Exercise therapy for radiculitis. General information

25.11.202027.05.2017

Radiculitis is a disease of the peripheral nerves and roots of the spinal cord. It occurs in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. The most characteristic symptom of radiculitis is pain. In severe conditions, muscle atrophy occurs, weakening muscle tone legs, flaccid paresis or paralysis. With lumbosacral radiculitis, there is a violation of posture (torso distortion), gait (lameness due to severe pain), limited movement in the joints of the leg on the affected side, and even limited movement of the body in all three axes. With unilateral chronic radiculitis, a persistent violation of posture occurs in sitting, standing and even lying down, which leads to scoliosis of the spine. Radiculitis causes temporary disability, and in some cases requires a change in profession (car drivers) or sports specialization.

Treatment of radiculitis, regardless of location, is carried out comprehensively. In the acute and subacute periods, individual positioning of the patient, traction with elements of fixation, massage, physiotherapy, drug treatment and therapeutic physical culture. For cervicothoracic radiculitis with impaired movement of the upper limbs and severe pain in the area of the shoulder girdle and shoulder, it is recommended to sleep on your back or stomach with your arms at an angle of 90°, and perform exercises for the hands and forearms while leaning on the table. For lumbosacral radiculitis with a pronounced pain syndrome, the patient is placed on his back, a high bolster is placed in the popliteal region, the legs are abducted and rotated outward, bringing the heels together - the “frog” position; when lying on your stomach, a pillow is placed under the pelvic area, the upper end of which is at the level of the scallops iliac bones and umbilical line. Traction for cervical and upper thoracic radiculitis is carried out using a Gleason loop in a supine position on an inclined plane or on a bed with the head end raised; for lower thoracic and lumbosacral radiculitis - in a supine or stomach position on an inclined plane with the body secured by straps in axillary areas (as with compression fractures of the vertebrae without damage to the spinal cord), and subsequently using hanging gymnastic wall(from 2-3 s to 1 min 2-4 times in one lesson). During the massage, manual traction of the spine is also performed (very carefully, individually and in doses), especially in case of discogenic pathology. Pair massage with traction is very effective: two massage therapists synchronously massage the back, sacrum, buttocks and legs using the same techniques; traction is carried out according to the method of A. N. Tranquilitati. This whole procedure is as follows. The patient lies on his stomach on a massage table. One massage therapist stands on the side at the level of the patient’s pelvis and fixes the pelvic area with both hands by the crests of the iliac bones; the second massage therapist stands at the patient’s head facing his feet and with both hands (fingers joined) squeezes from the sacrum to the neck, as if stretching the muscles upward, 10 times. Then he takes the patient by the armpits and gently pulls for 5-10 seconds with a rest of 10-15 seconds 10 times in a row. Then he massages the back muscles again with squeezing, stretching them from bottom to top, 10 times.

After this, he brings his hands to the patient’s armpits, lifts top part the torso and, as if stretching the patient, moves him from right to left and vice versa - 10 times in each direction. And again massages the back muscles. Then both massage therapists on both sides simultaneously synchronously massage the muscles of the lumbar region in the transverse direction (from the spine to the end of the lateral surfaces), stretching and squeezing them as much as possible. After the massage, painkillers and warming ointments (finalgon, apisatron, etc.) are rubbed into the skin, a woolen bandage is applied, securing it with four elastic wide bandages or a special belt or corset (such as Leningrad or CITO).

The objectives of therapeutic exercises in the first period are: improving blood and lymph circulation, tissue metabolism, resorption of inflammation, combating congestion, swelling, relaxing tense muscles (muscle roll on the affected side), relieving pain. The exercises are performed in lightweight starting positions. Duration of classes is from 5 to 30 minutes 4-6 times a day.

In the second period, the function of the affected limbs and the body as a whole is restored. Therapeutic gymnastics and gymnastics in water are prescribed. The exercises are performed in different starting positions.

In the third period, training is carried out for the affected limbs and the whole body, as well as sanatorium and balneological treatment.

During surgical interventions for the removal of intervertebral discs, therapeutic physical culture is prescribed on the 2nd day after surgery and is carried out over three established periods. The main task of therapeutic physical training in the postoperative period is to restore movements and prevent adhesions in the area of the released nerve.

Traumatic radiculitis in people involved in sports requires special attention. Mandatory for traumatic radiculitis is: long-term wearing of fixing belts or corsets (at least a year); a gradual increase in load that does not cause sudden fatigue and pain; complete exclusion from exercise with weights and jerking movements during. 2 years; long-term repeated sanatorium-resort and balneological treatment.

