Physiotherapy lower back disc bulge exercise treatment for rapid pain relief and recovery from acute or chronic disc bulge symptoms. Physiotherapist Michelle Kenway guides you step by step through progressive disc bulge exercises for beginners (acute disc bulge lower back pain) to more advanced exercises for relieving disc bulge symptoms. McKenzie extension exercises are proven safe and effective evidence based Physical Therapy treatment exercises for relieving disc bulge pain and symptoms.
Time Stamps Lower Back Disc Bulge Exercises
0:00 Disc bulge exercises
0:20 Lower back disc bulge symptoms
0:33 Pre-exercise self-test (modified)
1:37 Pre-exercise self-test disc bulge exercises (standard)
2:07 Lower back disc bulge McKenzie extension exercise (beginners)
3:15 Lower back disc bulge McKenzie extension exercise (progression)
4:03 Standing disc bulge extension exercises
Disc Bulge Symptoms Include:
Lower back pain
Buttock pain
Pain radiating into the buttock and/or leg
Numbness and/or tingling in the leg and/or foot
Muscle spasm lower back and/or buttocks
Disc pain increased with sitting, coughing and/or sneezing
Lumbar list (lateral deviation or side lean)
Physical therapy disc bulge McKenzie extension exercises can relieve acute and chronic lower back posterior disc bulge symptoms.
Perform the prone pre-exercise test before doing these disc bulge exercises. Avoid these McKenzie extension exercises when the pre-exercise self-test 3 minute prone lying does NOT relieve disc bulge symptoms. Cease exercises that increase disc bulge symptoms unless medically prescribed.
1. Pre-Exercise Self-Test for Acute Disc Bulge Treatment (Modified)
Prone lying 3 minutes pillow under hips, firm mattress, head to side
YES, disc pain or symptoms decrease after 3 minutes - progress to Test No.2
OR
NO, disc pain/symptoms do NOT decrease after 3 minutes - cease exercises and seek medical advice
2. Pre-Exercise Self-Test for Acute Disc Bulge Treatment (Standard)
Prone lying 3 minutes, firm mattress, head to side
YES, disc pain/symptoms decrease after 3 minutes - progress McKenzie extension exercise (beginners)
OR
NO, disc pain or symptoms do NOT decrease after 3 minutes - cease exercises and seek medical advice
3. Lower Back Disc Bulge McKenzie Extension Exercise - Beginners
Firm mattress
Lay prone (on belly)
Forearms support upper body
Raise chest and shoulders
Chin tucked
Keep range of movement comfortable
Lower chest to support
4. Lower Back Disc Bulge McKenzie Extension Exercise - Progression
Firm support
Lay prone
Palms/hands support upper body
Raise chest, shoulders and upper abdomen
Keep range of movement comfortable
Forearms support upper body
Lower body to support
5. Standing Extension Exercise for Easing Lower Back Disc Bulge Pain
This disc bulge exercise is ideal for relieving posterior lower back disc bulge symptoms after sitting or bending forwards.
Start standing hips facing support
Hold support throughout
Lean upper body backwards
Chin tucked
Keep range of movement comfortable
Return to upright standing
These disc bulge exercises to relieve lower back pain and disc bulge symptoms are evidence-based Physical Therapy exercises. Physiotherapy assessment and comprehensive lumbar disc bulge treatment can promote faster recovery and reduced risk of chronic lower back pain and/or recurrent lower back disc bulge.
#discbulgeexercises #lowerbackpain #physiotherapy
Scientific References
Grant, J. (1962) Dermatomes. An Atlas of Anatomy by Regions Creative Commons
Nwuga G. & Nwuga V. (1985) Relative therapeutic efficacy of the Williams and McKenzie protocols in back pain management, Physiotherapy Practice, 1:2, 99-105.
Dohnert, B.et al (2020) Lumbopelvic Stabilization Exercises and McKenzie Method in Low Back Pain Due to Disc Protrusion: A Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (MLTJ), 10(4), 740-751.
Humphreys, S. & Eck, J. (1999). Clinical evaluation and treatment options for herniated lumbar disc. American family physician, 59(3), 575-582.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this video is intended as general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice regarding your medical condition. To the extent permitted by law, neither Healthy Fit Solutions Pty Ltd, as trustee for the P & M Kenway Family Trust (“we”), nor any of our officers, employees, agents or related bodies corporate will be liable in any way (including for negligence) for any loss, damage, costs or expenses suffered by you or claims made against you through your use of, or in connection with, this video or information supplied or offered to be supplied on this video. Although we use our best efforts to provide accurate information and other materials on this video, the video is provided “as-is”. To the extent permitted by law, all warranties, conditions and representations provided about or by this video are excluded.