Exercises for Helping with Radiculitis Pain

Radiculopathy can lead to debilitating pain that extends throughout the body, which is then referred to as radiculitis. Though radiculopathy and radiculitis might seem like the same thing, radiculitis treatment options will be different as radiculitis is pain that is radiating through the body rather than just one location.

Radiculitis treatment options will usually involve conventional methods, such as hot/cold therapy, over-the-counter medication and physical therapy. By completing physical therapy, you are strengthening muscles around the affected area, which can provide some pain relief.

If you are suffering from back pain, radiculitis treatment options might include some type of exercises to help strengthen your back. Before completing any of these exercises, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out if you can complete them safely. If any of these exercises are painful to complete, do not continue performing them and seek help from a professional.

Upper Back Extension

Back extensions can help alleviate some of the pressure, pain and discomfort you’re feeling. You can complete back extensions at home or your local gym. Start by lying on your stomach. Then, interlock your fingers and clasp your hands behind your lower back. Lift your head and chest slightly from the ground and hold this position for five seconds. Repeat this 8 to 10 times.

Back Stretch

Begin by lying on the floor on your back; it’s best to use a mat or towel on the ground. Bend your knees and put your feet firmly on the ground. Place your hands on the back of your thighs. Bring your needs toward your chest and try to bring you upper body forward. It should feel like you are hugging yourself into a ball while on the ground. Hold this for a few seconds and then stretch your body back out. Repeat this about 10 times.

Core Strengthening

There are various exercises that can be completed to strengthen your core. A stronger core can help support the back, but remember that you do not want to complete exercises that exacerbate your pain.

First, try a bridge. Begin by lying flat on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground. Raise your hips off the floor until they are aligned with your knees and shoulders and hold this pose for 3 deep breaths. Repeat these steps 5 more times.

Another low impact option is water leg lifts. Step into the shallow end of a pool and stand with your back against the pool wall. Keeping one leg on the ground, begin lifting your other leg up in a straight line. This should create a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower your leg. Do the same with the other leg. This is considered one repetition; complete a total of 10 repetitions.

Low Impact Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercise can increase blood flow and nutrients, which aids in the healing process. Walking or riding a stationary bike can provide conditioning, without causing pain or discomfort. Some people suffering from back pain might also choose swimming or other water exercises for pain relief and to strengthen their muscles.

When exercise and conventional treatment methods are no longer working, surgery might be an option for radiculitis treatment. Debridement, which is the removal or torn, inflamed, or damaged spinal tissue can provide relief from the pain you’re experiencing due to radiculitis.

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Treatment Options for Radiculitis

Any type of spinal condition can lead to pain. However, when the condition begins to impede on your day-to-day life, it is important to determine not only what is wrong, but also what treatment options are available.

Radiculitis is caused by the inflammation of the nerves at the root, where it connects to the spinal column.  The pain that radiates from the compressed nerves through the body is what is referred to as radiculitis. This pain can eventually become debilitating. Radiculitis can occur anywhere on the spine, but it most often affects the lower back and the neck.

What Causes Radiculitis?

Radicular pain may occur when nucleus pulposus, the chemical in the center of the spinal disc, comes through the disc and touches a nerve. When this pain begins to radiate throughout the area affected or other body parts, this is radiculitis. 

• Cervical radiculitis – a nerve root in the lower spinal segment is impacted

• Lumbar radiculitis – a nerve root in the upper segment is impacted

If a cervical nerve root is impacted, a person is much more likely to experience pain in the neck, shoulders and arms. Lumbar radiculitis is much more likely to cause pain in the lower back, buttocks and upper legs. 

Treatment Options

After being diagnosed with radiculitis or another spinal condition causing radiculitis, treatment begins with something conservative. For example, a physician may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications and physical therapy. Heat and/or cold therapy may also be used to reduce symptoms.

Though some may find relief in these conservative treatments, they are short-lived. Some patients might find that the radicular pain subsides for a few weeks but ultimately returns. Though a person may opt to continue the course of conservative treatment, some may wish to explore other options, such as surgical intervention. 

Laser debridement is one of the treatment options available at The Bonati Spine Institute for radiculitis. The procedure involves the removal of torn, inflamed or damaged dead tissue. By doing this, the impacted nerves are properly treated in order to reduce pain.

This type of intervention may be necessary in order to prevent muscle weakness. Unfortunately, radiculitis may go for only certain muscle groups or one side of the body. As a result, that side may become more weakened as the patient favors the muscles that are stronger.

If you believe that you may be suffering from radiculitis, schedule an appointment with your physician today. A complete medical evaluation and imaging tests may be necessary to determine the precise cause of your radicular pain. Upon receiving a diagnosis, your physician can discuss the treatment options available.

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