In addition to regular cardiovascular exercise, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has also recommended a series of exercises that have been specifically chosen in order to help strengthen and condition the muscles that support the spinal column. These exercises can be done at home, and they do not require any special exercise equipment.

The primary goals of an exercise program for your spine are to make the muscles of your back, stomach, hips and thighs strong and flexible. These exercises should be incorporated into an overall program of aerobic conditioning such as walking, bike riding, swimming, or jogging. Before beginning any exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure that there are no other medical considerations that would change your approach to the exercise program. If exercise is new to you, then consider working with a certified personal trainer who can help you develop an exercise program that will meet your goals.

Low Back Exercise Guide: Regular exercises to restore the strength of your back and a gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery. Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise 10 to 30 minutes a day one to three times a day during your early recovery. They may suggest some of the following exercises. This guide can help you better understand your exercise and activity program, supervised by your therapist and orthopaedic surgeon.

The spine – back view Viewed from the rear the human spine consists of a vertical column of bony blocks called vertebrae, which sit one on top of another. The vertebrae are numbered in descending order according to their location:	The spine – side view Viewed from the side the human spine has a definite curve. The spine is not a rigid structure; it is able to bend and flex because there are cushions or discs between each of the vertebrae. The vertebrae attach to the skull at the top and the pelvis at the bottom.
The vertebrae are separated from one another by flexible intervertebral discs. Each disc is a flat, biscuit-shaped structure with a jelly-like centre (nucleus) and an extremely strong outer skin (annulus).	A cable of nervous tissue, known as the spinal cord, connects the nerves of the limbs and torso to the brain. The spinal cord runs through a protective canal within the bony vertebral column. Nerve roots emerge in pairs from the sides of the vertebrae.
Source: www.familydoctor.co.uk

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at 10:32 am and is filed under Tips, Uncategorized, test. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.