implant what to avoid while the wounds heal and which physiotherapy exercises can support your recovery. We suggest that you share this information with your family and any friends or carers who may be helping and supporting you.

Why do I need to do these exercises?

These exercises are designed to support your recovery after your spinal cord stimulator implant. They aim to gently improve strength, flexibility, circulation, and confidence with movement, while protecting the stimulator leads during healing.

When should I start these exercises?

Exercises are grouped into different time periods following surgery.
This allows your activity to increase gradually and safely as healing progresses.

Only complete exercises listed for your current stage of recovery.

How often should I do these exercises?

• Start with only 3-5 repetitions of each exercise.
• Gradually increase repetitions to the target range as you feel stronger and more comfortable.
• You do not need to exercise every day.
• Aim to complete gentle exercises around three times per week.

A record chart can help you keep track of how many repetitions you complete each day.

Are there any risks?

• Some exercises may feel uncomfortable at first, which is normal and should improve over time.
• These exercises should not cause a pain flare-up if you pace yourself.
• If an exercise significantly increases your pain:
  • Stop that exercise
  • Try a different one instead
• Do not push through pain in the early stages.
• At the same time, gentle movement is important for recovery, so try to keep active within your limits.

Which exercises can I do?

Below are safe physiotherapy exercises suitable at different stages of recovery.

Day After Surgery to 2 Weeks After Your Procedure

During the first two weeks, your activities should be gentle and controlled to protect the stimulator leads while healing begins.

• You may walk, sit, and stand. When moving (including in bed), try to keep your back reasonably straight and avoid twisting.
• Do not lift your arms above shoulder height.
• Avoid sitting in a slumped position or bending your upper back.
• Avoid fully twisting your spine.
  • For upper spine stimulators, this includes turning your head fully to one side.
• You may carry light items only (up to 2 lbs or 2.5kg).
  • Gradually increase this over the first two weeks (for example, building up to lifting a filled kettle).

0–2 Weeks After Surgery Physical Activity

Focus on circulation, gentle muscle activation, and maintaining movement without bending or twisting.

Exercises:

• Ankle pumps (any position)

1. Lying on your back or sitting.
2. Bend and straighten your ankles briskly.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Gluteal squeezes (lying on your back)

1. Lie on your back
2. Squeeze your buttocks and hold 2.3 seconds.
3. Repeat 5-10 times

• Static quadriceps contractions (lying on your back)

1. Lie on your back with your knees straight.
2. Bend your ankles and press the back of your knees against the floor by using your front thigh muscles. At the same time squeeze your buttock muscles.
3. Hold the tension for 2-3 seconds and then relax.
4. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Static hamstring contractions (lying on your back)

1. Lie on your back with your legs bent. Place one heel against the floor.
2. Push the heel towards the floor as if trying to bend your knee further. There should be no movement, but the hamstring muscles should tense. Hold the tension for 2-3 seconds and then relax.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Knee extension (sitting)

1. Sit up straight on a sturdy chair, so that your feet are supported on the floor.
2. Bend your ankle and straighten your knee using your front thigh muscles.
3. In a controlled manner, return to the starting position.
4. Repeat 5-10 times.

2–6 Weeks After Surgery

It is important to remain gently active during this phase to promote healing and maintain general health. You may gradually return to usual daily activities, including those you may have avoided due to pain. However, certain restrictions remain in place.

You should continue to avoid:

• Extreme bending or twisting of the spine
• Turning the head fully (for upper spine stimulators)
• Raising the arms above shoulder height

Try to keep activities close to your body, with your elbows relatively close to your sides. Avoid long-reaching movements in any direction, including overhead.

Specific Activity Guidance

Bending

• Avoid forward bending activities such as:
  • Loading/unloading a washing machine or dishwasher
  • Prolonged bending to put on socks or shoes
• Practice putting on socks and shoes without bending forward where possible.
• Consider suitable footwear and aids such as:
  • A long-handled shoehorn
  • A litter picker for items on the floor
• Sitting down to complete certain tasks may help in the short term.

