Degenerative Spine Disease?

go to spine-health.comSciatica exercises for degenerative disc disease

The form of exercise typically recommended for treating disc degeneration and the sciatica that results is a dynamic lumbar stabilization program, sometimes using the exercises included in the McKenzie Method. Alleviating sciatic pain caused by degenerative disc disease includes finding the most comfortable position for the lumbar spine and pelvis and training the body to maintain this position during activities. In doing this correctly, one can improve the proprioception (sense of movement) of the lumbar spine and reduce the excess motion at the spinal segments. This will in turn reduce the amount of irritation at these segments, relieving pain and protecting the area from further damage.

Lumbar stabilization exercises for sciatica

These dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises often require specific hands-on instruction because they offer much less benefit if done incorrectly, and they tend to be much more difficult than they appear. This type of exercise program is progressive, starting with the easier exercises and advancing to the more difficult exercises once the lower level program is mastered. The most important aspect of using these sciatica exercises is sensing and controlling motion in the spine. Once learned, the body can eventually take over and do this without the level of concentration it takes early on.

Degenerative disc disease exercises while lying on the back

Examples of the dynamic lumbar stabilizing exercises done while on the back include:

Hook-lying march. While lying on the back on the floor, with knees bent and arms at sides, tighten the stomach muscles and slowly raise alternate legs 3 to 4 inches from the floor (Figure 11). Aim to ‘march’ for 30 seconds, for two to three repetitions, with 30-second breaks in between repetitions.

Hook-lying march combination. Same exercise

I have Arthritis and bulging discs, just been for a EMG see what happens. However I went to Pilates, once a week for nine months and found this so helpful. I am now aqua jogging and find this kinda Pilates but in water, so even better. Good luck with the spine fusion.