Core Strengthening Exercises Can Aid in The Treatment of Low Back Pain Providing Patients can tolerate them.

I was originally trained to routinely recommend core strengthening exercises to patients that suffered from either lumbar herniated disc back pain or degenerative disc disease back pain as well as sciatica leg pain. Now in 2023, after 34 years of practice, I am now more reluctant in recommending them unless I am certain that patients can tolerate them and won’t make their pain worse.

Nowadays bulging disc back pain and degenerative disc back pain sufferers usually try a long list of therapies including chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, as well as a range of medications to control their pain. When treatments fail, patients are often referred to either neurologists or orthopaedic surgeons to be considered for surgery.  It is common for these patients to wait as long as 12 months to actually receive their consultation, and by the way, it usually lasts for only a few short minutes.  Often the back surgeon tells the patient that they are not a candidate for the surgery and that they should lose weight and perform core stretches.  But, here’s the problem, many of these patients are not overweight, are more importantly, they’re in too much pain to perform even a single core-strengthening exercise, leaving them with feelings of hopelessness, fear, disappointment and of course continued pain. After this long and difficult and painful journey many of these patients discover Back Clinics of Canada and our non-surgical unique system of painless care, the High-Performance Healing System™ with offering unusually high success lasting back pain relief.

If, however it’s within your tolerance to perform core strengthening exercises, they may be beneficial for reducing pain associated with lumbar spine issues, including herniated discs as well as degenerative disc disease and sciatica leg pain. The core muscles, including the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles, play a crucial role in supporting the spine and maintaining stability. If you are capable of performing core strengthening stretches then it’s important to consult with a medical professional, such as a doctor or chiropractor or physical therapist, to get specific advice tailored to your condition.

Here is a list of traditionally helpful core strengthening stretches for those who can tolerate them.

Pelvic tilts: Lie on your back with your knees bent, then tighten your abdominal muscles to flatten your lower back against the floor. Hold for a few seconds and release.

Partial crunches: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands behind your head. Lift your shoulders off the ground, using your abdominal muscles, while keeping your lower back on the floor. Avoid pulling on your neck.

Bird dog: Start on your hands and knees, then extend one arm forward while simultaneously extending the opposite leg straight back. Hold for a few seconds, then switch sides. It’s crucial to start with gentle movements and progress gradually.

If any of these exercise causes pain or discomfort, listen to your body, and immediately discontinue and consult with your healthcare professional and definitely try to find an experienced specialist that offers similar care that is offered by Back Clinics of Canada’s exclusive High Performance Healing System™. This care, should at the very least include Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, Class IV Laser Therapy as well as enhanced healing nutrition and patient specifically chosen painless stretches to improve both flexibility and core strength.

Remember, the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have a pre-existing condition like a lumbar spine herniated disc.

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