2-Level Laminectomy

[ML67]

I thought I’d post my experience w/ 2-level laminectomy and facetectomy (L3-5) early recovery and return to lifting. I haven’t seen much on this and wanted to share my experience as well as solicit input as I return to lifting.

I’m a 62 year old male, 5’ 7” 205 lbs. Younger days I was a competitive gymnast and dabbled in submission grappling and arm wrestling. After too many years of sedate living and fits of lower back pain, I discovered SS and the concept that a strong back is a healthy back. (discectomy ~ 20 yrs ago for bone spur / herniated disc). I bought a power rack, bench and bar, and started the program in my basement gym July 2017. My starting lifts at a bodyweight of 210 were: Squat – 135x5; Benchpress 175x5 and deadlift 275x5. Presses were problematic after 4 shoulder surgeries. On my 60th birthday, my weight had increased to 225 and lifts progressed to (all singles): Squat: 375; Bench 302.5; Deadlift 435.

Injuries (pulled glute/hamstring; hernia) since those peaks have limited further progress, and worse, my lower legs and feet began to get numb and tingly, along with increased lower back pain beginning about 18 months ago. This worsened to the point I could not be on my feet, either walking or standing for more than 10 minutes at a time. By this time I had stopped squatting; deadlifts were much lighter and had to benchpress w/ legs up on the bench. An MRI showed severe stenosis in 2 levels leading to neurogenic claudication. Subsequent meetings w/ GP and 2 independent neurosurgeons recommended decompression laminectomy, which after much research, I agreed was the best way to proceed.

In preparation, I dropped bodyweight to 195 lbs and had the surgery April 13, 2021 after a month delay due to contracting Covid. Recovery was much less painful than expected – I walked 2 miles 2 days after surgery and 8 miles 7 days after – something I definitely could not have done before the procedure.

I had my follow-up after 4 weeks and expressed my desire to resume lifting. My neurosurgeon, who agreed before the procedure I would be able to lift again, was cautiously supportive. I began a very conservative NLP in May 11 as follows: Squat – 45 x 5; bench 95x5; deadlift 135x5. My current lifts are: squat 275x5; bench 225x5 and deadlift 325x5. It will be exactly 4 months since the surgery in 3 days.

My back pain is nearly 100% gone although I feel “tight” from time to time at the location of the procedure. Ibuprofen is very effective here. My lower leg/foot pain and numbness has improved, but definitely has not abated. The only times it worsened was during a 4-hr flight to visit grandchildren, and more recently, after kayaking for 2 hrs. Otherwise lower leg and foot pain is constant, but much less than before the procedure. And unlike before, it doesn’t worsen w/ standing or walking. I’m glad I had the procedure, and my quality of life has significantly improved.

I’m curious if anyone has had similar “work” done, and what your recovery was like? I’m transitioning to a HLM program and plan to continue making progress as long as my lower back and legs/feet tolerate it. Ideally, I’d like to get back (and exceed) previous levels, but very curious to hear of others that may have been through related work, and if there are any "gotchas" I need to be aware of.

Moderators – please move this to the appropriate forum if this isn’t the correct one.

Thanks

[Will Morris]

I thought I’d post my experience w/ 2-level laminectomy and facetectomy (L3-5) early recovery and return to lifting. I haven’t seen much on this and wanted to share my experience as well as solicit input as I return to lifting.

I’m a 62 year old male, 5’ 7” 205 lbs. Younger days I was a competitive gymnast and dabbled in submission grappling and arm wrestling. After too many years of sedate living and fits of lower back pain, I discovered SS and the concept that a strong back is a healthy back. (discectomy ~ 20 yrs ago for bone spur / herniated disc). I bought a power rack, bench and bar, and started the program in my basement gym July 2017. My starting lifts at a bodyweight of 210 were: Squat – 135x5; Benchpress 175x5 and deadlift 275x5. Presses were problematic after 4 shoulder surgeries. On my 60th birthday, my weight had increased to 225 and lifts progressed to (all singles): Squat: 375; Bench 302.5; Deadlift 435.

Injuries (pulled glute/hamstring; hernia) since those peaks have limited further progress, and worse, my lower legs and feet began to get numb and tingly, along with increased lower back pain beginning about 18 months ago. This worsened to the point I could not be on my feet, either walking or standing for more than 10 minutes at a time. By this time I had stopped squatting; deadlifts were much lighter and had to benchpress w/ legs up on the bench. An MRI showed severe stenosis in 2 levels leading to neurogenic claudication. Subsequent meetings w/ GP and 2 independent neurosurgeons recommended decompression laminectomy, which after much research, I agreed was the best way to proceed.

In preparation, I dropped bodyweight to 195 lbs and had the surgery April 13, 2021 after a month delay due to contracting Covid. Recovery was much less painful than expected – I walked 2 miles 2 days after surgery and 8 miles 7 days after – something I definitely could not have done before the procedure.

I had my follow-up after 4 weeks and expressed my desire to resume lifting. My neurosurgeon, who agreed before the procedure I would be able to lift again, was cautiously supportive. I began a very conservative NLP in May 11 as follows: Squat – 45 x 5; bench 95x5; deadlift 135x5. My current lifts are: squat 275x5; bench 225x5 and deadlift 325x5. It will be exactly 4 months since the surgery in 3 days.

