{"id":44,"date":"2018-01-22T02:19:20","date_gmt":"2018-01-22T02:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/?p=44"},"modified":"2023-07-03T23:07:53","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T23:07:53","slug":"herniated-disc-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/herniated-disc-exercises\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Herniated Disc Exercises & Stretches For Lower Back"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is estimated that up to 80% of individuals will suffer from an episode of low back pain during their lifetime and Lumbar disc herniations<\/strong> are one of the common underlying issues.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

In this articles we will dive into specific herniated disc exercises<\/strong> that you can do at home (at the bottom).<\/p>\n

Table Of Contents:<\/div>
\nSymptoms of a herniated disc<\/a>
\nWhat does a herniated disc feel like?<\/a>
\n7 Best exercises for herniated discs<\/a>
\n<\/div><\/div>\n

Disc herniation most commonly occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine) and involves the displacement of disc material beyond the inter-vertebral disc space.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

In the most simple terms, the spine is made up of individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebrae is an intervertebral disc that provides a cushion so the vertebrae don\u2019t rub together.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, these discs (intervertebral discs) between the vertebrae, have a gel-like material inside (called a nucleus pulposus). A herniated disc is when that gel-like material ruptures through the outer layer of disc, and can press on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, resulting in symptoms, including disabling back pain and other associated symptoms that can make everyday activities difficult to perform.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

This illustration may help:
\n\"Spine<\/p>\n

Note: A herniated disc is usually worse than a bulged disc<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Before we get to 7 herniated disc exercises, let\u2019s talk a little about the symptoms and treatment options of lumbar disc herniation\u2026
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Symptoms of herniated lumbar disc:<\/span><\/h2>\n

– Lower back pain (typically the first symptom)
\n– Leg pain (traveling up and down)[1]<\/a>[5]<\/a>
\n– Leg numbness or tingling (traveling pain)[5]<\/a>
\n– Leg weakness[1]<\/a>
\n– Pain is worse from sitting[5]<\/a>
\n– Restricted trunk flexion[1]<\/a>
\n– Sciatica<\/a> pain (Pinched Nerve)<\/p>\n

Please note, a herniated disc DOESN’T always cause pain, so you must get a proper diagnosis.[2]<\/a>[5]<\/a><\/p>\n

IMPORTANT:<\/strong> An extremely rare symptom of lumbar disc herniation is the loss of bowel or bladder control, which may signal that a more serious problem is lurking \u2013 cauda equina syndrome. This syndrome results from compression of the spinal nerve roots and is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.[5]<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/a>What does a herniated disc feel like?<\/span><\/p>\n

Lower back pain is typically the first symptom of a lumbar disc herniation. Often this pain will last for a few days and then subside, but leg pain, numbness or tingling, and\/or weakness of the lower extremity often follows.<\/p>\n

Typically the leg pain eventually travels below the knee and can even affect the ankle and foot.<\/p>\n

How long does the pain last?<\/span><\/p>\n

Most patients with a lumbar disc herniation<\/em> will improve gradually over a period of days to weeks, with most patients being symptom free within 3 to 4 months.<\/p>\n

Exercise works….<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients that actively participate in an exercise program often report a significant reduction of pain and improved ability to perform their activities of daily living.[4]<\/a>[5]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

<\/div>\n