Let’s explore perhaps the most frequently performed spinal action of all: flexion.
A familiar movement for most of us, spinal flexion is the act of bending forward.
This article covers the effects of flexion on the body and how it relates to low back pain.
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It may even cause a herniated disc injury.
Physical therapy can help but many people seek faster relief and opt for adiscectomysurgery.
Does a Herniated Disc Require Surgery?
Herniated discs often improve on their own, or with pain management andphysical therapy.
Providers often try conservative approaches for six weeks before considering surgery.
In turn, this may lead to a chronically flexed spinal position, calledkyphosis.
It’s the opposite of spinal extension, orlordosis.
Spinal Flexion and Spinal Stenosis
In some cases, extraspinal flexion is desired.
You may want to consideracupuncture, as well.
Of the three treatments, acupuncture resulted in the most improvementboth for symptoms and physical functioning.
Acupuncture isn’t always recommended due to lack of consistent evidence that it’s effective, though.
A back exercise program should help you do this.
In particular, yoga and Pilates not only strengthen muscles, but they also develop your spinal alignment.
With these systems, you’ll exercise your back in all the directions your spine can move.
Plus, their emphasis on balanced action and whole-body alignment may help re-establish an erect posture.
Strength exercises are often done with your back arched or twisted.
Twisting may irritate a herniated disc, as well.
Certain behaviors, such as computer work, can increase the risk.
In many cases, low back pain because of spinal flexion can be treated without surgery.
Exercise and physical therapy, as well as lifestyle changes, may improve your symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your precise diagnosis and treatment options.
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