Therapeutic physical education (physical therapy) for radiculitis helps stimulate blood and lymph circulation, tissue metabolism in the affected area, strengthen weakened muscles, restore their impaired tone, increase the range of motion in the spine and limbs, reduce pain when moving, improve respiratory function, and improve the health of the whole body .

Therapeutic gymnastics is indicated after the disappearance of acute manifestations of the disease, during the period of subsidence of the pain syndrome, in the subacute phase of the first-time disease or its relapses. Massage is used in all periods, but in the acute phase it is gentle. For cervicothoracic radiculitis in combination with ganglionitis, which dominates the clinical picture, therapeutic exercises and massage can be used only after the symptoms of ganglionitis have subsided. For transient irritation of the nodes, therapeutic exercises can be used, but without massage. The latter is indicated when these phenomena disappear. For lumbosacral localization, the starting positions are used: lying on your back with a bolster under your knees, lying on your healthy side with a bolster under your side; in the prone position, place a pillow under the stomach and a cushion under ankle joints. As the pain syndrome decreases, exercises are performed without rollers in a position on all fours, on knees, sitting and standing. For cervicothoracic radiculitis, the starting positions are sitting and standing. The main thing in this technique is traction on an inclined plane (for lumbosacral localization) or on a Glisson loop (for cervicothoracic localization). This traction precedes physical therapy. Relaxation, breathing and stretching exercises are used (the latter are carried out from the 3-4th lesson and are constantly alternated with relaxation exercises). Mixed hangs, exercises with a ball are widely used, and for cervicothoracic radiculitis - with sticks. Initially, exercises with a shortened lever are used, as the pain decreases - with a full lever and elements of power tension; after the pain disappears - corrective. The amplitude of movement is increased gradually, performing all exercises only “until it hurts.” The procedures are carried out in a small group method, lasting from 15 to 35 minutes, for a course of treatment there are 15-25 procedures. In addition to therapeutic exercises, swimming during the established summer season or in a pool with heated water, hiking, and skiing are recommended. For radiculitis of discogenic etiology, tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, diving, athletics and weightlifting are contraindicated. Physical therapy is contraindicated for radiculitis caused by a herniated disc with severe pain, as well as for signs of increasing compression of the spinal cord.

Exercises for radiculitis lumbar region can be done only after relief of acute symptoms. You should start classes in consultation with your doctor. Premature resumption physical activity may have a negative impact on the patient's well-being.

The benefits of therapeutic exercises

Before starting exercise therapy for lumbosacral radiculitis, you should consult with a specialist in physical therapy. Indeed, for different diseases, the approach to exercise will be significantly different.

A specialist will help develop a set of exercises for radiculitis that can help strengthen the muscle frame and improve the patient’s condition. Thanks to regular classes microcirculation and metabolism in tissues are activated. Lymphatic drainage is enhanced and eliminated congestion in the pathological focus. Due to trained muscles, the functionality of the spinal column increases, which is very important for active life every person.

Exercise therapy for lumbosacral radiculitis helps to increase the clearance between the vertebrae. This has a positive effect on the condition of the affected spinal nerves due to the fact that their compression and swelling are reduced. At the same time, due to increased blood flow, they receive more nutrients. As a result, the pain syndrome decreases and the range of movements increases.

An additional goal of daily exercise is to strengthen the abdominal muscles. This will help prevent excessive arching of the spine in the lumbar region.

Principles of exercise therapy

Physical therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. At least for the first few classes. As soon as the patient has learned all the rules for exercise therapy and remembers the necessary movements, he can continue gymnastics.

During development individual exercises When treating lumbosacral radiculitis, the doctor must take into account the patient’s condition and the stage of the disease, the presence of contraindications and concomitant diseases.

Basic recommendations for carrying out exercise therapy:

The first lessons should be short. The duration and intensity should be increased gradually.
You need to start physical therapy with simple tasks, each time adding new movements and complicating them.
Workouts should be varied and include a combination of different exercises.
In the treatment of lumbosacral radiculitis, static and dynamic movements should be used.
Charging should be carried out daily, without skipping. The duration of physical therapy is determined by the doctor, and in some cases the exercises must be continued throughout life.
If severe pain occurs, you should immediately stop exercising and consult a doctor.

Exercise therapy for radiculitis of the transverse sacral spine is preferably carried out in a supine position, sitting or on all fours. These poses can relieve stress from the spine. It is also necessary to take care of a special rug or bedding. This will ensure the most comfortable position and even slight shock absorption. In some cases, it is advisable to use a lighter starting position. Its essence lies in the fact that when the patient lies on his back, a bolster or a blanket folded in several layers is placed under his feet. And if a person is lying on his stomach, a pillow is used under the stomach.

