Effective Rehabilitation Exercises for Herniated Discs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Effective Rehabilitation Exercises for Herniated Discs: Your Questions Answered

Hello： According to what you have mentioned, you have been undergoing rehabilitation therapy for some time. <br>If the therapist is unable to answer the above questions, it is advisable to consult your rehabilitation physician in person. <br>Wishing you good health!

Rehabilitation Exercises for Disc Herniation

Hello Doctor: I have a herniated disc and am currently undergoing physical therapy at the hospital.
However, due to the therapist's busy schedule, I often find it difficult to get my questions answered.
Therefore, I would like to ask you the following questions:
1.
In my rehabilitation exercises, there are several movements where I perform 10 repetitions on the left side and then 10 on the right side (each for 10 seconds).
After completing the 10 repetitions on the left, I often feel particularly sore.
Can I perform the exercises in an alternating manner, such as doing one repetition on the left, then one on the right, and continuing this way until I complete 10 repetitions? Would this affect my recovery speed, or is it necessary to complete 10 on the left before moving to the right?
2.
One of the exercises is the cat-cow stretch.
After arching my back, I always feel soreness in my back.
Is this soreness a result of overexertion during the arching? Should I reduce the intensity? The therapist instructed me to arch my back upwards, but I find it difficult to gauge how much force is required.
I have asked my therapist, but they seem disinterested and just tell me to arch upwards.
Is this a normal phenomenon? Another exercise is the cow pose, where the therapist advised me to lift my head and slightly bend my lower back.
However, given my herniated disc, is it safe for my lower back to bend down?
3.
I have a herniated disc at the L4-L5 levels.
Can I sleep on my side? I worry about rolling over to sleep on my side after lying flat, which affects my sleep quality.
If side sleeping is permissible, what position should I adopt to prevent worsening my herniation?
4.
I have been doing rehabilitation exercises for nearly a month.
After exercising, I experience intermittent pain in my gluteal tendons when walking.
My therapist mentioned that this is due to overexertion and tight tendons, and that it will ease over time.
Is this correct?
5.
I have patellar valgus, and the rehabilitation doctor instructed the therapist to guide me in applying kinesiology tape, which I change every 24 hours.
After two weeks, I have developed some allergic reactions.
Is it okay to temporarily stop using the tape? How long should I rest before resuming? Or is it necessary to continue using the tape for it to be effective?
Thank you for taking the time to provide me with your advice, Doctor!

Ms. Chen, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/15

Dr. Su Hongci reply Rehabilitation

Hello: According to what you have mentioned, you have been undergoing rehabilitation therapy for some time.
If the therapist is unable to answer the above questions, it is advisable to consult your rehabilitation physician in person.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2023/08/15

More Info

Rehabilitation exercises for herniated discs can be a crucial part of recovery, and it’s understandable that you have several questions regarding your treatment. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

1. Cross-Training Between Sides: It’s common to experience discomfort or pain on one side more than the other, especially when dealing with a herniated disc. If your rehabilitation program requires you to perform 10 repetitions on one side before switching to the other, it is generally designed to ensure that each side is adequately worked. However, if you find that alternating sides (1 rep left, 1 rep right) helps reduce discomfort and allows you to maintain form, it may be acceptable. The key is to listen to your body. If alternating reduces pain and allows you to complete the exercise with proper form, it should not significantly hinder your recovery. Always communicate with your therapist about any modifications you make.

2. Cat-Cow Stretch: The cat-cow stretch is a beneficial exercise for spinal mobility, but it’s essential to perform it correctly to avoid exacerbating your condition. If you feel pain after performing the cat-cow stretch, it could indicate that you are overexerting yourself or not using the correct form. It’s crucial to maintain a gentle range of motion and avoid forcing the movement. You should reduce the intensity if you feel pain and focus on smooth, controlled movements. Regarding the cow pose, if your therapist has instructed you to arch your back while lifting your head, ensure that you do not overextend your lower back, especially with a herniated disc. Always prioritize comfort and safety over range of motion.

3. Sleeping Positions: Side sleeping can be acceptable for individuals with herniated discs, but the position is critical. It’s advisable to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to maintain spinal alignment. This position can help reduce pressure on your lower back. If you find yourself rolling onto your back during the night, consider using a body pillow to help maintain your side position. It’s essential to find a comfortable position that does not exacerbate your pain.

4. Post-Exercise Discomfort: Experiencing pain in the gluteal region after rehabilitation exercises can be common, especially if you are engaging muscles that have been inactive or weak due to your condition. Your therapist's explanation that this discomfort is due to overexertion and tightness is plausible. It’s essential to ensure that you are not pushing yourself too hard and to incorporate stretching and relaxation techniques post-exercise to alleviate tightness. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s crucial to inform your therapist for further evaluation.

5. Kinesiology Tape and Allergic Reactions: If you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the kinesiology tape, it’s advisable to stop using it until your skin has healed. You can take a break for a few days to allow your skin to recover. After that, if you wish to continue using the tape, consider trying a different brand or type that may be less irritating. It’s essential to communicate with your rehabilitation team about your reaction, as they may have alternative methods for support without causing skin irritation.

In summary, rehabilitation for herniated discs can be effective, but it’s essential to listen to your body and communicate openly with your therapist. Modifications to your exercises, careful attention to your sleeping position, and addressing any discomfort or allergic reactions promptly will contribute to a more effective recovery process. Always prioritize your comfort and safety, and don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your healthcare providers regarding your treatment plan.

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