Is walking beneficial for people who have a herniated disc? What possible advantages does it have? What are the most important tips for relieving herniated disc pain? This article contains the solution.
There are many benefits to walking , but is walking beneficial for patients with a herniated disc specifically? After reading this article, you will understand the following:
Is walking useful for patients with herniated disc?
The short answer is yes, as aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming, are useful in recovering from a herniated disc, and walking is one of the most important exercises that doctors encourage for patients with a herniated disc, as it is easy and does not require much effort, and it also contributes to recovery. from a herniated disc while also noticeably lessening pain.
Benefits of walking for herniated disc patients
After addressing the inquiry, "Are patients with herniated discs benefiting from walking?" You should know that you should start gradually without exhausting yourself by walking for long hours, and you should also stop walking if you feel that the pain is increasing and consult a doctor immediately, and it is also important to know the many benefits of walking for patients with a herniated disc, as follows:
- Increasing the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the cells, which improves the healing process, and reduces pain associated with a herniated disc.
- Strengthening the muscles that support the spine .
- Reducing pressure on the spine.
- Reducing the risk of recurrence of a herniated disc.
- Increased flexibility of the spine.
- Lubrication of the vertebrae and cartilage, which is important for recovery from a herniated disc.
Other useful exercises for herniated disc patients
Now that we have provided an adequate answer to the question, "Is walking beneficial for patients with herniated disc?" Knowing a few additional exercises that could be helpful in the following areas is also a good idea:
1. Chair stretch
These are the steps to perform this exercise while seated in a chair:
- Sit on a chair and place one foot on the floor and extend the other foot straight with the heel of the foot touching the floor.
- straighten your back; Then bend forward toward the outstretched leg, so that there is a stretch along the back of the upper thigh .
- Hold this position for 15-30 seconds.
- Switch feet and repeat the exercise several times.
2. Hamstring stretch
The steps to perform this exercise, which involves using a towel, are as follows:
- Lie on your back with one leg lifted up.
- Wrap a towel around the foot of the leg you're lifting.
- Grasp the towel and pull it toward you, pulling your foot in toward your body.
- Stay in this position for 15-30 seconds.
- Switch feet and repeat the exercise several times.
3. Back flexion stretch
You can perform this exercise to relieve lower back pain brought on by a herniated disc by following these instructions:
- Lie on your back and bend your knees toward your chest.
- Move your head forward at the same time, so that there is a visible stretch through the middle and back.
- Repeat the process several times.
Exercises to be avoided for herniated disc patients
Here are some exercises that are not suggested for people with a herniated disc in addition to the response to the question, "Is walking beneficial for patients with a herniated disc?"
1. Stomach exercises
In addition to taxing the stomach, stomach exercises for people with a herniated disc also put pressure on the lower back, which could make the condition worse.
2. Leg raises
The herniated disc gets worse as a result of this exercise because it puts more strain on the muscles.
3. High-intensity aerobic exercise
Running and climbing are two activities that cause pain to the patient and put pressure on the lower back, making the situation worse.
4. Back bending
The condition of the herniated disc worsens when the back is bent forward because pressure is placed on the vertebrae.
5. Lifting weights
Patients with herniated discs should avoid lifting weights because it puts pressure on the vertebrae and aggravates the herniated disc.
Tips for relieving pain in patients with herniated disc
You may have wondered if there are tips to relieve your herniated disc pain after knowing the answer and useful information related to the question: "Is walking good for herniated disc patients?" Following are some crucial pointers:
- Apply hot water or ice compresses to the painful areas.
- Steer clear of sleeping on your stomach, standing for extended periods of time, and wearing high heels.
- Reduce your weight to ease pressure on your vertebrae.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Do moderate exercise.