In-depth information on using back exercise and fitness, physical therapy and active rehabilitation for back problems and low back pain relief
Physical therapy after minimally invasive back surgery
August 17, 2007
When back surgery is minimally invasive, many people – especially those who experience a great deal of pain relief after the surgery – may think that postoperative physical therapy is unnecessary. But it is very important that muscle function is at its best after any back surgery, even if it’s minimally invasive surgery. Read
more...
By: Carol M. McFarland, MS, PT, OCS
Home exercise equipment for low impact aerobic exercise
May 23, 2007
Home exercise equipment, such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes can allow easy access to one’s exercise program and are relatively low impact on the spine. Read more...
By: Megan Tyner, ACE
Heat wrap therapy
can reduce post-exercise low back pain
March 14, 2007
According to this recent study, it is now possible
to avoid some of the low back pain that typically follows exercise involving
the lower back muscles by using heat wrap therapy prior to and after exercise.
Read
more...
By:
John Mayer, DC, PhD
McKenzie therapy for mechanical low back pain
March 8, 2007
McKenzie Therapy is a multi-dimensional approach to classifying and treating mechanical low back pain. The McKenzie Method is designed to centralize pain so that it becomes more tolerable for the patient. This goal is achieved through completing prescribed exercises.
Read more...
By: Thomas E. (Ted) Dreisinger, PhD
How to start an exercise ball program
March 1, 2007
Getting started using an exercise ball can be a challenge. This article
provides simple steps to get familiar with an exercise ball – sitting comfortably
on it, stretching and beginning exercises. Once one has developed a comfort level
with these activities, more sophisticated exercises can be incorporated into
the exercise ball program. Read more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers, DO
Sciatica exercises
January 3, 2007
While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is usually better for healing sciatic pain than bed rest. Patients may rest for a day or two after their sciatica flares up, but after that time period, inactivity will usually make the pain worse. Read
more...
By: Ron S. Miller, PT
Water
therapy exercise program
December 27, 2006
Water therapy exercise is especially helpful in cases where a land-based exercise
program is not possible for patients due to pain, decreased bone density, disability
or other factors. In addition to spine conditions, water therapy can also
help patients who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Read
more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD and Bruce
E. Becker, MD, MS
Pool therapy to relieve osteoarthritis pain
December 14, 2006
The effect of buoyancy provided by the water in pool therapy allows osteoarthritis patients to gain the benefits of exercise and stretching without causing pain. Read more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD and Bruce E. Becker, MD, MS
Rehabilitation
and exercise for a healthy back
November 21, 2006
Whether suffering from the first bout of low back pain or following extensive
treatments or even surgery, the best way for patients to avoid or minimize the
severity of recurrences is to rehabilitate the back through appropriate exercise. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Exercise
for back pain
October 27, 2006
Almost everyone can benefit from stretching the soft tissues— the muscles,
ligaments and tendons—around the spine. The spinal column and its contiguous
muscles, ligaments and tendons are all designed to move, and limitations in
this motion can accentuate pain. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Abdominal and back exercise recommendations
October 11, 2006
A high percentage of back pain complaints are
due to soft tissue injury or back muscle strain. Strengthening
the abdominal muscles and back muscles by ab exercise
(stomach exercise) and lower back exercise may help
prevent back pain. Read
more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC
Snow removal techniques to prevent low back injuries
January 27, 2006
Winter low back pain from snow removal can be prevented with correct snow shoveling
technique. These tips give pointers on finding the right shovel, proper shoveling
posture, and exercises to relieve muscle strain. Read
more…
By: Peter J. Schubbe, DC
Manual physical therapy
for pain relief
January 13, 2006
Sometimes called “hands-on physical therapy”, manual physical therapy
uses no devices or machines. With this technique, therapists use only their hands
to reduce back muscle tension and restore mobility to stiff joints in an effort
to allow the patient more natural movement and pain relief. Read
more...
By: Robert J. Daul, MPT
Physical therapy for low back
pain relief
December 20, 2005
Most patients with low back pain will benefit from physical therapy that strengthens
the "belt"
of muscle around their spine—including the
abdominal and low back muscles. Even patients who
eventually elect back surgery benefit. A physical
therapist can show proper exercise technique and
ensure follow through. Read
more...
By: Rob D. Dickerman, DO, PhD
Pain-free travel tips
December 6, 2005
For many people with back pain or neck pain, the prospect of a long trip can
be daunting. These travel tips can help to prevent the aggravation of back and
neck conditions with strategies for packing, lifting, stretching, and more. Read
more...
By: Ron Miller, PT
What is the McKenzie Method for back
pain and neck pain?
November 14, 2005
The McKenzie Method is an overall philosophy of physical therapy and exercise
that "centralizes" a patient's pain into the back, away from the legs
and arms, and then teaches patients self-healing techniques, including exercise,
for managing their own back pain or neck pain long-term. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Strengthening exercise program for low back pain relief
June 27, 2005
Strengthening exercises help stabilize the spine and decrease stress on the lower
back and pelvis. Most spinal stabilization exercise programs include strengthening
both the abdominal and gluteal muscles. The key is an exercise program that is
simple and easily done. Read more...