Therapeutic exercises for radiculitis begin with exercises aimed at relaxing muscles. Further training will include a set of movements with which you can strengthen and strengthen the muscle frame.

When developing exercises for the lumbosacral region, the presence of pain must be taken into account. If it is present, loads on flexion and extension of the spine should be excluded. This can lead to the development of serious complications, such as increased intradiscal pressure, especially in the area of the L5-S1 vertebrae, which are the most vulnerable.

Examples of exercises

Before you start training, you need to gradually stretch. To do this, lie on a surface placed at an angle of 20–40° relative to the floor. It is necessary to provide support in the armpit area so that the person does not slide down. The duration of stretching ranges from 3 to 20 minutes. This manipulation will allow the intervertebral discs to separate slightly, thereby reducing the pressure on the pinched spinal nerve roots.

Another way to do stretching is in a pool. As an option, you can try vertical traction, but this must be done very carefully and only under the supervision of a specialist.

To treat lumbosacral radiculitis, you must use the following exercises:

Lie on the floor, bend your knees and place your hands on your stomach. Tighten the rectus abdominis muscles several times so that you can feel it with your hands. If the adopted position is uncomfortable or painful, you can spontaneously change it a little - straighten one limb or turn slightly on your side.
Lying on your back with with outstretched legs, raise your upper body and stay in this position for 5-10 seconds. The exercise is performed about 10 times with intervals of 5-10 seconds for rest. During the first exercises for radiculitis, this movement can be done with outstretched arms; in the future, the task should be a little more complicated - clasp them in a lock behind the head.
Lying on your back, bend one leg at the knee, lift it, extend it and after a few seconds smoothly lower it. All actions are carried out in the air with each limb in turn. In 1 session you should complete 5–10 approaches.
From a similar starting position, you need to bend both legs at the knees, lift them above the floor and lower them. Repeat 7-10 times.
The use of exercises “Bicycle”, “Scissors”, “Bridge” has a positive physical effect.
Lie face down on the floor, place your hands under your chin. Lift each limb in turn and hold it in this position for 5-8 seconds.
Lying on your stomach, you should perform “Breaststroke” - circular movements shoulders.
From the starting position lying on your stomach, clasp your hands behind your back and raise your upper body for a few seconds. In total you need to do about 10 movements.

Even though the first classes will be accompanied by very light loads, you should be prepared for the onset of soreness. There is no need to be afraid - this phenomenon will pass quickly, it indicates that the muscles are unprepared.

Other exercises in the treatment of lumbosacral radiculitis

After removal of acute clinical symptoms and improvement of the patient’s well-being, in addition to exercise physical therapy, you can go to yoga. The main thing is to find an experienced and competent instructor who can not only select correct exercises, but also to determine the required intensity of loads.

Yoga will help you fully relax after a hard day at work, relieve emotional and physical stress, and will also provide effective assistance in the treatment of lumbosacral radiculitis.

Any workout begins with a gradual warming up of the muscles, thereby eliminating injuries and other damage. The movements are carried out slowly, their intensity and duration gradually increase.

By adopting special poses, you can effectively stretch the spine, increase the gap between the discs, and remove pressure from the roots of the spinal nerves. Correct position The body ensures the activation of all internal forces of the body, stimulation of the circulatory and neuromuscular systems. Energy information exchange is normalized, well-being and sleep improve. The most useful positions are triangle, fish, wheel pose.

Shows good results breathing exercises. Although such actions do not directly affect the spine, they effectively expand chest and contribute to good oxygenation of the body. Thanks to this, bone, cartilage and muscle tissue are strengthened.

Proper breathing will help relieve pain in the lumbar spine and even restore its mobility. Regular attendance or independent practice necessary exercises will help relieve the inflammatory process and prevent recurrence of exacerbation.

The use of yoga and physical therapy for radiculitis is carried out according to the principle: comfortable position, smooth and gradual movements, complete relaxation.

Therapeutic exercises will not only strengthen the muscles of the lumbar region, but also relieve inflammation, which is the main cause of pain in radiculitis. It is recommended to warm up before starting the exercises. Warm-up can be running in place or race walking for 7-10 minutes. The gymnastics itself will not take more than 20 minutes.

As a rule, people suffering from these diseases perform a standard set of exercises. However, there may be exceptions depending on the course of the disease. In any case, it is not recommended to begin implementation without consulting this issue with your doctor.