Sitting

• Avoid prolonged sitting. Aim to change position or move every 15–20 minutes.
• Avoiding slumped positions or unsupported seating for 6–8 weeks.

Lifting and Carrying

• Gradually build up lifting activities.
• By 6–8 weeks, it is acceptable to lift the equivalent of two large bags of shopping being mindful of adopting a good lifting posture.
• If your job involves heavy lifting, seek advice from the neuromodulation team.
• Gradually return to activities such as vacuuming.

Driving

• You may start driving after 6 weeks once you:
  • Feel able to perform an emergency stop safely
  • Are no longer taking medications that affect driving ability
    (Check with your specialist nurse if unsure.)
• High-frequency SCS stimulation (silent therapy) may remain switched on while driving.
• Low-frequency stimulation (those producing a tingling sensation) must be switched off while driving.
• It is advisable to inform your insurance company about your device.
• Holders of a commercial driving licence must complete DVLA documentation. The team can assist with this.

Intimate Relationships

• These may be resumed once you feel able. Modify positions (avoid bending/twisting until after week 6). Use pillows or cushions to support you in a comfortable position, as needed.
• Anecdotally, patients report that they need to adjust positions or even temporarily switch the stimulator off if certain sensations are uncomfortable.

Walking

• You may walk as much as you feel able, pacing yourself appropriately.
• If your walking was limited before surgery, you may need to establish a new baseline.
• You may find walking poles help.

Stairs

• Stair use is acceptable and can help maintain aerobic fitness.
• Pace yourself.
• Avoid taking two steps at a time until 6–8 weeks post-surgery.
• Gentle jogging upstairs is acceptable only if this was within your fitness level before surgery.

Sleeping

• Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees may reduce discomfort.
• Any position is acceptable provided the spine is not twisted and arms are not raised above the head.

Jogging

• Light, gentle jogging is acceptable.
• Avoid long strides and excessive impact.
• Build up gradually and remain within your baseline fitness level.

Exercise

• Only gentle exercises and stretches should be performed during this period.
• These should be discussed with the team. Examples can be provided if required.

Activities That Are NOT Permitted (Early Recovery)

• Spinal manipulation from a physiotherapist, doctor, osteopath, or chiropractor.
• For upper spine stimulators: turning the head fully (e.g. when reversing).
  • Instead, turn your body and use mirrors.
• Reaching or lifting arms above head height (including swimming or hair washing – keep elbows low).
• Repetitive twisting activities (e.g. golf, cricket, dancing).
• Excessive forward bending for lower spine stimulators, such as:
  • Crouching
  • Slouched sitting on soft sofas
  • Kneeling with the back bent (kneeling with a straight back is acceptable)
• Swimming or hot tubs for 4 months after implant.
• Sunbeds, as UV exposure can delay wound healing and may cause overheating of the implant or surrounding tissues. It is safe to sunbathe but if your battery gets too hot it will need to cool down before being charged.

2–6 Weeks After Surgery Physical Activity

Gradually build strength and control while continuing to avoid excessive bending, twisting, or reaching.

Exercises:

• Straight leg raise (lying on your back)

1. Lying on your back with one leg straight and the other leg bent.
2. Exercise your straight leg by pulling the toes up, straightening the knee and lifting the leg 20 cm off the bed. Hold approx 5 seconds. - slowly relax.
3. Repeat 5-10 times

• Clam shell

1. Lie on your side with your knees bent. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles and gently pull your lower stomach in.
2. Lift your top knee as far as you can, without letting your pelvis rotate forward or back. Keep your feet together during the exercise.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Transversus abdominis activation

1. Lie on your back with knees bent.
2. Draw in your lower abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Hold for 2-3 seconds.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Hip abduction (standing)

1. Stand tall and hold onto a support if needed.
2. Lift one leg to the side keeping it facing forward in a straight line. Return to the starting position. Keep your trunk steady throughout the exercise.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Hip Extension standing

1. Stand tall holding onto a chair.
2. Squeeze your buttocks and bring one leg back, keeping your knee straight.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Step-ups

1. Start by standing behind a step and lift one leg onto the step.
2. Step up and straighten your hip and knee bringing the other leg onto the step. Return to the starting position.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Standing hamstring curl

1. Stand. Hold onto a support and bring one leg slightly backwards.
2. Bend your knee and lift your foot off the floor. Hold for 2-3 seconds.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Heel raises (sitting or standing)

1. Stand tall, with your weight distributed evenly on both feet, and take support if needed.
2. Rise up onto your toes and in a controlled manner return to the starting position.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

6–12 Weeks After Surgery

By six weeks, scar tissue will have begun to anchor the leads in place.

