Natural Pain Relief After Surgery for a Herniated Disc

Many individuals who develop a herniated disc have to have surgery in order to repair it.  There has been a lot of controversy regarding whether individuals should sit still or exercise after the surgery.  However, a new review of several studies indicates exercising reduces pain and disability after lower back surgery for a herniated disc.  Exercise is a natural way in which individuals can relieve pain after back surgery.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs occur when the outer fibrous ring of a disc in the spine tears, which allows the softer, inner part of the disc to bulge out.  Sometimes, inflammatory chemical mediators are released into the body as a result of a herniated disc, which can lead to severe pain, according to Wikipedia. 

Symptoms of a herniated disc may vary depending on where the disc is located within the spine.  Symptoms of a herniated disc can include severe pain, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, reflex problems, and paralysis.  Some individuals need to have surgery in order to repair a herniated disc while others opt not to have surgery. 

Pain Relief After Surgery

Raymond Ostelo, Ph.D. and his colleagues reviewed several clinical studies in order to determine whether it is best for patients to sit still or to begin exercising after back surgery for a herniated disc.  The review included 14 studies in which individuals who had had surgery were randomly assigned to groups.  The studies involved a total of 1,927 individuals. 

The authors of the review admit that the studies varied in the exercise programs offered after surgery – with some studies utilizing stretching and strengthening exercises while others utilized programs that had individuals exercising for 80 minutes three times a week after surgery.  The reviewers also noted the amount of support participants received varied widely, with some receiving little support while others received an entire team of support personnel, including social workers, physicians, and physical and massage therapists. 

These limitations being noted, the authors assert exercise appears to help individuals reduce the amount of pain and disability they experience after back surgery for a herniated disc.  The authors recommend individuals begin an exercise regimen as soon as possible after surgery.  They also assert starting an exercise regimen four to six weeks after back surgery does not increase the likelihood an individual will need another back surgery in the future. 

Of course, you should consult with your doctor or surgeon about seeing a physical therapist to learn safe and effective exercises for your back after surgery.  However, this review seems to indicate exercising four to six weeks after back surgery is beneficial.

Sources:

Wikipedia: Spinal Disc Herniation

Medical News Today: Exercise Helps Reduce Pain, Disability After Lower Back Surgery

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