Set of exercises

The standard complex is as follows:

Lie on your back (on a hard, flat surface), bend your legs. Place your right hand along the body, your left hand on your stomach (or vice versa). Tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold them tense for a few seconds. Then relax. Repeat, keeping your hand on your stomach and using it to control tension and relaxation. 10 repetitions are enough. If you feel severe pain when doing this, straighten your legs so that the distance between your feet is approximately shoulder width. While performing this exercise, you should feel how your spine bends upward each time you tense your abdominal muscles.
Continue lying down with your knees bent. Feet should be on the floor. Place your hands along the body. Without lifting your feet from the floor, raise your body and stay in this position for 5 seconds. After this, slowly lower your body to the floor. Repeat after a few seconds. Do 15 reps. In the future, you can complicate the exercise: instead of straightening your arms and positioned along your body, hold them behind your head.
Lying on your back, straighten your legs and place your arms along your body. Bend left leg and lift it so that it is 3-5 cm from the floor. Straighten your leg and slowly lower it. Then bend your right leg and do the same. Repeat 10 times (on each leg). After this, do it 10 more times, lifting 2 legs at the same time.
In the same position, raise your legs above the floor so that in a raised position they are at a distance of 25-30 cm from the floor. Lock this position and remain in it for 5 seconds. Lower your legs, rest for a few seconds and repeat the exercise. Do 10-15 reps.

Also, the standard set of exercises includes the well-known “Bicycle” and “Scissors”.

These exercises are very simple to perform. To perform the “bicycle”, lie on your back, raise your legs, bend them at the knees and make movements with your legs, imagining that you are pedaling. In this case, your arms should be placed along the body and kept straight. “Scissors” is an exercise that is also performed while lying on your back. Raise both legs and make crossing movements without bending. In the initial stages, it is enough to perform this exercise 5 times, and then gradually increase the amount of movement to 15.

If you have sacral sciatica, the bridge exercise is very effective for treating this disease. To perform it you need to lie on your back. Straighten your arms and place them along your body. Raise your lower back so that your shoulder blades touch the floor (something like a regular gymnastic bridge). Stay in this position for 15 seconds. After this, lower your body to the floor, rest for a few seconds and repeat the exercise.

It is also useful to perform the following exercise to treat this disease. Lying on your back, bend your knees and spread your arms to the sides and place them so that your palms touch the floor. Move bent legs in your knees, first to the left, trying to touch your knees to the floor, then to the right. Repeat 10 times in each direction (alternately).

Some exercises can be done standing. The standard package includes:

raising and lowering the arms, accompanied by inhalation and exhalation;
stepping from heel to toe and back;
body tilts left and right.

The first exercise is very useful because it includes breathing exercises. Stand up straight and while inhaling, raise your arms up. Stay in this position for a few seconds (hold your breath too) and lower your arms, exhaling. Repeat 5-10 times.

When performing the exercise, which involves stepping from heel to toe and back, your arms should be relaxed and lowered.

To perform bends, you need to stand straight. Hands on the belt. Feet shoulder width apart. Bend your left leg and tilt your body to the right. Then repeat the same with the other leg and in the other direction. Do 10 repetitions in total.

Another exercise should be performed while standing on all fours. As you inhale, stretch your neck forward and bend your lower back. As you exit, lower your head down, arching your back. Repeat 10 times.

As you can see, the complex includes simple exercises, which will not require you to make maximum efforts and strain a lot. All exercises are performed sequentially, slowly. Some patients feel their effectiveness already on the 2nd day, while with more complex and advanced forms of radiculitis, the effectiveness will become noticeable only after a month of regular use. This the complex will do patients at any age. The entire complex must be performed daily, since otherwise it will be almost impossible to achieve the desired effect from gymnastics.

Orthopedic traumatologist, first category surgeon, Research Institute, 2009

Radiculitis or, as it is scientifically called, radiculopathy, is a manifestation of spinal osteochondrosis, a disease that affects most people, regardless of gender and age. Symptoms appear quickly and acutely, hindering movement as the pain covers the back and shoots through the limbs.

Having appeared for the first time, radiculitis then enters the chronic phase and worsens from time to time. Without drug treatment, it will not be possible to quickly get rid of the problem, but exercises for radiculitis alleviate suffering and speed up recovery.

Regarding localization

Sharp pain in the spine covers the spine from the first to the last vertebra or affects one of the departments.

