Your spine and spinal cord are a complex network of vertebra, nerves and spinal discs. When a disc or vertebra slips out of place, it can press on your spinal nerves, causing pain and numbness in your lower back and legs. To combat this, a surgeon may recommend spinal decompression -- also known as DP -- surgery. One DP surgery approach is discectomy, which involves removing a portion of bone or disc material that is pressing on your nerves. Following DP discectomy surgery, your physician may recommend physical therapy stretching exercises to strengthen your back and regain range of motion.
Benefits/Time Frame
Stretching is recommended following decompression surgery because stretching encourages blood flow to the surgical site and nerve root. This helps to minimize scarring. Once you receive approval from your physician to begin a stretching program, Spine-Health recommends stretching at least five to six times per day. This should continue for a period of six to 12 weeks when scar tissue is developing.
Lying Hamstring Stretch
The hamstrings are the muscle groups on the back of your legs that can become tightened after decompression surgery. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground. Straighten one leg in the air, holding it just behind your knee with your hands. Hold this position for five to eight seconds, then release. Lower the leg to the ground and repeat on your opposite leg. Continue until you have stretched each leg four times.
Back Flexion Stretch
Lie on your back and pull one knee at a time in toward your chest. Wrap your arms around your knees, but do not pull so hard that you feel strain in the lower back. Slowly move your head forward, so you are curled into a ball. You should feel a comfortable stretch in your lower back. Hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds, then release the stretch.
Piriformis Muscle Stretch
The piriformis is a major muscle that runs from your buttocks to your knee. If your disc was pressing on this muscle, you may experience pain in the lower back, legs or buttocks areas. You can stretch this muscle by lying on your back and crossing your right leg over your left leg. Slowly pull your right knee toward your chest, feeling the stretch in your lower back, hip and leg. Hold for five to eight seconds, then release the stretch. Lower your leg and repeat on the opposite side. Rest when you have stretched each leg three times.
