Patients ask us all the time about starting Yoga or Pilates for protecting their back. In many cases, these exercise programs are great for improving strength. However, as in any source of exercise, modifications may need to take place to avoid injury. I have included below a few circumstances in which precautions and modifications need to occur.
Patients with a history of disc herniations will need to avoid forward bending moves in Yoga such as downward dog (unless you have perfect hamstring flexibility). Patients with a history of disc or facet degeneration/arthritis need to avoid upward dog position (unless they have advanced hip flexor range of motion).
When it comes to Pilates, patients with a history of disc herniation need to avoid pike positions like rocker or jackknife to name a few. Patients with a history of disc or facet degeneration/arthritis/surgery need to avoid or be careful with the 100 or any of the supine abdominal exercises where the legs have to be held in the air.
If your core is not strong enough, you will use your hip flexors which can compress your degenerated disc or facet joint- resulting in pain or nerve symptoms. Also, if you have these degenerative conditions you will often not tolerate exercises in prone (on your stomach).
Furthermore, if you have a history of neck pain or surgery with any of the above conditions in the neck we strongly suggest using some kind of head support or opting for a reformer class where you can use the head rest.
At FullMotion we have come to love and respect both of these exercise programs and we often incorporate them in our patient’s home exercise routines. The important thing to remember is that each patient is different and what works for one patient doesn’t necessarily work for the next. If you would like more information about exercise modifications or to make an appointment at either our San Juan Capistrano or San Clemente office, please contact us at www.fullmotionpt.net.