Depending on the location, the types of radiculitis differ:

Localization and titles	Areas of irritation or damage	Main symptoms
Cervical (cervical radiculopathy) More often occurs in people 25-40 years old	Nerve roots of the spinal cord of the cervical region within the vertebrae C1–C7	pain in the neck, shoulders, head numbness of hands
Thoracic (thoracic radiculitis)	Nerve roots of the thoracic spinal cord within vertebrae T1–T12	pain in the back and ribs decreased sensation in the area muscle weakness
Lumbosacral (sciatica, dorsalgia)	Pinching of the sciatic nerve, spinal nerve roots in the lumbar region L1–L5, as well as 7 fused vertebrae of the sacrum and 4 coccyx	acute pain in the lower back, especially when moving the path along which the pain spreads indicates the localization of the infringement

Symptoms that occur with thoracic radiculitis are similar to symptoms of ischemia, pulmonary diseases, or other diseases internal organs, so it is important to consult an experienced specialist to determine an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment.

In acute ischemic disease, exercises for radiculitis are contraindicated.

Variants of names that occur:

Thoracic radiculitis is called intercostal neuralgia, but this concept includes all pain caused by compression of the intercostal nerves;
The lumbosacral region is commonly called lumbago. However, this concept is somewhat broader and covers acute lower back pain, regardless of the cause.

Regarding the nature of pain

When choosing a complex, factors of the localization and nature of the disease are taken into account:

View	Characteristic	Localization and symptoms
Spicy	Sudden onset of pain for various reasons: sudden movements, hypothermia, lifting heavy objects	Can be localized in any part of the spine
Chronic	Periodic exacerbation	Most often in the lumbosacral region Aching pain, aggravated by movement, especially bending, radiates to the thigh, but not below the knee
Discogenic	Arises as a consequence physical activity in case of damage to intervertebral discs and further formation of hernias	The unexpected occurrence of aching but severe pain, sometimes it gradually subsides, sometimes it increases. Swelling is observed.
Post-traumatic	Occurs when the spinal canal is damaged due to compression of the vertebrae	More often it occurs in the lower part of the thoracic or lumbar spine. Accompanied by acute pain in the back, legs and arms, numbness and weakness of the limbs.

Gymnastics for radiculitis is contraindicated in post-traumatic and discogenic types, as well as in the first phase of acute radiculitis.

Cervical radiculitis is an exception to this rule.

Exercise therapy for radiculitis can alleviate the condition and speed up recovery, however, after the first acute symptoms have subsided. It is advisable that a specialist select a set of exercises based on the diagnosis and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Sets of exercises for radiculitis

Exercise therapy for radiculitis belongs to the category of non-drug treatment. A properly selected complex solves the following problems:

Correction of flaws in posture;
Strengthening the muscle corset;
Reduced compression of nerve roots;
Practicing correct stereotypes of body movement;
Prevention of further exacerbations.

By charging for radiculitis of the back:

Blood supply to the spine and pelvic organs improves;
Metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and their nutrition are normalized;
The distance between the vertebrae increases, allowing the discs to remain in place;
The load on the spine is reduced due to redistribution to strengthened muscles.

When diagnosed with sciatica, exercises:

Assigned based on the variety and selected individually;
Performed on patients 2 to 4 times a day;
Exercises are performed smoothly with a gradual increase in the number of repetitions and load;
When performing, the boundary between aching or pulling and sharp or acute pain is determined;
Constant and persistent practice is required.

Fulfillment of these six conditions is the key to success in treatment and full recovery. However, treatment must be approached comprehensively, including the necessary medications, physiotherapy, manual therapy and massage, swimming and other types of therapeutic and preventive measures.

Directions of treatment complexes for radiculitis:

Spine stretching;
Muscle stretching;
Strengthening muscles and tendons.

There are many systems recreational gymnastics, allowing to solve the listed problems, including:

Classic exercises of physical therapy and therapeutic gymnastics;
Yoga;
Qi Gong.

Simple physical therapy exercises have been developed by doctors since the times Soviet Union and have been tested for decades of use in exercise therapy rooms in clinics and hospitals.

Yoga and Qi Gong have been tested for centuries; their advantage is that the problem is solved comprehensively, including relaxing the body with the help of relaxing music and special meditations. However, you can use it after preliminary training with an experienced instructor.

After using exercise therapy complexes, it is subsequently recommended to use therapeutic exercises for prevention, including therapeutic complexes of Yoga or Qi Gong. However, after the doctor's approval.

There are a lot of tips online on how to quickly relieve pain from radiculitis. Caution must be exercised with this information until a definitive diagnosis is made. Given the multiplicity of options, a situation is possible from which it will then be difficult to get out without losses.

