Lumbar degenerative disc disease can be painful. Usually the result of getting older – which happens to us all – it needn’t necessarily be treated with drugs. Exercise, in my opinion, is a better way to deal with the issue.
While that may sound like a tedious prospect if you’re suffering from pain due to DDD, you should know that’s it’s a highly effective strategy that can bring your considerable relief.
As a chiropractor, part of my therapeutic mission is to discourage the use of drugs for the treatment of pain. Anti-inflammatories and pain relief medications can serve to dull the pain, but they’re only a stop gap measure. They don’t address the underlying issue.
In the case of “painkillers” – a misnomer, as they don’t really kill the pain, but mask it temporarily – some, like opioids, are addictive. Medications like these may also have profound, deleterious effects on your liver and stomach. For that reason alone, these easy exercises for lumbar degenerative disc disease pain relief are a far more desirable option.
Hamstring stretch
Your hamstrings play a major role in the function of your lower body. When they’re too tight, they can cause limited movement in the pelvis and this factor can lead to a worsening of your symptoms.
This stretch really is easy and can be done anywhere, with the aid of a towel.
Lie on your back, with legs extended. Using the towel, gently pull your right knee up towards your trunk. The towel should be wrapped under the thigh, as you hold the two ends in your hands.
Now, extend your leg from the knee, until your leg is fully extended. Using the towel, slowly pull the leg toward you. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat on the left.
Stationary cycling
Low impact aerobic exercise is another excellent way to control the pain of DDD. By choosing an activity which allows you to maintain cardiovascular health and to move your lower body without impact (which may exacerbate the pain), you’ll notice a reduction in flare ups and enjoy overall improved health.
Stationary cycling is the perfect way to achieve this. Posture is key to how effective this exercise will be to limit the pain of lumbar degenerative disc disease, so be mindful of not leaning forward on the bike. Sit up straight to get the maximum benefit and to protect your lower back.
Start with 3 or 4 sessions of no more than 10 minutes if it’s been a while since you engaged in aerobic activity. You’ll work your way up to 30 minutes per session before you know it and your pain will be controlled.
Other low-impact options include aerobic activity in water and using an elliptical machine.
What exercise does for your body is inestimable in value. The release of endorphins serves to limit pain, while increasing your flexibility and delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to affected discs.
Multi-disciplinarian pain relief is now available in New Jersey, at Back & Body Medical. Contact us. We can help.