• Gentle bending and twisting of the spine may be reintroduced.
• Gradually increase activity levels at your own pace.

6 Weeks and Beyond Physical Activity

Introduce controlled spinal movement, balance, and functional strengthening.

Exercises:

• Tilting Pelvis Backwards

1. Lie on your back with your legs bent.
2. Pull in your abdominal muscles and flatten your lower back lightly against the floor, rocking your tail bone off the floor/bed and hold 2-3 seconds. Then relax.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Knee rolls

1. Lying on your back with knees together and bent. Slowly roll your knees from side to side keeping your upper trunk still.
2. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Knee hugs (to chest, as tolerated)

1. Lying on your back. Bend the leg to be stretched towards your chest and hold onto the knee with both arms. Pull your knee towards your chin keeping your head on the floor. You should feel the stretching on the back of your thighs and buttock. Hold 2-3 seconds - relax.
2. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Bridging

1. Lie on your back with legs bent. Squeeze your buttocks, roll your pelvis off the floor and straighten your hips. Hold 2-3 seconds and in a controlled manner return to the starting position.
2. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Moving side to side in sitting; 10-15 times rhythmically each way:

• Leaning forward on elbows; relax tummy and breath into back 5 times.

• Balance exercises
  • Single leg standing

1. Stand near a stable chair to help with balance if needed. Stand with feet slightly apart and your weight spread evenly on both feet. Then move your weight onto one foot and lift the other foot. Hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat with the other foot.
2. Repeat 2-3 times.

• Tandem stance

1. Stand near a stable chair to help with balance if needed. Stand with one foot in front of the other. Imagine you are standing on a rope.
2. Balance for as long as you can.
3. Switch to the other leg in front.

• Sidestepping

1. Stand straight with your feet together. Look straight ahead. Take a big step to one side. Repeat to the other side.
2. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Sit-to-stand

1. Stand up by straightening your knees. Sit down again.
2. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Step-ups

1. Start by standing behind a step and lift one leg onto the step.
2. Step up and straighten your hip and knee bringing the other leg onto the step. Return to the starting position.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Squats

1. Stand tall with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Toes pointing forward or turned a few degrees outwards. Keep your chest up. Squat down by sitting back and bring your arms forward. Push back up through the heels, chest up, and straighten your hips.
2. Repeat 5-10 times.

12–16 Weeks After Surgery and Long-Term Advice

From 12 weeks onwards, the leads should be fully anchored and you may return to normal activities, building up gradually. Ongoing physical activity is beneficial for both pain management and general health.

Activities to Avoid Long Term

• Contact sports (e.g. rugby, boxing, judo, karate).
  • Football:
    • No heading for upper spine stimulators.
    • No tackling for lower spine stimulators.
  • Training without contact (e.g. coaching or refereeing) may be acceptable.
• Extreme sports (e.g. bungee jumping, parachuting).
• Scuba diving deeper than 30 metres.
• Activities involving high G-forces (e.g. rollercoasters).
• Spinal manipulation by any practitioner.
• Horse riding where there is a significant risk of falling.
• Operating power tools with the stimulator switched on.
• Welding equipment: keep at least 2 metres from the power unit and 1 metre from the welding site.
• You can drive with silent therapy SCS, but if you use tingle therapy you will need to switch the SCS off or change to silent therapy.
• Trampolining, particularly somersaults and high-level training.
• Ongoing, very repetitive large movements (e.g. sprint training as a sport).

