Spinal Disc Replacement & Physical Therapy

Disc replacement surgery is often the last resort in alleviating pain and disability from osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or severely herniated disc injuries. The goal is not just to relieve pain, but to regain spine mobility and let patients return to an active lifestyle as soon as possible. Physical therapy realigns the spine and body and protects the corrected region, according to physical therapist and orthopedic clinical specialist Carol M. McFarland, writing for www.spine-health.com.

Pain Management

• Physical therapy involves more than just exercises and movement. It reduces pain and swelling and gives patients the confidence and ability to work through more motions and activities.

  Pain management includes the use of anti-inflammatory pain medications. These may be over-the-counter, but are most likely prescribed immediately after surgery. Applying ice over the incision reduces swelling, which hinders movement. Bringing swelling down reduces pain. A physical therapist may also use electrical stimulation to increase circulation, lessen pain and make muscles contract without forcing movement. This helps keep them healthy and prevents atrophy.

Area-Specific

• It is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the incision. Since this was an area of weakness prior to surgery, it is probably in greater need of strengthening than other areas. You will do specific exercises and stretches that focus on the area, depending on the location of the disc replacement. These may include stretching and stretching with resistance. Your physical therapist may also do guided movements with you to pull on tendons to help create motion without strain on the incision area.

Full Body Therapy

• One of the first things your doctor will want to see is mobility--you walking around. This promotes overall health and helps your spine maintain flexibility and agility. As you progress in your physical therapy, you will want to refrain from high-impact activities such as running, which can jar your spine. You want to do low-impact activities such as swimming and cycling to reduce the strain on your spine while improving cardiovascular health and body motion.

  Along with general aerobic activity, you will do exercises that promote good posture to maintain the work that was done in surgery. This will include core conditioning with abdominal and leg muscles as well as lower and upper back exercises with weights.

  Stretching will help reduce tension held in muscles and helps to maintain fluid movement between the vertebrae. Allowing muscles to become tight will create strain on different areas of the back. Stretching should become part of your daily routine long after physical therapy stops.