Hi! I’m fixing to have a L-4 L-5 fusion surgery and I’m going to have to go through some changes. Will I still be able to do squats or should I look into getting a leg press machine? I’m going to want to strengthing my legs and lower back. I would assume Deadlift will be out of the question. Would crossfit or something to that nature be better for me?
Shouldn’t you be discussing this with your surgeon and physical therapy team?
Outcomes from such surgery are very dependent on your particular anatomic pathology and repair…probably shouldn’t be seeking advice from armchair quarterbacks when it comes to your health.
Even people who have had exactly the same surgery from the same surgeon will have different outcomes and prognosis.
It’s workmans comp related so they are not very friendly about some of the questions I ask. Looks like being Workmans comp looks like that would be happy that someone is trying to get healed and back to work.
I’d consult my attorney’s doctor if it was a workmans comp case.
I’m no expert by any means, but I’d guess that you’re exactly right. No more deadlift and probably no squats either. Also, it may not seem like it but crossfit type workouts can pretty easily be snap city on your joints, I’m not sure that’d be a good idea either. Plus, it’s for pussies anyway 
I would do crossfit just to meet a girl that does crossfit.
Seriously.
Yea, I guess I’ll keep searching.
First off how old are you and what is your current physical status? Are you a big bodybuilder? lean and muscular or a regular joe?
I’m in the last leg of PT school and the first thing I gotta say is that PT’s across the board will all tell you this… DEADLIFTS ARE EXTREMELY BAD FOR YOU. If your having your L4-L5 fused then there is alot your gonna have to give up as far as training. But it all depends on what type of fuse they are doing, how bad the vertebra are right now etc… Alot of things to factor in. You should discuss this with your doctor first, then have a sit down with your PT.
Don’t go searching the internet for advice because there are too many retards out there. Only your doctor and PT can help you.
I am sorry to hear. I was injured on duty and the worker’s comp process is terrible. It should have been a 6 month recovery process but it turned out to be a 10 month process. Fortunately for me, I had a good physical therapist and they were very open to my questions. Good luck to you though.