Among the most effective methods for avoiding back or neck pain is to maintain muscle strength and flexibility in the area of the spine. A healthy spine is a strong, flexible spine. Similarly, if you already have begun to experience pain and other symptoms associated with a degenerative spine condition, one of the most effective means for managing your symptoms is a regimen of exercise and stretching. Of course, you should always check with your physician before beginning a new exercise routine, and that is especially important if you have been diagnosed with a condition such as spinal stenosis, spinal osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease.

Can You Really Exercise with Back Pain?

Not only can you exercise if you are diagnosed with a degenerative spine conditions, you absolutely should continue your daily workout regimen as much as you are able and as much as your doctor or physical therapist advises. The symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness sometimes associated with a degenerative spine often can be managed more effectively by staying active than by getting off your feet for an extended period of time. In fact a sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for the development of spinal stenosis and other degenerative spine conditions.

Certainly, not everyone can pick up where he or she left off after back or neck pain has been diagnosed. The most important thing to remember about stretching and exercising as a symptom management technique is to follow the instructions of your doctor. In general, the following exercises are effective ways to stay active as your deal with the effects of spinal stenosis:

– Stretches that improve the flexibility of the back and legs

– Low-impact activities, like walking and swimming, that improve cardiovascular health

– Light weight training that improves and maintains muscular strength

– Biomechanical exercises that improve posture and body mechanics

Why Stretching Works

If you have been diagnosed with a degenerative spine condition such as spinal stenosis, one of the most effective conservative treatment methods available is stretching. The goal is to strengthen the back muscles while improving flexibility and reducing pressure in the spinal column. Again, it cannot be emphasized enough: You must always consult a physician or licensed physical therapist before attempting a new exercise regimen, especially if you suffer from the pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness and spasms caused by spinal nerve compression.

Once you’ve been given the go-ahead by your doctor to begin a stretching regimen to manage your spinal stenosis symptoms, request suggestions for specific exercises and activities that are geared toward your physical capabilities and limitations. Also, ask if there are certain activities that you should avoid at all costs, and work closely with your medical adviser on a timeline for treatment so you can gauge your progress.

When is Surgery an Option?

There is a chance that stretching alone won’t be enough to manage severe spinal stenosis symptoms. However, exercise in conjunction with other conservative treatments, such as pain medication or corticosteroid injections, might be called for. If chronic symptoms persist after several weeks or months of exercise and other conservative treatments, it might be time to explore surgery as an option.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy and exercise. http://www.spine-exercises.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Physical therapy, back exercises, wellness, fitness