Walking is a good form of exercise for patients with herniated disc, but excessive exercise or wrong posture will make the condition worse.
Muscles play an important role in maintaining stability and movement of the lower back. However, muscles are prone to degeneration and weakening due to sedentary lifestyle, causing spinal misalignment. This makes herniated disc pain even more severe. At this point, walking is an appropriate option.
Walking helps improve pain and flexibility for patients with herniated discs. Image: Freepik
BS.CKI Le Anh Khanh, Center for Orthopedic Trauma, Tam Anh General Hospital, said that patients with herniated discs need to exercise regularly to stimulate blood circulation more smoothly, shorten the recovery time. absorption and repair of damage. Walking is a relatively gentle physical activity that meets these needs. Walking strengthens the muscles that support the spine, reduces pressure and improves blood circulation to the damaged disc area, thereby effectively reducing pain. Some of the benefits of walking include:
Increase blood flow: Walking dilates blood vessels, thereby enhancing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the spinal muscles, maintaining the fluidity of the discs.
Elimination of toxins: Muscles produce physiological toxins during contraction. Over time, these toxins can build up in muscle tissue in the lower back and cause stiffness, worsening a herniated disc. Gentle walking effectively improves this condition.
Help the lower back become flexible by stretching the muscles and ligaments in the back, buttocks, and legs. This reduces pressure on the lumbar spine, helping the injury recovery process to take place more smoothly.
Doctor Anh Khanh helps patients practice walking after spine surgery. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital
Doctor Anh Khanh recommends that although walking is good for patients with herniated discs, this form of exercise also comes with certain risks. If the patient does not walk properly such as walking too fast, walking in the wrong posture, walking on uneven surfaces, shoes that do not fit the feet... should be more serious. Therefore, patients should note:
Reasonable intensity of exercise: When starting out, it is recommended to walk for a short period of time, from 5 to 10 minutes a day, then increase gradually. Patients need to listen to their body, avoid excessive exercise and rest as soon as they are tired.
Correct posture: Walking in the right posture helps maintain the natural curvature of the spine. Accordingly, when moving, the patient needs to keep the shoulders relaxed, balance the head with the spine, do not bend forward or backward. Make sure your chin is kept straight and your eyes are facing forward to relieve stress on your neck and back. Move gently, slowly, breathe evenly.
If you are not sure whether you should walk or not, consult your doctor to make the most appropriate decision. Patients should also see a doctor soon if they feel pain or other abnormalities after walking. In addition, patients with herniated disc can also participate in other sports such as yoga, cycling, swimming, performing stretching exercises ...
Phi Hong
