If you are dealing with failed back surgery syndrome and looking to find relief, your doctor may recommend specific exercises as part of your treatment plan. The goal of these exercises is to strengthen core muscles as well as the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the neck and back in order to lessen the strain placed on the spinal column.

Many patients find that with the right approach, they are able to effectively reduce discomfort stemming from failed back surgery syndrome. However, since every situation is different you should never attempt any exercises or other failed back surgery syndrome treatment without explicit physician consent as the wrong approach could potentially worsen pain.

Three recommended exercises for failed back surgery syndrome

Here are three commonly recommended exercises that can help relieve symptoms related to complications from a failed back surgery:

1. Abdominal bracing. While lying on your back, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Feet should be hip-width apart. Take a deep breath in, and then as you exhale, tighten your stomach muscles, which should cause the navel to move down toward the spine and create a hollowing effect in your abdomen. As you inhale, relax your stomach muscles again. Remember you should not hold your breath, but just continue gentle breaths as you tighten and release your stomach muscles. Repeat five to 10 times, two to three times per day. This will help increase core strength.
2. Shoulder circles. While sitting in a chair, pull your shoulders back and put your feet flat on the ground. Once aligned, bring your shoulders up toward your head, push them forward, bring them down, then backward, before returning to neutral position. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times, two to three times a day. This will help strengthen upper back and shoulder muscles.
3. Cervical mobility flexion/extension. While lying on your back, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Support your head with a comfortable pillow. Gently tuck your chin down, like you’re looking at your feet, then lift your head so that your eye line is pointed to the ceiling. Your head should not be lifted off the pillow at any time during this exercise. The goal here is a small range of motion to slowly increase cervical flexibility. This exercise should be repeated three to five times per session, one to three sessions per day.

USA Spine Care

To learn more about appropriate exercises as part of failed back surgery syndrome treatment, speak with your physician today. Often, patients with failed back surgery syndrome can find needed relief through conservative treatments without needing to undergo a follow-up surgery. However if another procedure does become an option, contact USA Spine Care for information about the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery. Our board-certified surgeons+ can treat failed back surgery syndrome with an outpatient procedure that involves a less than 1-inch incision.

To find out if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures, reach out to our dedicated team of Spine Care Consultants today for a no-cost MRI or CT scan review.*