Good on you and good on you're old man for fighting for ya.
I wouldn't worry about lifetime complications. There is a 7-11 year study on the international synthes prodisc site.
The biggest worry is early facet degeneration. If you are serious about preventing this to what ever extent you can you need to get serious about strengthening and maintaining your core, and ensure you maintain neutral spine throughout squat movements (never stoop) and other activities of daily living. Simple biomechanics say if you're spine is in neutral and not flexed the load on the joints is reduced and the load on the muscles is increased. Lifting power comes from your glutes, not your back.
Clinical pilates is a good starting point for this, as is a good physio. Can be hard finding good professionals tho. Buy 'Spinal Stabilisation' by Jemmet, and 'Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance by McGill', you will be set.
That's assuming you're serious about it. I'm a couple of years older than you and recovering from a hybrid op 6 weeks ago. Maintaining good core, fitness and body mechanics could mean the difference between a risky salvage op or a productive life. Up to u.
Chris.
|