Any type of degenerative condition of the spinal column may inhibit your movement and range of motion. Strength, stability and balance may also be affected. Various terms define conditions of spinal degeneration depending on the anatomy of the spine, the location of the degeneration and any accompanying symptoms or conditions. Talk to your doctor about exercises you can do if you've been diagnosed with any type of spinal degeneration condition in order to preserve, maintain and strengthen your spinal column.
Definition
Spinal degenerative bone disease covers a variety of spinal structure conditions, including spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease, vertebrae disk protrusions, and bulges and fragmentation of the vertebral disks, among others. Often, the loss of structure and support of the spinal disks -- which may cause weakness, numbness or tingling in the limbs -- affect nerve roots.
Spinal Extension
Exercise that elongates and stretches the muscles of the spinal column may provide some pain relief from pinched or tight nerves, and help maintain the strength and integrity of your spine. Your doctor or physical therapist may suggest the McKenzie Method for spinal extension. An example this exercise is to stand in front of a low object such as a bench or stair step; hang onto something for balance if necessary. Place one foot on the step or bench. Slowly bend over the extended leg, bracing your hands on your thigh or knee for support. Pull your abs inward and arch your back, providing an elongating stretch of the entire spinal column.
Spinal Flexion
Spinal flexion exercises may help create more space in the foramen, located between your disk spaces. Low back injury and resulting disk damage is often caused by weakened abdominal muscles. Exercises such as crunches and situps help strengthen the abdominal walls and provide lumbar back support and strength. Standing hip flexion exercises can help stretch and tone the lower back by standing and holding onto an object if desired. Lift one leg, knee bent, until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Then switch sides and repeat. Talk to your doctor or therapist about the types of abdominal exercises you can do depending on your condition and its severity.
Low-Impact Aerobics
Low-impact aerobics like walking and swimming may help improve mobility, range of motion and strength of your spine without jarring vertebrae. For some, low-impact exercise may also help slow the progression of the degeneration and relieve stiffness that often occurs with spinal disk or vertebrae degenerative conditions.
References
- University of California San Diego; Degenerative Spine Disease; John R. Hesselink, MD, FACR
- The McKenzie Institute: The McKenzie Method
- Eastern Illinois University: Exercises for the Spine
- Spine Universe: Degenerative Disc Disease and Low Back Pain; Tomas G. Lowe, MD; 2011
- Laser Spine Institute: Spondylosis Exercises
