2021 Volume 12 Issue 9 Pages 1188-1193
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lumbar extension exercise performed immediately after lumbar discectomy.
Methods: Overall, 32 patients who underwent lumbar discectomy were included. Lumbar extension exercises were performed on postoperative day 2-3. The patients were instructed to maintain lumbar extension in the prone position for 10 minutes.
Results: Lumbar discectomy leads to improved symptoms (low back pain, lower extremity pain, and numbness). After 10 minutes of lumbar extension exercises, patients reported immediate relief from low back pain in eight (25.0%) cases and lower extremity pain and numbness in three (9.4%) cases. In one case, pain in the lower extremity narrowed from the posterior leg and foot to only the foot. Performing lumbar extension exercises for 10 minutes significantly decreased VAS for low back pain, lower extremity pain, and numbness (p < 0.05 for all). The score for patient satisfaction was 81 points per 100.
Conclusions: Early postoperative lumbar extension exercises can provide immediate symptom relief with no worsening cases, indicating that exercises were safe and effective physical therapy.
