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Nucleoplasty (Percutaneous
Disc Decompression)
Discharge Instructions and Activity Guidelines |
- Plan to rest for 1-3 days after this procedure
in a comfortable position (lying down or reclining). Limit sitting
or walking to 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Do not drive for the first 1-2 days following
the procedure.
- Limit lifting to 5-10 pounds for the first
two weeks.
- No bending or twisting of the low back for
two weeks, i.e. golf, tennis, bowling.
- No chiropractic manipulations, inversion
traction or traction for six weeks.
- Do not use a Stairmaster, rowing machine,
or treadmill for the first six weeks unless otherwise instructed.
- Formal physical therapy may begin in 6 to
8 weeks.
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- Exercise:
- Walk daily beginning at the end of
the first week for approximately 20 minutes. Increase to
20 minutes, twice per day if tolerated, and then progressively
increase to an hour a day by the end of week four. If back
or leg symptoms increase at any point, decrease the duration
of walking time.
- You may do gentle leg stretches (hamstring,
pyriformis) with your back flat on the floor.
- No swimming for the first two weeks.
- Return to work:
Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks with the following restrictions
for six weeks.
- No bending or lifting of greater than
10 pounds for the first six weeks. Limit lifting to 25
pounds from 6-12 weeks.
- No activities requiring twisting or
rotation of the spine for two weeks
- Sitting limited to 30-45 minutes at
a time for the first six weeks. Standing and walking are
permitted as tolerated
- Call (877) 873-7546 to schedule a follow-up
appointment two weeks after the procedure.
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