By: Robert J. Daul, MPT
Exercise ball therapy for low back
pain
June 2, 2005
Exercise programs using exercise balls are designed to help prevent further episodes
of low back pain as part of a patient's low back rehabilitation program. This
article provides in-depth information on uses, exercises, benefits and drawbacks
of therapy with an exercise ball. Read more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC, DACBSP
Exercise for spinal
arthritis
May 25, 2005
For spinal arthritis sufferers, exercise is thought to be the most effective
non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement. The exercises need
to be done correctly to avoid causing joint pain. Specific exercises should
focus on strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving joint mobility
and reducing joint stiffness and pain.Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Exercise bikes for a low stress workout
April 27, 2005
Many patients have trouble finding an exercise program with an appopriate level
of intensity and minimal impact. An exercise bike is a good option that provides
a low stress workout incorporating aerobic exercise, strengthening and flexibility,
while still being gentle for the back. Read
more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers, DO
Exercise for back pain during
pregnancy
December 21, 2004
Although pregnant women may be tempted to rest rather than exercise if they are
experiencing back pain, in many cases, gentle exercise can decrease muscle spasms,
boost energy levels and help with an easier labor, delivery and recovery. This
article explains some simple cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises
women can use for back pain during pregnancy. Read more...
By: Alicia Silva, MSPT
A
healthy weight for a healthy back
December 15, 2004
Obese and overweight patients may be surprised to learn that they have an increased risk for certain back conditions such as osteoarthritis, where their extra weight puts extra pressure on their joints. This article helps to explain why maintaining a healthy weight level is particularly necessary for back pain patients. Read
more...
By: Kelly Andrews, DC
Food for
thought: diet and nutrition for a healthy back
December 10, 2004
Patients with back problems may not be aware that diet and nutrition play a major
role in nourishing spinal structures, preventing problems and healing from injuries.
Using these nutrition guidelines, patients can integrate back-friendly vitamins
and nutrients (especially calcium) into their diets. Read
more...
By: Kelly Andrews, DC
Weight loss for
back relief
November 2, 2004
Being obese or overweight can increase low back pain, joint pain, spinal disc problems, muscle strain and other conditions. However, patients who are overweight or obese may be unaware that excess weight is increasing not only their current pain but also their risk of future problems. This article gives practical guidelines on how exercise, diet and weight loss can help with back relief. Read
more...
By: Donald J. Frisco, MD
Back
exercise and fitness for back pain relief
August 4, 2004
For most back problems, exercise and movement are the natural stimuli for the
healing process. Gentle exercise, rather than inactivity and bed rest, most often
provides the best long-term solution for reducing back pain and preventing (or
lessening) future episodes of pain. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Exercise
walking for better back health
May 24, 2004
Exercise walking is an excellent way for most people with low back pain to
benefit from regular exercise while not aggravating the structures in the lower
back. Read
more...
By: Ted Forcum, DC, DACBSP, FICC, CSCS and Tom Hyde, DC, DACBSP
Tai
Chi for posture and back pain
February 19, 2004
Tai Chi involves slow, deliberate, flowing movement of the body (no jarring
motions that create impact on the spine) along with a focus on breathing, all
carried out with particular mental focus. This combination is why Tai Chi is
referred to as "meditation in motion" and can be an ideal exercise
for people with back pain. Read
more...
By: Robert Humphreys, DC
Healing
benefits of yoga for back pain
January 27, 2004
Among other things, yoga helps ease lower back pain by gently stretching and
strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs and increasing blood circulation,
which in turn brings healing nutrients to the injured tissues. Read
more...
By: Fred Busch
Yoga
for back problems
December 2, 2003
Studies have shown that those who practice yoga for as little as twice a week
for 8 weeks make significant gains in strength, flexibility, and endurance,
which is a basic goal of most rehabilitation programs for neck or back problems. Read
more...
By: Karen P. Barr, MD
Choosing
the right exercise ball
October 22, 2003
When sitting upright on an exercise ball, feet should be flat on the floor,
knees should be level or slightly lower than the pelvis, and the pelvis, shoulders,
and ears should be in a vertical line. Read
more...
By: Ron Miller, PT
Pilates
exercise system to promote back health
March 21, 2003
Pilates is an exercise program that can help alleviate and prevent future episodes
of back pain. In particular, learning awareness of neutral alignment of the
spine and strengthening the deep postural muscles that support this alignment
are important skills for back pain patients. Read
more...
By: Beth Glosten, MD, Certified Pilates Instructor
Rehabilitation
following spine surgery
September 3, 2002
Rehabilitation or physical therapy can help patients recover from spine surgery
as quickly and completely as possible. It is important in helping the body
heal from the original injury and the surgery, and in preventing future episodes
of pain. Read
more...