Exercises for radiculitis of the lumbosacral spine

Initial complex of physical therapy for lumbar radiculitis

Exercises:

Starting position: body alignment. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. The arms are slightly bent at the elbows just below the waist. Pull in your stomach and pull your sacrum towards your navel. Keep your back straight, mentally stretching upward. Gradually transform mental stretching into reality to a state of intense comfort;
Side bends. Borrow starting position, begin alternately tilting the body to the sides, leaving the hips motionless from the feeling of nagging or aching pain until the point of transition into acute pain, return to the extreme point of non-acute pain and fixate for 5 - 12 seconds. Try to feel the stretching of the side muscles. During the exercise, do not hold your breath, breathe evenly. Harmonize breathing with movement - inhale in a straight position, exhale when bending over, or vice versa. Return to original position. Take 3 deep breaths and exhalations. Relax;
Tilts forward and back. Rebuild the body again. Start bending forward and backward, determining their depth (amplitude) using pain described in the first exercise. Follow the rules of delays at the end point of the bend, continuous breathing and relaxation;
Twisting. Rebuild. Turn the body to the right and to the left around the axis of the spine, observing all the above rules. Make sure that your hips do not rotate with your torso. You can move the hip slightly in the opposite direction, increasing the twisting, but only if this does not cause acute pain. Returning to the starting position, relax;
Rotation. Rebuild. Alternately make small bends forward - left - back - right - forward. Then in the opposite direction. First, fixate on each point, gradually transferring the movements into a smooth continuous rotation. Relax;
Bend forward. No adjustment is needed for this exercise. The body flows down relaxed. The desire is to reach the floor with your hands. The goal is to reach the transition point, as described in the first exercise. After this, rise just as smoothly, rounding your back, unwinding vertebra by vertebra slowly and without tension.

Perform exercises from 2 to 10 times, gradually increasing the number. After the pain goes away completely, a set of therapeutic exercises, possibly yoga or Qi Gong, is prescribed.

Initial exercise therapy complex for the thoracic region

You should start exercises only if you are completely confident in your diagnosis.

Complex in a lying position:

Starting position: Lie on your back. Stretch your legs and arms and relax;
Place one palm on your chest, the other on your stomach. Take a deep breath, hold your breath a little, and exhale;
From the starting position, while inhaling, stretch and extend your arms up, placing them behind your head. As you exhale, return to the starting position;
Bend your legs, clasping your arms. Pull your knees towards your stomach while trying to touch your forehead to your knees. Follow all the rules described for the second exercise for lumbar radiculitis. Return to starting position;
Twisting. Spread your arms to your sides and press your palms to the floor. Bend your legs and, together with your body, turn alternately from side to side, while keeping your shoulders, shoulder blades and arms off the floor. Follow the rules;
Lie on your stomach. Place your hands along the body. Leaning on the sternum, stomach and hips, make smooth rises and falls of the shoulders and head. Keep your head straight, slightly lowering your chin to the jugular cavity, without tilting it back.

Complex, sitting on a chair:

Sit on a chair and straighten your back. Place your hands on the seat. Straighten your legs at the knees and extend them, pulling your feet towards you and at the same time stretch your chest into it, arching your back. Return to the starting position and relax;
In the starting position, place your hands behind your head. Bend over as you inhale, tilting your head back but not throwing it back, reaching out to the starting position, exhale and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
The last exercise is performed standing. Holding the back of the chair, while inhaling, rise on your toes, while pushing your chest up. Lower to the starting position, exhale, hold your breath for five seconds.

Each exercise is performed from 2 to 10 times over several days (about ten), until the acute pain disappears.

After this, a complex of therapeutic exercises is selected.

Initial exercise therapy complex for the cervical spine

In this case, the initial course of therapeutic exercises is available in the first phase of the disease, after the first pain has been relieved. At the beginning of training, use a fixing bandage on the neck, which will help the muscles.

Exercises:

Starting position: body alignment. This is done in the same way as in the description for similar exercise with radiculitis of the lumbar region. Either sitting on a chair with a straight back, if that’s more convenient;
Head turns. Close your eyes. Smoothly turn your head to the sides, trying to ensure that the angle of rotation is 90%, but observing the rule of acute pain;
Side bends. Stretch your neck up a little, then with your left ear two or three centimeters to the left, then slowly lower your head to your right shoulder, imagining that your left ear is reaching towards the ceiling. You can help yourself with your hand, placing your right palm on your left ear. But don't put pressure on him. Return to the starting position and do the exercise in the other direction;
Tilts forward and back. Stretch your neck upward, begin to lift your chin, and then carefully move your head back without twisting your neck. Slowly return to the starting position, smoothly moving your head forward. But not due to tilting the neck, but due to the desire to lower the chin to the jugular cavity. After this, return to the starting position and relax;
Rotations. Lower your head forward, then tilt it towards your right shoulder, move it back, tilt it towards your left shoulder, tilt it forward again. Repeat these movements, transforming them into a smooth continuous rotational movement. Do the exercise in the opposite direction. Inhale, exhale and relax.

