Exercise is often recommended as a component of spinal bone spur treatment. However, it’s important to keep in mind that — while most exercise is beneficial — certain exercises can do more harm than good.
Working out when you have neck or back pain
As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid the following types of exercise if you’ve been diagnosed with a spinal bone spur:
- High-impact activities, such as running
- Motions that involve bending to lift a heavy weight or lifting a heavy weight over your head
- Contact sports
If there’s a specific exercise that you’re unsure about, your best bet is to check with your physician. You can also work with a personal trainer who can help you modify your workouts based on your specific needs.
If you’re looking for exercises that are more appropriate during bone spur treatment, opt for gentler activities such as:
- Low-impact cardio, such as walking, cycling or swimming
- Targeted neck and back stretches
- Yoga or Pilates
These exercises are less likely to worsen your spinal bone spur symptoms. They can also strengthen the muscles that support your spine, which can help you stay more comfortable in the long run.
Comprehensive bone spur treatment
Exercise can certainly help you manage your neck or back pain, but it shouldn’t be the only option that you rely on. A well-rounded treatment plan can include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, hot/cold therapy, muscle relaxers and complementary therapies such as chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. In some instances, it may also include surgery.
At USA Spine Care, we perform minimally invasive bone spur surgery, offering a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine operations.^ If exercise and other conservative therapies haven’t provided you with the results you need, you can turn to us to find out if you’re a candidate for our outpatient procedures. To learn more, contact us today.
