It might seem counterintuitive, but in most cases, just about the worst thing most people can do after a diagnosis of a bone spur in the lower back is eliminate any and all physical activity. Yes, brief periods of rest are an important part of most conservative treatment plans, because resting can help alleviate some of the inflammation that may be present. But many doctors will tell you that the last thing you want to do in the face of pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness related to nerve compression caused by a spinal bone spur is to allow your lifestyle to become completely sedentary. In fact, the opposite may be true – if anything, your doctor very well may recommend more physical activity to help alleviate your symptoms.

Take Nothing For Granted

Do not assume, however, that staying active after a diagnosis of a bone spur in the lower back means you can pick up where you left off in your normal exercise routine. Chances are, once you’ve talked it over with your doctor, there will be a number of sacrifices you’ll need to make in the short term. The emphasis here is generally on the “short term,” because most patients suffering from symptoms associated with a bone spur compressing a spinal nerve find that the problem becomes much more manageable over time. What’s necessary at the outset is a little common sense. The goal, of course, is to be able to resume as much normal activity as possible – eventually. Activities it might be better to avoid in the interim include:

– Bicycling

– Golfing

– Contact sports

– Jogging or sprinting

– Driving long distances

– Sitting at a desk for long periods of time

– Standing at a workstation for long periods of time

Again, though, that’s not to say you’ll be relegated to a chair or couch until you feel better. Indeed, under a doctor’s guidance, activities that generally prove beneficial include:

– Low-impact walking

– Swimming or walking in a pool

– Working out on a recumbent stationary bike or elliptical machine

– Stretching

Don’t Push It Too Far

Generally, you’ll know whether the physical activity you’re performing is too strenuous. Listen to the signals your body sends. Some mild discomfort is perfectly natural given the circumstance, because a bone spur in the lower back has the potential to compress the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, which can send painful symptoms into your lower back, buttocks, hamstrings, calves, and/or toes. However, if mild discomfort gives way to searing pain or a reduction in your ability to move freely, it’s time to shut it down and let your doctor know about the change in your symptoms.

Never attempt to formulate a new exercise regimen without first consulting your doctor. Only a trained medical professional can give sound advice about your particular physical limitations. If you push it too far, there is a risk of further exacerbating your condition. Follow the instructions of your doctor or physical therapist to the letter, and above all, remain patient as you work your way back to health.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of spinal bone spurs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute offers safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal bone spurs and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_bone_spurs/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of spinal bone spurs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spinal bone spur