Activities That Are Acceptable

• Cricket - recreational level only; repetitive bowling may be problematic for upper spine stimulators.
• Golf - recreational play is acceptable; repetitive swing practice may be difficult for upper spine stimulators.
• Marathon running - acceptable with a gradual build-up.
  • Wheelchair marathons are not recommended.
• Gardening - including heavy digging, though not as a full-time profession.
• Carpentry, plastering, decorating - acceptable in moderation, but not as a profession for upper spine stimulators due to repetitive arm movements.
• Dancing - beneficial for fitness; avoid styles with extreme arm movements if you have an upper spine stimulator.
• Gym - beneficial for fitness, build up any weights slowly.

12 Weeks and Beyond Physical Activity

Progression to more advanced strengthening, mobility, and core control.

Exercises:

• Bird-dog

1. On your hands and knees, hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Spine is in neutral position.
2. Lift one arm. Lift only as high as you can control the position of your spine. Repeat with the other side.

Note:

• Keep your lower back in neutral position.
• Try to keep the weight shift sideways as small as possible.

To progress this; Lift one arm and opposite leg. Lift only as high as you can control the position of your spine.

Repeat 5-10 times.

• Mid back stretch/ cat /cow

1. Start on your hands and knees with your knees under hips and hands under shoulders. Back in neutral position.
2. Round your back and hold the position for a moment. Return to the starting position.
3. Then, let low back sag toward floor as you rotate tailbone upward to arch as shown. Return to the starting position.
4. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Child’s pose

1. Start on your hands and knees.
2. Move backwards, bringing your buttocks towards your heels, lower your chest towards the floor. Hold the position for 5 seconds, while breathing smoothly. Return to the starting position.
3. Repeat 3-5 times.

• Step-ups with knee lift

1. Step up on a box or step, and lift the knee high. In a controlled manner step back down to the starting position.

Note:

• Keep upper trunk upright.
• Hip, knee and toes aligned.

2. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Hip flexion standing

1. Start by standing and take support. In turn, lift your knees forward.
2. Repeat 5-10 times.

If at 12 weeks, you feel you would like more guidance and support on adapting or progressing your exercises, please ask for a referral to the pain physiotherapy team.

Key reminders

• Always pace yourself.
• Build up gradually.
• Quality of movement is more important than quantity.
• Breathing is key. Try not to hold your breath during exercises. If you notice that you are, it’s a sign the exercise may be too challenging for you right now and may need to be adjusted.
• If unsure, seek advice from the neuromodulation team. Please contact the Pain Clinic via the secretaries’ number on clinic letters. Messages can be left on the answerphone service if necessary. Please note we are not a 24 hour service.

CUH Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) for Lumbar Spine

Phase 1 Tracking Log: Days 1–14 Post-Surgery

RESTRICTIONS: Keep back straight. NO bending, NO twisting, and NO lifting arms above shoulder height. Max weight limit: 2 lbs / 2.5 kg.

Phase 2 Tracking Log: Weeks 2–6 Post-Surgery

RESTRICTIONS: No extreme bending/twisting. No long-reaching or overhead movements. Avoid slumped or unsupported seating.

Phase 3 Tracking Log: Weeks 6–12 Post-Surgery

GOAL / DIRECTIONS: Gentle bending and twisting may be slowly reintroduced. Focus heavily on quality of movement.

Phase 4 Tracking Log: Weeks 12–16 and Beyond

Important Daily Reminders

• Start with only 3–5 repetitions of each exercise, building up to the target range over time.
• Quality of movement is always more important than quantity. Do not push through pain.
• Breathing is key. Never hold your breath. If you are, it means the exercise is currently too difficult.
• Leave boxes blank on your rest days! You only need to choose 3 active days each week.

Medication

Bring all of your medicines (including inhalers, injections, creams, eye drops or patches) and a current repeat prescription from your GP.

Please tell the ward staff about all of the medicines you use. During your stay If you wish to take your medication yourself (self-medicate) please speak with your nurse. Pharmacists visit the wards regularly and can help with any medicine queries.

My Chart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device.

More information is available on our website.

Contacts/Further information

Please contact the Pain Clinic via the secretaries’ number on clinic letters. Messages can be left on the answerphone service if necessary. Please note we are not a 24 hour service.

Privacy & dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.