Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Disc Bulge exercises
I have a chronic disc bulge at L4L5. Earlier I used to do exercises which were a combination of extension & flexion & was doing ok. But in my latest mri, ligamentum flavum thickening is noted at L4L5 but AP canal diameter is 16 mm & normal. Back feels stiff while doing extension exercises... Should I now totally avoid extension exercises & do only flexion ones. Differing views from different drs & physios.
Answers (19)
Like the answers? Consult privately with the doctor of your choice
Usually in disc bulging, back extension exercises would help. You can start isometric back exercises at home.
Next Steps
Meet a MDT physio
Health Tips
Avoid lifting weight and back bending.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+103
Please share your complete MRI findings photo either personally or website..so that a better understanding of the condition can be made..Before proper diagnosis,don't start exercises..
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Check andrewphysiotherapist youtube channel
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Firstly reduce the stiffness with electrotherapy modalities in clinic.. and then go for exercise regime as advised by physiotherapy Dr.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Without extension exercise can't fix your spine disc , come to my clinic for further management program
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Visit physiotherapy centre for proper guidance and exercise in observation
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
First of all you should take electro therapy in physiotherapy followed by exercise therapy.
In electro therapy you can take intermittent pelvic traction and Interferential therapy for 10 sittings. Then continue with back strengthening and stretching exercises.
Avoid bending activities.
Take breaks in between your work for example if you sit for 20 minutes continuously then stand and walk around for two minutes to relax this will help you to get out of pain.
For exercises you can consult online.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello , avoiding extension exercises will not work .
You need specialised treatment plan and yes combination of flexion and extension exercises was a good choice.
Next Steps
Meet nearby physiotherapist who could design specialised rehab plan for better recovery .
Health Tips
Avoid end range spinal stretching exercises. (Both flexion / extension)
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If no radical pain.
Then you can start both flexion and extension exercises and look for your symptoms, if you found that flexion exercise is worsening your symptoms then stop doing that and if extension exercises is worsening your symptoms then stop doing that.
If no worsening then continue both.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
You can do exercises if there is no pain, if you have pain then first need to reduce the pain and then can start exercises.
Take IFT for a week then the physio will suggest you with suitable exercises depending on the present condition after therapy sessions.
which is more better for you to start with exercises.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If there is no pain you can start extension exercises also, extensors will get weak, some stretching exercises will also help in stiffness. Consult your nearest Physio for proper guidance and stretching exercise. Do not try your self initially.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Mr. Avijit Das (PT)
Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
7 yrs exp
Kolkata
Yes you need to continue extension group of Spinal exercise.
Next Steps
if there is stiffness that means you have to do but slowly and keep continue All the exercise under supervision of experience qualified physio.
Health Tips
avoid flexion exercise.
Spinal extension exercise.
Spinal brezing exercise.
Spinal rotation exercise.
hamstring stretching exercise.
these are exercises will help you to reduce pain.further treatment please contact with me.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Rama Shankar Singh (PT)
Physiotherapist
22 yrs exp
Delhi
Nothing to get worry, start streching exercises to relax and release the muscle and jts , then go for strengthening exercises, But walking, u can start from day 1 with hotfomentation also , if u know swimming,then it's going to help u alot , Take care of do and don'ts, Give break after 40 min while working, use hard matress
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Prof. Madan Mohan M.R. (PT)
Physiotherapist
16 yrs exp
Bangalore
As per the details shared, chronic disc bulge with ligamentum flavum thickening is suggestive of excess load on your lumbar spine that could lead to lumbar canal stenosis if neglected. If you could share the MRI images it could help in better understanding.
Next Steps
Get in touch with a good physiotherapist for postural assessment, assessment of spinal movements and for a prescription of appropriate spinal stabilization exercises that suits your needs.
Health Tips
Avoid strenuous activities and unnecessary loading of your back.
Lifestyle modification may be needed based on your work profile and nature of daily activities to prevent worsening of your back pain.
I would suggest holding back on your lower back exercises currently till you meet a physiotherapist who could help formulate a specific low back protocol for you.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Chinna Kondaiah Ballekuri (PT)
Physiotherapist
17 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Follow the exercises program with the help of the physiotherapists.
To reduce the pain and stiffness take Electotherapy modalities then start doing exercises.
Next Steps
Let the spasm to stiffness to reduce then start exercises program according to your body condition
Health Tips
Avoid forward bending
Weight lifting
Use back support while sitting for longer hours
Use hot pack application
Support your lower back while working in front of a computer
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Kinjal Muni Parekh
Physiotherapist
7 yrs exp
Mumbai
It's not simple to answer your question without assessment. Sometimes cause of pain and radiology reports doesn't go hand in hand.
Kindly consult a nearby physiotherapist.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Mr. Deepak Pal
Occupational Therapist
4 yrs exp
Ghaziabad
Avoid any kind of rapid movement at back and forward bending. Prefer knee bending, environmental adaptation required for short period to prevent bad condition...core muscles exercise you can start in the supervision of professionals any physiotherapist or occupational therapist
Next Steps
use pelvic belts for back support and avoid rapid movement
Health Tips
use ergonomically design chair and table for Bater functioning
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ingelala Uma (PT)
Physiotherapist
13 yrs exp
Nellore
Visit nearby physiotherapy clinic and take electrical modalities treatment to reduce pain and inflammation
After reducing pain u can start doing extension and strengthening exercises to ur back.
If core strengthening exercises and stretching to ur back will help.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Jacob Roshan Mathew (PT)
Orthopedic Physiotherapist
19 yrs exp
Bangalore
That is a valid question. Facet (sides of the spine) get compressed with extension. The pelvis also could be restricted in that direction.
And if flexion helps, start in that direction, then start working extension unilaterally first and then later try others. Pace yourself with limited load through these exercises.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.