By Carol M. McFarland, MS, PT, OCS
Lumbar
stabilization as physical therapy for lower back
pain
April 2, 2001
Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization is designed to strengthen muscles to support the
spine and help prevent lower back pain. This article addresses this active
form of physical therapy. Read
more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD
Sports
injuries and back pain
July 20, 2000
For people with back pain, sports can still be a viable option if they pay
attention to their back. This article addresses the strains some of the more
popular sports can have on the back and the different steps one can take to
prevent them. Read
more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC
How
a physical therapist can help with exercise
June 16, 2000
Back pain sufferers are often referred to a physical therapist, whose role
is to provide pain relief, rehabilitate, and educate patients. Read
more...
By: Carol M. McFarland, MS, PT, OCS
Back exercise and physical
therapy for back pain
September 8, 1999
After an episode of low back pain has lasted more than 2 to 6 weeks, or if
there are frequent episodes, back exercise and physical therapy may be recommended. This article
provides an overview of passive and active physical therapy approaches. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Physical therapy for low back pain: Patients vote
March 30, 2006
Less than half of Spine-health.com's poll respondents
said they experienced some low back pain relief from
physical therapy. Since much of physical therapy is
active exercise, one might expect the number of patients
experiencing pain relief to be much higher. What could
cause such a low level of satisfaction? Read more...
Back-to-Back:
Weight loss, diet and nutrition for a healthy back
Read other patients’ helpful tips about weight loss using gentle exercise,
a healthy diet and good nutrition. Patients also share how achieving an optimal
weight helped relieve their back pain. Be sure to submit your own response! Read
more...
Back-to-Back: Using back exercise for back pain relief
Read other patients’ helpful advice about using back exercise (such as walking, an exercise bike, water therapy, physical therapy and yoga) for back pain relief or recovery from back surgery. Then, submit your own response! Read more...
Back Pain Radio transcript: exercise balls, home exercise equipment and the Graston Technique
April 19, 2005
Exercises for a healthy back don’t have to be performed solely in a gym or with a physical therapist - they can also be done inexpensively and conveniently in the home, using fitness equipment such as an exercise ball. Thomas Hyde, D.C., a chiropractor in Florida and a medical advisor and contributing author for Spine-health.com, and Grant Cooper, M.D., host of Back Pain Radio, discuss proper use of exercise balls for fitness, home exercise equipment and the Graston Technique on the April 4, 2005 show. Read transcript…
Exercise for back surgery – The doctor is in!
April 19, 2005
This section addresses patients’ questions about how exercise can facilitate healing and reduce pain after back surgery. Answers are provided by Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon and Medical Director for Spine-health.com. Patients’ inquiries on gentle exercise and post-operative care were submitted by e-mail, and we’ve posted some common questions and responses here. Read more…
Exercise for back problems – The doctor is in!
April 19, 2005
This section addresses patients’ questions about using exercise to heal from back problems and chronic back pain. Answers are provided by Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon and Medical Director for Spine-health.com. Patients’ inquiries on exercise and stretching were submitted by e-mail, and we’ve posted some common questions and responses here. Read more…
Take control of your back pain – Spine-health.com Newsletter
In addition to finding the right type of spine specialist(s) to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own to help manage pain. This newsletter profiles some lesser known pain management strategies that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers include sleeping on a high-quality mattress and pillow, exercising, and weight loss (where appropriate). Read more…
First aid for your back - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Even if the pain is severe, episodes of back pain - and pain from ongoing back conditions like sciatica- can be somewhat relieved with some first aid methods you can do at home. Some combination of the following treatments (for example, heat therapy, ice therapy, gentle stretching and exercise) is usually recommended to help alleviate or at least manage the back pain from sciatica and other conditions. Read more…
Essential exercise for back pain relief - Spine-health.com Newsletter
The natural stimulus for the healing process is active exercise, which means exercise in a controlled, gradual, and progressive manner. In this newsletter we discuss why exercise is important and give information about gentle exercises for recovery and prevention of future back pain from back conditions. Read more…
Pain relief with physical therapy and exercise - Spine-health.com Newsletter
The use of some type of physical therapy and exercise is integral to almost all forms of back pain and neck pain treatment. Sometimes physical therapy and exercise is the first line of treatment; other times it may help manage chronic pain, or provide rehabilitation after surgery. This newsletter explains how physical therapy and exercise play a vital role in relieving pain from back conditions. Read more…
The importance of back exercise and rehabilitation - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Information about how and why rehabilitation and exercise are so important for your recovery from back pain and back surgery, as well as for maintaining future spinal health. Read these helpful guidelines on developing a new exercise program to include stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercises for your back. Read more…
Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on Spine-health.com are not peer-reviewed by the Spine-health.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provided as additional resources for patients to learn from the experiences of others and to gain information from our popular newsletters.
