I had L3-4-5 and S1 fused. I used a walker around the house for the first 2 weeks, then my cane. (which I used before surgery.) By a month I was walking on the tread-mill or outside for 10-15 minutes at a time. I returned to using my Nordic poles by week 5 or so, and they allow me to walk up to 30 minutes. I'm wondering how much I need to be using my back brace at 8 weeks- I use it if I'm doing a more rigorous activity, such as light house work, walking longer periods, or starting to feel achy and tired. What have other people been advised regarding brace use? I'm starting to reduce my meds, although ' I'm still waiting for my doctor's advice on this. I'm also returning to a physio therapist- as this was minimally provided in hospital