Pull-ups parallel to the floor:

Stretch your chin forward, then smoothly return to the starting position and, without stopping the movement, move the back of your head back;
Stretch your left ear to the left wall, then return to the starting position and, without stopping the movement, stretch your right ear to the right wall;
Stretch your chin forward, left ear to the left, back of your head, right ear to the right, looping the movement to smoothly rotate your neck, leaving your chin parallel to the floor;
Do everything in reverse.

After each exercise, take three inhalations and exhalations, then relax.

Repeat these exercises 4 to 8 times in each direction for several days until acute pain is relieved, after which you can proceed to therapeutic exercises.

Typically, complexes of therapeutic exercises for the chest and cervical are combined.

is a reliable means of preventing and treating back pain. Doctors always include them in the comprehensive treatment of patients, along with medications, massage, physiotherapy and other medical procedures.

Lumbosacral radiculitis manifests itself with severe pain in the lower back and leg. The pain is such that it is impossible to endure it and you desperately want to get rid of it as soon as possible!

What you will learn from this article:

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Reasons:

In 95% of cases, the basis of pain in the back and legs is

Hernias form in the tissues of the spine, the height of the discs decreases, and muscle spasms and other degenerative-dystrophic and inflammatory changes. They lead to deformation and narrowing of the spinal foramina through which the roots exit the spinal canal. It is here that they are pinched, which causes the development of pain.

Other reasons:

In 5% of cases, radiculitis is caused by a tumor, trauma, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, purulent infiltrates in the retroperitoneal space.

Symptoms:

Pain

Sharp, aching, gnawing - do not give rest to the patient either day or night. The lower back and sacrum are at the epicenter! The pain spreads to the buttock area and further to the leg, along the compressed root. The most common compression occurs on the fifth lumbar (L-5) and first sacral (S-1) roots. This means that the pain is concentrated along the lateral surface of the thigh and lower leg, as well as in the area of the calf muscle.

Paresthesia

Patients experience numbness or an unpleasant tingling sensation, a burning sensation in the same areas as the pain.

The mobility of the spinal column is significantly limited

The patient cannot bend over and reach the floor with his hands, straighten up and straighten his back, tilt his torso to the right or left

Scoliosis of the spine and defans the lumbar muscles

S-shaped curvature of the spine and muscle spasms in the lumbar region are reflex symptoms that psoas muscles and the spine respond to pain.

During a neurological examination, a doctor reveals a number of characteristic symptoms that indicate pinching of the spinal cord roots at the lumbar and sacral level. The reliability of the diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray data, photographs or tomograms. You can read more about this in

the importance of physical therapy (physical therapy)

Therapeutic gymnastics is one of the leading methods of treating osteochondrosis and its complications. The importance of physical therapy will vary depending on various stages medical rehabilitation. In the initial period of the disease, exercises are gentle. They prepare the patient for a gradual expansion of the motor regime.

Acute stage of the disease

In the first 5-6 days after an exacerbation physical exercise are not carried out at all. The patient is recommended to rest in bed. The surface of the bed must be level and sufficiently hard. The main treatments are medicines in the form of injections, tablets, warming ointments and compresses.

Subacute stage of the disease

As the pain subsides, a person’s movements become freer and he can already perform the simplest exercises. Most often, this becomes possible by the end of the first week after the exacerbation occurs.

Rehabilitation period

After the second week from the onset of the disease and within 2-3 months, the pain gradually subsides, the motor activity, the volume and complexity of gymnastic exercises expands.

Interictal period

After complete cessation of pain, patients feel better. Many people think that a complete recovery has occurred.

However, morphological signs of osteochondrosis remain. Recovery of degenerative damage occurs slowly.

During this period, it is especially important to actively and systematically engage in physical therapy. This will be your guarantee against new exacerbations and pain in the lower back and leg.

At all stages of the disease, the goal is :

Improve blood circulation in the area of the affected spinal roots;
Ensure the flow of oxygen and nutrients;
Strengthen metabolism;
Relieve muscle spasms and tension;
Increase the elasticity of the spinal muscles;
Strengthen venous outflow and removal of waste, salts, inflammatory exudate from the lesion;
Give freedom of movement in the lower back and sacral region (bending and turning the body, strengthening lumbar lordosis);
Restore statics and mobility of the entire spine, including the thoracic and cervical regions;
Completely eliminate pain and prevent possible exacerbations of radiculitis;
Eliminate morphological signs of spinal destruction (reduction or elimination intervertebral hernias, resorption of adhesions and scars around injured roots, increasing the elasticity of connective tissue).

