Q: Dr. Jimenez, I read one of your articles about physical therapy and spinal stenosis exercises focusing on stretches to relieve pain. I was wondering if it was also possible to do aerobic exercise with a spinal condition, and can you recommend a safe cardiovascular program?

I’m a 65-year-old with spinal stenosis and want to stay in shape. I try to ride a stationary bike for 20 minutes at least 2 times a week, but I don’t always finish the workout with my low back pain.

 

 

How else can I stay in shape?

A: I recommend aerobic exercise for everyone, especially those with spinal conditions.

Aerobic exercise increases the blood flow to the body’s tissues, and people with high cardiovascular fitness generally deal better with spinal problems.

However, before anyone with a spine or any medical condition starts a wellness and fitness program, they should check with their primary caregiver to clear the individual as fit to exercise.

Example: Someone with cardiovascular (heart problems) can have restrictions regarding certain types of exercise.

A physical exam will make sure your body is ready for exercise.

 

 

Low-impact aerobic exercise is recommended. 

• Walking
• Swimming

These are excellent examples of low-impact aerobic exercise. They increase heart rate and are easy on the body.

• Riding a stationary bike is another recommended form of low-impact aerobic exercise.

It can be tiring, but if recommended by a caregiver/therapist, then realize they did so for a reason/s to get you healthy.

By biking, you are building up endurance, precisely what you want, as it speeds up recovery.

• Walking is an excellent exercise for spinal conditions. It is low-impact, and you can control the pace to fit your needs.  
• Daily walks after lunch or after getting home are a great way to exercise.

If exercise does begin to increase back pain or another type of pain, tell your caregiver or physical therapist right away.

The phrase, no pain, no gain does not apply when spinal conditions occur. So do not try to push through the pain or think that the hurt is good.

Also, do not try to take on too much right away. Even if you feel good, follow the fitness plan.

But if you want to mix it up, discuss with your chiropractor/physical therapist if adding walking and swimming to the plan will also be beneficial.

It can be tempting not to exercise with a spinal condition. But remember that if there is no movement, you could worsen the pain. Knowing what your body can handle and sticking to a workable schedule, these healthy steps will relieve you and help with your low back pain.

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Chiropractic Care, and Sports Rehabilitation

 

 

Daniel Alvarado, the owner of Push-as-RX Fitness, discusses how he carries out his PUSHasRx Functional Fitness Workouts personal injury rehabilitation and athletic training program as a part of Dr. Alex Jimenez’s chiropractic rehabilitation plan.

Physical therapy (PT), also referred to as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions that utilize mechanical force and motions (bio-mechanics or kinesiology), manual therapy, exercise therapy, and electrotherapy to remediate impairments and promote mobility and purpose.

Physical therapy is used to enhance a patient’s quality of life through:

• Examination
• Diagnosis
• Prognosis
• Physical intervention

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NCBI Resources

Exercise is an essential part of good health. It can help with weight loss and plays a crucial role in preventing many chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Regular exercise has also been shown to help with depression and anxiety. It is what nature intended; as humans, we are supposed to be active. The more active you are, the better you look and feel – and the healthier you will be.