My back pain is nearly 100% gone although I feel “tight” from time to time at the location of the procedure. Ibuprofen is very effective here. My lower leg/foot pain and numbness has improved, but definitely has not abated. The only times it worsened was during a 4-hr flight to visit grandchildren, and more recently, after kayaking for 2 hrs. Otherwise lower leg and foot pain is constant, but much less than before the procedure. And unlike before, it doesn’t worsen w/ standing or walking. I’m glad I had the procedure, and my quality of life has significantly improved.

I’m curious if anyone has had similar “work” done, and what your recovery was like? I’m transitioning to a HLM program and plan to continue making progress as long as my lower back and legs/feet tolerate it. Ideally, I’d like to get back (and exceed) previous levels, but very curious to hear of others that may have been through related work, and if there are any "gotchas" I need to be aware of.

Moderators – please move this to the appropriate forum if this isn’t the correct one.

Thanks

We will see if anyone else comments on this, but I frequently work with people who have had similar surgeries, both in the clinic and as a strength coach. It would certainly appear to me, through direct observation, that this type of report is more common with people who train post-lumbar surgery than people who follow the more typical plinth based rehab approach.

[ML67]

We will see if anyone else comments on this, but I frequently work with people who have had similar surgeries, both in the clinic and as a strength coach. It would certainly appear to me, through direct observation, that this type of report is more common with people who train post-lumbar surgery than people who follow the more typical plinth based rehab approach.

Thanks Will. I hadn't seen much on lifting post lamenectomy (discectomy yes) so your comment is welcome and encouraging. I don't plan to hold back - and won't as long as back and lower leg/foot pain doesn't worsen.

Welcome comments from any others that have had similar work done.

Thanks

[Dbennettsr]

I am 4 weeks post op from why laminectomy at the L3/L4. I developed a hematoma and was completely paralyzed from the waist down. Had to have follow up surgery two days from original. With that said, I have zero sciatica pain and almost zero surgery site pain. Just stiffness. My weakness in legs seems to be improving. Over the last several days my body has been telling me to get moving. I've been hitting some air squats and air deadlifts. Feels great, just tightness in my hamstrings. Starting a LP tomorrow. Will start with the weights you posted.

[ML67]

I am 4 weeks post op from why laminectomy at the L3/L4. I developed a hematoma and was completely paralyzed from the waist down. Had to have follow up surgery two days from original. With that said, I have zero sciatica pain and almost zero surgery site pain. Just stiffness. My weakness in legs seems to be improving. Over the last several days my body has been telling me to get moving. I've been hitting some air squats and air deadlifts. Feels great, just tightness in my hamstrings. Starting a LP tomorrow. Will start with the weights you posted.

Good luck and look forward to seeing your progress!

What were your symptoms leading to surgery? Was your surgeon supportive of you lifting again?

[ML67]

Brief update. Its now just short of 6 months since surgery. My back feels great although the numbness and tingling in my feet remain. I suspect this is permanent as I waited too long before having the surgery.

I’m up to 215 lbs and fully transitioned to an HLM program, training full body every 4th day. My current lifts are: squat 300x5; bench 245x5; deadlift 350x5.

Overall I feel good and barring unforeseen setbacks, should be able to continue making progress for the foreseeable future.

[ML67]

It’s now just over 7 months since surgery and less than a week from turning 63. My back continues to feel great while feet continue to remain numb and tingly…as stated before, I think this is permanent, but is not limiting. More of a constant nuisance.

I’m up to 220 and my appetite has been high. Current lifts are: squat 325x5; bench 255x5; deadlift 375x5. Progress is good, but training sessions are hard and taxing. Ever onward!

[ML67]

8 Month update: all singles - squat 385 (PR); bench 290; deadlift 400. Deadlifts and squats a little less than previous bests but back feels great. A bit fatigued so I'm doing a slight deload over the next couple of weeks before starting on a new programming block.

[ML67]

It’s now been a little over 1 year post surgery. Progress has been slow but back remains pain free. Feet are unchanged – numb and tingly.

Current lifts:
Squat – 380 x 2
Bench – 290 x 2
Deadlift – 410 x2; 415 x 1

I think it may be time to hire a coach and/or get some customized programming as I’m hitting a wall and feeling beat up and fatigued. I plan to do a short deload in the interim and reassess next steps.

[ML67]

2 year post surgery update at age 64. Lifts continue to progress, albeit slowly. Squat 415; bench 312.5; deadlift 435. Lower back generally feels good although I do experience lumbar tightness and lower legs start feeling a bit more tingly and numb if I’m on my feet for too long. Very manageable, but its worse than it was a year ago.

I suspect I have some congenital factors – my late father had severe lumbar stenosis and 2 of my sisters have it – all required surgery. I manage it w/ frequent hamstring and piriformis stretching; shiatsu massage; ibuprofen (occasionally) and simply getting off my feet. To the surprise of few people reading this, I *always* feel the best immediately after and the day after heavy deadlifts (current routine alternates between halting deadlifts and rack pulls).

I’ll continue lifting “heavy” for the immediate future, and will monitor back health for adverse changes. Contemplating a more hypertrophy focused program for the summer, but more of a thought than a plan at the moment.