Arthritis is a term that is used to describe many different conditions associated with swelling, pain, tenderness and stiffness of various joints in the body. Osteoarthritis affects the bones -- most commonly the hips, knee, hands, feet and spine. Osteoarthritis makes many day-to-day activities difficult to do and painful to accomplish, but exercises can help lessen the pain and increase range of motion.
Hydro Therapy
One of the best exercises you can do for lower spine osteoarthritis is walking in a swimming pool or swimming, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The water provides resistance while you improve your range of motion and strengthen your back muscles. Walking in the water can also provide a massaging type of therapy for your spine. Doing a freestyle swimming stroke, backstroke or sidestroke will strengthen the muscles around your spine.
Flexibility Training
Using an exercise ball can help you regain flexibility in your lower spine. By sitting on an exercise ball you will be force to find your balance point. This act will help strengthen the muscles around your spine and therefore increase your flexibility. Using light weights and doing arm curls while sitting on the exercise ball will help you regain strength and improve your ability to move without pain.
Strengthening Exercise
To strengthen your back and make it more flexible when you have osteoarthritis, do exercises like the bridge. By lying down on a hard surface with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, you can lift your hips up off the floor into the bridge position. When you hold this move, you will build strength in your spine. This added strength will give you more agility and flexibility in that area.
Range of Motion
Anyone who has suffered from osteoarthritis in the lower spine has felt the restriction of the loss of movement and restricted range of motion. Exercises like the wall stretch will help you regain that movement and increase your range. By leaning backward against a wall and then sliding down the wall gradually, you will help your spine get used to increased movement. The wall will support your body, and one of the keys is to make the movement to the sitting position slowly. That way you will not slip and you will relieve pressure.
Expert Insight
When you have osteoarthritis of the lower spine, your inclination may be to rest and avoid activity. According to orthopedist Dr. Peter Ullrich of the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin, exercise will help you feel better and will make it easier for you to move around on a daily basis. He says that active exercise will strengthen the muscles around your spine and reduce pain as well.
