: Anyone on here a victim of spinal fusion and still kayaking? I'm
: looking at a fusion (L4-L5). Please give me some happy news.

I know an arthritic old fart (66) who used to race motorcycles which left him with six broken vertebrae and several compressed discs. His x-rays look like a road map.

He had two fused cervical vertebrae which he used exercise to break loose. This took almost a year.

And to get to your particular question he has L4-L5 fused to his sacrum. He can bend over and touch his palms to the floor. He is working on getting his head to touch his knees and is getting close to succeeding.

His favorite activity? Sea kayak surfing in surf to twelve feet. He says that bigger than that the wipeouts get too painful.

So stretch everything every day. Reach for those toes. You will be surprised how flexible you can become if you work for it. Also, strengthen your core muscles and your hip flexors. The hip flexors are important for sitting up all day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_flexors

The point I wish to make is NEVER GIVE UP. Work for it. It is doable. Your kayaking, and all other activities, will improve.

Have fun; if you really want to you will.

Regards, Bob