Spinal surgery may be part of your journey to recovery if you have:
- An age related degenerative spine condition that is impacting the nerves
- Experienced trauma to the spine involving its bony components and stabilization is required
- A condition which results in complex spinal deformity
Age related degenerative spine condition
Wear and tear of the spine normally occurs with aging; however, in severe cases it can lead to postural changes as we try to maintain an upright spinal position. Altered posture can cause asymmetric loading in addition to spinal degeneration, and can be the main reason why everyday activities are painful.
The most common age related spinal degenerative signs can be visible on an X-ray, such as:
- osteoporosis,
- osteoarthritis,
- spondylolisthesis,
- wear and tear of the facet joints (arthropathy), ligaments, joint capsules and the intervertebral discs (degenerative disc disease).
Physiotherapists often assess and successfully treat the region of the spine impacted by these conditions; however, over time, as the body attempts to repair, bone spurs, thickening of the ligaments, and lack of space for the emerging nerves of the spine may develop. This condition would now be called spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canals).
Patients with degenerative spine conditions commonly report difficulty with everyday activities, as well as lower back pain and symptoms that radiate or shoot down the leg, such as numbness, tingling, or electric shock like symptoms. These symptoms are known as sciatica.
Other symptoms can include loss of height, uncomfortable posture, lack of balance, decreased stamina, and increased fatigue with simple everyday activities.
When conservative management (medication, exercise and physiotherapy) is no longer helpful and diagnostic evaluations such as CT scans, MRI, and X-rays support the clinical picture, your medical team may recommend a surgical consult, and surgery may follow.
Spinal surgeries related to aging and degenerative processes
Surgical management of spinal changes related to aging and/or the degenerative process consists of either decompression, correction, stabilization and/or fusion procedures.
Physiotherapy is helpful before and after the following surgeries. If your surgery is not on the list please contact us for more information.
Lumbar fusion: This surgery results in fusion of two or more vertebrae. A bone graft is used to restore the space between the vertebrae (for the nerves) and to control/stop excessive motion at one or more segments. The most segment in the lumbar spine to be fused is L4-L5.
Lumbar discectomy: Lumbar discectomy removes a herniated or degenerative disc in the lower back region that is irritating the nerves.
Spinal decompression (laminectomy): when narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) occurs, this surgery creates more space for the spinal cord and the nerves attached to it, allowing them to move freely.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF): This surgery removes a herniated, or degenerative, disc in the neck to free a nerve to your arm.
Physiotherapy while you are preparing for spinal surgery
Pre-operative physiotherapy helps to prepare you for surgery. The stronger you are, the easier your recovery will be. The goal of these sessions are:
- to help you restore muscle strength while waiting for the surgery and
- to learn exercises to prepare for the rehabilitation process. These exercises may include those to:
- improve breathing function,
- optimize your core trunk muscles (your diaphragm, pelvic floor, abdominal and spine muscles).
- Improve the strength of your arms and legs.
It is a great opportunity to learn exercises ahead of time and practice how you will move in and out of bed, or walk with a walker etc.
Physiotherapy after spinal surgery
- Recovering in the early days: Whether you are recovering at the hospital or at home, it is important to maintain safe and optimal movement of your entire body. Physiotherapy can help you with mobility with exercises that focus on other parts of your body (hips, knees, shoulders, neck). You will also be taught various ways of getting in and out of bed, or rolling over. You will also learn how to monitor and treat your surgical scar. Your surgeon will provide a limit to certain activities or loads, and these will be followed closely. The goal of this phase is for you to safely return to your activities of daily living (self-care and ambulation at home).
- Rehabilitation in the first weeks and months: This phase follows after you have regained some, or most, of your general mobility and strength. Now, physiotherapy will focus on specific areas that you are still struggling with (your goals), such as walking pain free, posture while sitting, balance in standing, optimal scar and soft tissue mobility (think of tight back muscles).
- Return to sport and activities after months and year(s): Certain surgeries require a lengthy rehabilitation process. Eventually your goals will shift to being able to return to sport or activities such as playing golf, hiking, running or biking etc. In this phase, physiotherapy continues to focus on your goals and your program will be individualized and specific to the activity you wish to return to.
Surgery after spinal trauma or cancer
Injury to the spine typically occurs with a sudden traumatic blow in incidents such as car accidents and high impact hits following a fall or a jump.
High-energy blunt trauma to the spinal column may result in vertebral fractures, dislocations, crushes or compression injuries. Please note, that we are not discussing trauma that results in spinal cord injuries here.
Low-energy trauma to the spinal column may result in fractures of the spinal column when there is poor vertebral health (osteoporosis, cancer).
