Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 02/08/2008 :  15:29:52  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "I was experiencing pain across lower back - below the waist, in left buttock and ham string and both feet had a 'pins & needles' feeling. I was experiencing very painful spasms in the above mentioned areas. MRI showed spondolisthesis grade 1 L4 on L5 and L5 on S1. 'spinal stenosis' and mild disk degeneration (I am 69). Orthopaedist wanted to operate. I opted for "Pain Management" and had an epidural cortisone shot. Pain was completely gone for a week. Then Idid a few things I shouldn't and am experiencing some pain but nothing like L had before. i would like to make use of this relatively pain free period to do exercises that would be of benefit. I just dont know which ones. I also have an inversion table. Would that help? if so, how long should I hang?"

Ask a PT Response: "It appears that you have a lot going on with your back "spondylolisthesis grade 1 L4 on L5 and L5 on S1, spinal stenosis and mild disc degeneration." That was great that the epidural injection was effective and continues to give you some kind of relief. At age 69 you do qualify for Medicare and physical therapy should be a covered service. Therefore, I think it may be a good idea for you to get an order to work with a physical therapist. He or she will be able to evaluate you and recommend the most appropriate exercises for you. For my patients that have the conditions that you posess, the goal is to help control pain, improve posture and strengthen the core. Various exercises to name a few could be performed by the patient such as hamstring stretch, single knee to chest stretch, pelvic tilts, alternating arm/leg lifts on all fours, partial wall slides, partial forward lunges, sitting trunk rotation utilizing abdominal muscles, seated alternating arm/leg lifts etc... These exercises are not appropriate or effective for everyone so again I think it is important that you work with a PT to determine what will work best for you.

As far as an inversion table goes, the science behind using it is to unload your lumbar spine so it may help. However, I am not familiar with using these tables nor am I familiar with your complete medical history (ie. if you have hypertension you woould not want to use this table), so I can not give you a recommendation on this. I suggest you contact the manufacturer of the table or your physician or PT and see if they have any recommendations. I wish you good health and thanks for using CybePT!"