Back Pain in the Older Adult
It is not uncommon for adults to experience back pain more frequently once they reach age 60. Because this is the case, there is somewhat of a normalcy to this problem.
Low back pain and sciatica can significantly degrade the quality of life by making just about every movement uncomfortable. Spinal problems like herniated lumbar discs can reduce the range of motion and affect everything from your work life to the quality of your sleep. In most cases, doctors attempt to manage low back pain with non-surgical therapies. However, there may eventually come a point at which a procedure like lumbar discectomy becomes not only necessary but welcomed.
Lumbar discectomy is performed by an orthopedic surgeon to quickly decrease pain and simultaneously improve mobility. The procedure works by carefully removing bone and disc material that is compressing on the nerves that exit a particular spinal space. The entire objective of undergoing spinal treatment like lumbar discectomy is to improve daily living, making pain a thing of the past. To accomplish the best results, patients should consider physical therapy as a prime follow-up to their minor surgery.
Physical therapy exercises are prescribed by a qualified therapist to achieve progressive improvement in range of motion and flexibility. Some of the points that are often involved in a customized physical therapy program after lumbar discectomy include:
Proper spinal posture is a must for back pain management, even after surgery. The goal of therapy is to ensure alignment of the spine in seated and standing positions. By maintaining alignment, patients decrease the stress on lumbar muscles and discs in the lumbar spine. A physical therapist may observe normal standing and seated postures and then work on correcting a slouched position with exercise and assistance such as a lumbar roll that can be placed behind the back when sitting.
Soon after a lumbar discectomy, patients may be encouraged to start a walking program. At first, this may be only short distances, but walking is touted as one of the best things a person can do after minimally-invasive low back surgery. This is because walking gently increases heart rate, which sends more oxygen and nutrients to spinal tissues as they heal. Being an upright exercise, walking is an excellent way to build strength around the lumbar spine without excessive pressure.
Innovative Spine Care in Tampa has been established to provide minimally-invasive treatment options for spinal compression. To learn more about lumbar discectomy and our other services, call (813) 920-3022.