The spinal cord contains nerve cells that are connected to different parts of the body and transmit neural signals from the brain to your peripheral tissue. According to BrainandSpinalCord.org, an estimated 12,000 spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States as a result of traumatic injuries that fracture or compress the vertebrae in the spine and nontraumatic injuries that damage nerve fibers. Range of motion exercises are an essential part of the rehabilitation process. They should be performed while lying on a firm surface to promote flexibility in the joints and muscles, and restore mobility in the spinal cord.
Lumbar Extension
This exercise stretches the muscles in the lower back and promotes flexibility and range of motion. Enter the starting position by lying on your back. Extend both legs and place your arms at your side. Contract your abdominal muscles, straighten your arms and slowly lift your upper body off the floor while ensuring your hips remain on the floor. At the apex of the extension, hold this stretch for five seconds. Relax your arms and return to the starting position. Perform one set of 10 repetitions once daily to maintain the range of motion in your back after a spinal cord injury.
Trunk Rotation
This exercise is recommended to loosen the muscles, tendons, and joints in the spinal cord. Trunk rotation exercises promotes flexibility and restores your range of motion after a spinal cord injury. Start this exercise by lying on your back with both legs extended. Bend both knees and place both hands underneath your thighs. Bring your knees towards your chest and hold for five seconds. Relax your knees and perform one set of 10 repetitions, once daily. You can also perform a trunk rotation by bringing your knees together and towards your chest. Rotate both knees to one side of your body and at the apex of this rotation, hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Return your knees to the center of your body and rotate both knees to the opposite side of your body. Perform one set of 10 repetitions on each side of your body.
Double Knee to Chest
Damage to the lumbar or lower region of the vertebrae reduces spinal stability, mobility and flexion. Perform this exercise to strengthen the muscles in the lower back and hamstrings as well as restore mobility to the spine, hips and pelvis. Lie backwards on a firm surface and extend both legs directly in front of you. Bend both knees and place both hands around the knees. Bring your knees towards your chest and continue this flexion until you feel a stretch in your lower back. Hold this position for five seconds and then bring your knees away from your body. Perform one set of 10 repetitions once daily.
Pelvic Tilt
Enter the starting position by lying on your back. Bend both knees and ensure that your feet is planted on the floor. Extend both arms to your side and begin to contract your abdominal muscles. Contract your gluteal muscles and lift your lower back away from the ground. This tilt should be slow and controlled. At the apex of your extension, hold for five seconds and relax. Allow your lower back to naturally return and rest against the floor. Perform one set of 10 repetitions, once daily to stretch the lower back, strengthen your abdominal, gluteal and trunk muscles, and restore mobility and range of motion to the spinal cord.
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