One of the keys to managing back pain or neck pain is to actively engage in rehabilitation and exercise. Physical therapy helps place patients on the right track by exercising weak points and regaining strength that may have been lost. An exercise program should be tailored to the individual’s condition and pain level, and include a combination of stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning. Knowing the right exercises and how to find the right trainers can be the difference between recovery and chronic pain.
When done in a controlled, gradual, and progressive manner, active back exercises distribute nutrients into the disc space and soft tissues in the back to keep the discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy.
Exercise for Sciatica from a Herniated Disc
Specific back exercises for sciatica pain relief from a herniated disc are prescribed according to which positions will cause the patient’s symptoms to move up the lower extremity and into the low back.
Stretching for Back Pain Relief
Almost everyone can benefit from stretching the soft tissues - the muscles, ligaments and tendons - in the back, legs, buttock, and around the spine.
While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is usually better for healing sciatic pain than bed rest.