Many people ask about what a rehab program would look like for someone with low back pain that is thought to be associated with a disc herniation. While I am happy to provide some options, there are a few very important points to keep in mind.
A diagnosis does not dictate the treatment plan. Rehab is not a protocol based process. Rehab for low back pain, regardless of the potential contributing tissues (if any can be identified), is based on the individual's unique symptoms. As clinicians, we look to determine which factors aggravate one's symptom and which ones alleviate symptoms.
Most people with a disc herniation would likely never know that they have one. Why? Having an MRI without very specific neurological symptoms is not useful and has actually been shown to worsen clinical outcomes in some cases, which is why they are usually not ordered right away. Seeing something 'abnormal' on an MRI that may or may not be associated with one's current symptoms can create fear and anxiety and negatively alter one's path to recovery.
I say 'abnormal' because many of us with no pain actually have things that would be classified as an 'injury' or 'degenerative' on an MRI, if we were to have one. In reality, things like disc herniations, meniscus tears and labral tears of the shoulder and hip occur in a large percentage of healthy individuals.
With all of that being said, I have several exercises listed here that often help reduce pain in people with low back pain that is thought to be associated with a disc herniation.
1. Press Ups - Find the level that is comfortable for you. Hold 3-5 seconds and repeat 5-10 times.
2. Glute/Piriformis Stretch - Repeat 2-3 times and hold 15-30 seconds.
3. Sciatic Nerve Mobilization - Move back and forth 10-15 times and complete 1-2 sets.
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