Step-by-step instructions for those starting gymnastics classes

Start off exercise therapy classes is possible only if the diagnosis of radiculitis due to osteochondrosis is confirmed by a neurologist and X-ray, MRI or CT data. Otherwise, you may miss a tumor or other diseases that are causing lower back pain. Time will be lost, the forecast is unpredictable.

For each period of the disease it is necessary to select the appropriate medical complex exercises. Of course, if you are being treated in a clinic, a physical therapy doctor will do this for you. But now many people rely on videos from the Internet. Always look who is the author of the course. Trust only professionals with medical education.

Never do exercises that cause you pain. The appearance of pain means that you are overstraining your muscles, ligaments, and increasing pressure on the roots. This can lead to undesirable consequences: tissue injury, swelling, and an increase in hernial protrusions.

Perform all exercises slowly, stretch your muscles as much as possible. Fast paced exercise will cause muscle spasms. The task of exercise therapy is to relax spasmodic muscles and at the same time strengthen those fibers that have lost tone due to impaired innervation.

The health and integrity of the spine must be protected, starting with young. In the best way is prevention. Do it daily morning exercises, don’t lie on the couch in front of the TV, walk more, visit fitness centers, dance studios, swim in the pool, learn from webinars from experienced doctors and physical therapy trainers.

It's never too late to start doing gymnastics for your health. The main thing is, once you start taking action, never stop exercising if you have lumbosacral radiculitis. Then you will have no chance of developing sequestered hernias or experiencing endless pain, leading to surgery and disability.

What exercises help relieve pain during exacerbation of lumbosacral radiculitis?

For very severe pain, which is characteristic of the initial stage of the disease, exercises are performed from a lying position on the back or stomach, as well as on the right and left side. If you cannot even turn in bed yet, make light movements only while lying on your back.

Back position:

Lying on your back, reach the top of your head towards the head end of the bed, and your heels towards the foot end. Stretch your neck and thoracic vertebrae. At the same time, pull down the lumbar and sacral region. Stretch your spine and relax. Feel lightness throughout your body, no pain, no muscle tension. Lie like this for 3-5 minutes. Repeat this exercise 3 times during the day;
Press your heels to the bed, make circular movements with the toes of your feet towards each other, then in the opposite direction (8 circular movements each);
Alternately pull your toes towards you and away from you (10-12 repetitions);
Bend your knees and place your feet on the surface of the bed. Arms stretched to the sides. Slowly tilt both knees to the right and touch the bed. Return to your previous position and tilt your knees to the left. The exercise is repeated 5 times to the right and left.

Prone position:

Place your forehead on your crossed arms in front of you. Raise your straight leg up. Lower it. Raise your other leg. Repeat 5 times on each side.
Move your right leg as straight as possible to the right and return back. Repeat the exercise alternately with each leg 8 times;
Stretch your arms forward, place your palms on the bed. Alternately lift right hand and left leg up. Change limbs 8-10 times.

Position on the left and right side:

Lie on your right side, place your arm bent at the elbow under your head. With your other hand, rest on the surface of the bed at chest level. Raise your straight leg upward and do a series of exercises:

Swing your extended straight leg forward, then back;
Make circular movements with your straightened leg;
Bend your leg at the knee and hip joint, pull it towards your stomach and then straighten it.

Exercises for lumbosacral radiculitis are mandatory and effective remedy treatment. Exercises are included in the treatment process very early - 5-6 days from the moment of exacerbation, when the pain subsides a little. Therapeutic exercises for radiculitis relaxes spasmed muscles, relieves pain, and improves spinal mobility.

The picture of the acute period gradually smoothes out, the pain goes away, the patient returns to his previous life and work. All you need to do now is eat right, exercise regularly and take.

Watch the video! These exercises are for those who often experience chronic lower back pain. Do them according to the method of Alexandra Bonina, a doctor of exercise therapy and sports medicine, and muscle tension will go away and there will be obvious relief.

Now that the pain has significantly decreased, it’s time to get serious about restoring the spine from lumbar osteochondrosis. Do physical therapy every day! Strengthen muscle corset. Develop movements in the lumbar region and lower limbs. Master all the exercises that are performed from a sitting, lying and standing position. A special exercise therapy course will help you with this, and a smart and kind doctor, Alexandra Bonina, will become your mentor on the path to recovery. Click on the picture below or download the free course from this link!

We wish you good health, freedom from back pain, slim posture and freedom in the movements of the spine!