According to the American Association of Neurological surgeons, 75 to 85 percent of Americans suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. Of those, approximately 10 percent fail to obtain pain relief without surgery. Exercise is vital to both healing after back surgery and preventing back problems in the future. The surgeon will provide you with postoperative instructions on walking and determine when it is safe for you to begin specific rehabilitative exercises.
Background
Two common spine conditions that may require surgery are a herniated or ruptured disc and spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal. Both conditions are associated with aging-related degeneration and likely have a genetic component. A "decompressive laminectomy" is the most common type of lower back surgery and may be used to treat both conditions. The physician will usually recommend surgery only after conservative methods such as physical therapy and medications fail to provide pain relief.
Goals
The physical therapist will work with you to develop an appropriate exercise program, specific to your physical condition and type of surgery. In general, physical therapy exercises stabilize the spine, in addition to improving mobility and flexibility. Ideally, they will help you manage any pain you may experience and prevent future back problems. Before beginning a new exercise program, you should consult with your physical therapist or another spine specialist to ensure its safety for your back.
Types
There is a wide variety of muscle strengthening and stretching exercises taught by physical therapists to treat back conditions. Two common types of back strengthening exercises used to treat low back pain are "dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises" and "McKenzie exercises." Walking, stationary bicycling, elliptical training and "water therapy" are low-impact aerobic exercises generally recommended by spine specialists. In addition, reports suggest that people with back conditions may benefit from certain yoga, Pilates and tai chi exercises.
Benefits
People who regularly participate in low-impact aerobic exercises are more resistant to back injury than those who are less aerobically fit. Aerobic exercise improves blood flow to the tissues of the spine, which can promote healing of injured structures and improve flexibility. In addition to strengthening muscles to stabilize your spine, aerobic exercise can facilitate weight loss, thereby decreasing stress on your back. It can also elevate your mood and reduce pain as a result of increased endorphin production.
Considerations
While you may experience an increase in pain if you begin your exercise program during a flare-up, in general, when performed correctly, appropriate rehabilitative exercises should not increase your spine condition-related pain. Ultimately, you need to determine what is "normal pain" for you and when to discontinue an activity. Recording in writing the details of your exercise program, such as the type, frequency and duration of each exercise and any pain you experience may help you optimize your program and keep you motivated.
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