In principle, low or non-impact "horizontal" exercises (swimming, yoga, etc) are safer for your lower back. You don't want high impact "vertical" exercises (running, racket games, etc) to stress your worn out L4-5 disc further ! Heavy weight lifting stresses your back too if done upright "vertically" better to do them lying down "horizontally" or without bending your back.
Question
What are recommended exercises for someone with a herniated disc?
Doctor's Answers 1
Similar Questions
What can I do to reduce the pain of a herniated disc?
Thank you for your question and I’m sorry to hear about your symptoms. Three years is an awfully long time to be experiencing pain symptoms - I presume you have had and MRI scan to confirm the disc herniation? Options basically fall under two categories - non-surgical (conservative) and surgical. Depending on your symptoms, it might be worth seeking another assessment prior to deciding one way or the other.
How do I treat a bulging disc that is causing lower back pain?
Thank you for your email. I agree with what Dr Chung or Dr Dinesh have said. It is an extremely common problem seen in people, whether young or old. First line of treatment is always medication and physiotherapy to strengthen the core and paraspinal muscles. If that does not work, and the pain is persistent, and if MRI does show a disc bulge and/ or annular tear, another option that you may want to consider is a nucleoplasty, annuloplasty and facet block of the affected levels. It works very well, and may patients do find symptomatic relief.
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