The most common reason we see patients following spinal trauma is:
- Cancer related spinal fracture
- Compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine
- Sport related cervical spine fracture
Cancer related spinal fractures
The bones in the spine can be weakened due to certain types of cancer that can also lead to compression fracture; such as multiple myeloma (the cancer of the bone marrow) or Ewing sarcoma (small round cell sarcoma that forms in the bone). Rehabilitation and cancer can include multiple areas of the body, depending on the type and region of cancer and the treatment you require. To read more about Cancer Rehabilitation at our clinic please visit our Cancer Rehabilitation page.
Compression fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine
Over 60% of spinal injuries resulting in fracture happen at the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1); the mechanical transition region between the middle and lower back. The most common type of vertebral compression fracture is a wedge fracture, in which the front of the vertebra breaks, creating a wedge shape. The other type of vertebral compression is the axial burst fracture, in which the vertebra collapses in both the front and back.
Compression fractures can develop due to sudden, high-impact traumas, typically in the younger adult population; and can also develop over time as we age due to osteoporosis or other degenerative spine changes and often activities, such as lifting a heavy object, sneezing, or coughing may cause fractures.
Patients commonly report severe, irritable back pain, reduced physical activity and difficulty with taking a deep breath or finding a comfortable position to rest.
Due to the wedge shaped vertebra the spine now presents more rounded, or ‘kyphotic’, with up to a couple inches of height loss.
Physiotherapy management after compression fracture of the spine
Your rehabilitation following compression vertebral fracture depends on how stable the fracture is. If the bones are considered ‘stable’ and does not require surgical intervention, you can continue your recovery at home and begin conservative management almost immediately. Most patients recover within the first 3 months following the injury.
- Recovering in the early days: Your medical team will provide limits to certain activities or loads, and these will be followed closely. You will also be taught various ways of getting in and out of bed, or rolling over. The goal of this phase is for you to safely return to your activities of daily living (self-care and ambulation at home). Physiotherapy can also help you in the early days and weeks by learning how, and when, to use a support brace and how to manage your pain.
- Rehabilitation in the first weeks and months: This phase follows after you have regained some, or most, of your general mobility and strength. Now, physiotherapy will focus on specific areas that you are still struggling with (your goals), such as walking pain free, posture while sitting, balance in standing, and soft tissue mobility (think of tight back muscles).
- Return to sport and activities after months and year(s): Once the fracture has healed, typically around 12 weeks, an individualized exercise routine will help you support a new posture alignment to develop a dynamic stability above and below the wedge shape vertebra, and to improve muscle balance and breathing function. Some patients require a lengthy rehabilitation process. Eventually your goals will shift to being able to return to sport or activities such as playing golf, hiking, running or biking etc. In this phase, physiotherapy continues to focus on your goals and your program will be individualized and specific to the activity you wish to return to.
Surgical management of compression spinal fracture
Two common minimal invasive procedures to treat vertebral compression fractures are:
- vertebroplasty and
- kyphoplasty
Both procedures treat the injured vertebra by restoring its height and injecting cement into the fractured vertebra.
Physiotherapy after spinal surgery
Since there are various spinal surgeries, the timeline for each phase of recovery are determined by your surgeon. Commitment to your program, and its timelines, will set you up for the best outcome.
- Recovering in the early days: Whether you are recovering at the hospital or at home, it is important to maintain safe and optimal movement of your entire body. Physiotherapy can help you with mobility with exercises that focus on other parts of your body (hips, knees, shoulders, neck). You will also be taught various ways of getting in and out of bed, or rolling over. You will also learn how to monitor and treat your surgical scar. Your surgeon will provide limits to certain activities or loads, and these will be followed closely. The goal of this phase is for you to safely return to your activities of daily living (self-care and ambulation at home).
- Rehabilitation in the first weeks and months: This phase follows after you have regained some, or most, of your general mobility and strength. Now, physiotherapy will focus on specific areas that you are still struggling with (your goals), such as walking pain free, posture while sitting, balance in standing, optimal scar and soft tissue mobility (think of tight back muscles).
- Return to sport and activities after months and year(s): Certain surgeries require a lengthy rehabilitation process. Eventually your goals will shift to being able to return to sport or activities such as playing golf, hiking, running or biking etc. In this phase, physiotherapy continues to focus on your goals and your program will be individualized and specific to the activity you wish to return to.
Sport related cervical spine fracture
Injuries to the neck can occur in contact sports such as football, soccer, and rugby as well as non-contact sports such as cycling, horseback riding and gymnastics. A fractured vertebra in the cervical spine is more serious and can be life threatening/changing in case of a spinal cord injury, therefore surgical management is more common in this region of the spine.
Injuries to the neck can occur in contact sports such as football, soccer, and rugby as well as non-contact sports such as cycling, horseback riding and gymnastics. A fractured vertebra in the cervical spine is more serious and can be life threatening/changing in case of a spinal cord injury, therefore surgical management is more common in this region of the spine.
