Exercise Programme Following Surgery of the Thoracic Spine

The aim

This leaflet is designed to provide information about thoracic spine surgery.
The information will help you understand how long it typically takes to recover after surgery.
To aid your rehabilitation and become more active, we have detailed below several exercises to start this process.

The Spine

The spine is split into three curvatures or sections. The cervical curve is the upper part of your spine, your neck. The thoracic curve is the middle section of your back, and the lumbar curve is the lower portion of your back.

You have had surgery to the thoracic section of your back. This may have been to help with pain, altered sensations or your movement. In some cases, it may have been a combination of these factors.

The Thoracic Spine

The thoracic area has the largest number of vertebrae in the spine. The spine is made up of vertebrae each separated from the next by an intervertebral disc. Spinal nerves exit the spinal cord, pass between the vertebrae and supply the lower limbs to enable sensation and movement.

Surgery

Thoracic spine surgery will normally be completed under a general anaesthetic. You will have a breathing tube placed in your throat to protect your airway and you will be positioned flat on your stomach. Muscles are carefully moved aside to access the spine so the relevant structure – bone, intervertebral disc or ligament – can be operated on.

After Surgery

Normal side effects from the general anaesthetic include drowsiness, dry mouth and a sore throat. Sensitivity over the wound site and discomfort in the general back area is also normal and should reduce with time and mobility. Some patients find that their previous symptoms have reduced, but this varies from person to person. Whether or not you experience an immediate improvement, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional, start the exercises explained in this leaflet as soon as possible.

The structures that have been operated on are healing, so it is normal for symptoms to persist until the expected post-operative swelling reduces. These are expected to improve with time.

Please note the following:

Only sit for as long as is comfortable. If discomfort increases, this is your body signalling that movement is needed.
Regular walks are great for increasing your activity level and general fitness. If discomfort increases, take a short rest before continuing. Note how far you managed to walk and aim to increase or match this next time.
Maintain your pain relief to keep the discomfort to a minimum and so to enable the completion of your exercises.
Experiencing fatigue is normal; this will reduce the more active you become.
Continue to complete exercises; they should get easier
Think about contacting your employer and discussing measures needed to return to work, such as a phased return or adaptations to your working environment.
When returning to hobbies and recreational sport, be guided by how your back feels.

The time when you can return to driving is likely to vary depending on your recovery, but could be from 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, provided you have no altered sensation or weakness in your legs or unless you are advised otherwise. If in doubt, discuss driving with your GP or await your clinic appointment with your consultant.

It is also advisable that you contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for advice regarding returning to drive. The DVLA can be contacted on 0300 790 6801.

Exercises

1. Sit on a chair with your back straight and your feet firmly on the floor. Now bring your chin to your chest and round the upper back. Keep your head and shoulders relaxed.