Neck injuries can damage multiple anatomical structures including:
- Cervical vertebra fracture and dislocation. A fracture of the cervical vertebra doesn’t always lead to subluxation (shifting) of the bones or injury to the spinal cord or emerging nerves. However, when the ligaments connecting the cervical vertebrae are damaged, shifting, or complete dislocation, of the vertebra can occur and often there are more structures damaged than the cervical vertebrae
- Nerve root(s) or brachial plexus
- Intervertebral disc
Surgery and Rehabilitation for Complex Spinal Deformities
While most structural changes impact one or two segments in the spine; aging, degeneration and increased asymmetric load can lead to complex spinal asymmetries and deformity. This is commonly diagnosed as spondylolisthesis, scoliosis or kyphosis.
These conditions often require more difficult and longer surgical interventions, where more spinal segments, or complete spinal regions including the pelvis, are involved in the procedure.
Some surgeries correct the progression of an idiopathic spinal deformity, a condition that has developed during childhood and progressed further in adulthood. It can be crucial to realign the spine to restore a more optimal posture and balance for optimal function during everyday actives as well as to manage pain. Patients may also need a complex spinal surgery to revise a previous spinal fusion that failed to heal, or to remove hardware following an infection or an accident.
It's never too late to start
Physiotherapy is not just for the immediate rehabilitation phase and the first few months after surgery. Many clients start physiotherapy years, or even decades, after a spinal fusion or Harrington Rod surgery. When combined with scoliosis or kyphosis specific exercises, physiotherapy can be helpful to:
- Improve muscle balance and postural endurance
- Manage pain
- Improve breathing
- Increase overall strength
Related Practitioners
Cathy Rogers
Cathy received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia in 2000. As a member of the varsity women’s volleyball team at UBC during those years she was first exposed to physiotherapy and it’s positive impact on her own personal athletic career.
Leigh Fortuna
After studying kinesiology in university for two years, Leigh decided that pursuing a career in physiotherapy was the path she wanted to follow. She graduated from The University of British Columbia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
Eric Perkio
Eric has been practicing Physiotherapy since 2006. He received his Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney, Australia and began his career working in a private clinic where he gained valuable experience in working with Rugby, Soccer, and Aussie Rules Football clubs.
Brittany Wade
Brittany graduated from the University of Ottawa with an undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics followed by a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.
Judit Orban
Judit has a special interest in helping people with various spinal conditions such as back pain, scoliosis, kyphosis, chest conditions and spinal fusions.
Since graduating in 2010 from the Semmelweis University of Hungary, Judit has been working in various spine specific clinics around the world. She started dancing at a young age and after high school she completed a Contemporary Dance Teacher course. Learning about the capabilities of the human body influenced her to study more and to earn a degree in Physiotherapy
Sarah Hamanishi
Sarah received her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She then pursued a Master of Physical Therapy degree, graduating in 2013 from UBC. Sarah has taken post-graduate courses for dry needling, rehabilitation Pilates, visceral and neuromeningeal manipulation, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Megan Davis
Megan graduated from the University of Ottawa, with a Master of Health Science in Physiotherapy and a BSc honours in Biomedical Sciences. She also completed her Master’s in French. Megan carries a wealth of knowledge from a patient perspective as she has worked hard to rehabilitate multiple injuries, as she has made it back to competitive powerlifting at the Canadian National level after hip surgery.
Cheri Le Cappelain
While working as a nurse Cheri saw the importance of physiotherapy on the rehabilitation ward to help patients regain their independence. As a result of these positive experiences she decided to go back to school to become a physiotherapist so she could have a more direct role in rehabilitation and help others regain their independence. Cheri graduated in 2018 with a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Lily Han
Lily is passionate about assisting her clients in gaining and regaining their function. She obtained her Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta. She has diverse experience within the healthcare field, including in diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy, medical first aid, and with other interdisciplinary teams allowing Lily to approach each patient’s condition holistically. Lily is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Josh Toor
Josh graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science (with distinction) in 2019 and a Master of Physical Therapy degree in 2024. He grew up in North Delta and is fluent in both English and Punjabi. His journey into physiotherapy was fueled by a passion for movement and sports, as well as a dedication to helping individuals of all ages and activity levels overcome injuries, restore mobility, and achieve their personal goals, whether that involves returning to daily activities, excelling in sports, or managing chronic conditions.
Olivia Zawadiuk
Olivia graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a Master of Physical Therapy in 2024. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology at UBC, where she was also a member of the UBC artistic (synchronized) swimming team. Olivia’s desire to become a physiotherapist was inspired by personal experiences as a competitive athlete, coach, and kinesiologist.
