Mckenzie rehab exercises for disc hernia, nerve root compression and sciatica are inspired by the movement fundamentals from yoga.
Sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in the body with 5 nerve roots. Starting from lower lumbar L4-L5 and upper sacral spinal nerves S1, S2, S3. Any compression of these nerve roots may contribute to pins/needles, numbness, radiating pain along the course of the nerve.
Causes:
Disc degeneration
Trauma
Weak core muscles causing stress on the spinal nerve.
Bad posture while lifting/moving/handling.
Sedentary lifestyle is one of the largest contributing factors for spinal pathologies in the modern society.
Secondary Risks/Complications:
Muscle spasm in the lumbar region
Lack of bladder control: Patients might report of leakage of urine on forceful coughing, sneezing or laughing out loud.
Loss of sensation in the lower limbs
Weakness in the lower limbs
Reflags: Cauda equina syndrome is a rare and severe type of spinal stenosis where all of the nerves in the lower back suddenly become severely compressed. The collection of nerves at the end of the spinal cord is known as the cauda equina, due to its resemblance to a horse's tail.
Symptoms of Cauda equina syndrome are:
Urinary retention: the most common symptom. The patient’s bladder fills with urine, but the patient does not experience the normal sensation or urge to urinate.
Urinary and/or fecal incontinence. The overfull bladder can result in incontinence of urine. Incontinence of stool can occur due to dysfunction of the anal sphincter.
“Saddle anaesthesia” sensory disturbance, which can involve the anus, genitals and buttock region.
Weakness or paralysis of usually more than one nerve root. The weakness can affect lower extremities.
Pain in the back and/or legs (also known as sciatica).
Sexual dysfunction
Exercises:
Prone on elbow
Prone on palms
Prone on palms, elbows fully extended
Prone hip extension bent knee
Prone hip extension straight leg
Superman alternate
Superman hands behind
Superman fully extended
Childs pose
Lion pose
Cat-camel
Thoracic spine rotations
Chair seated spine mobility
Chair seated spine flexion
Chair seated alternate knee extension: Nerve flossing
Forward flexion with yoga blocks
Forward flexion with palms on floor: Knees bend
Forward flexion with hands on shin/knee: Straight knee
Forward flexion with palms on floor
Supine feet marching
Supine alternate heel slides
Glute stretch
Proximal hamstring stretch
Knee to chest rocking
Spine twist
Hamstring stretch/nerve flossing
Happy baby pose
Glute ham bridges
Hamstring wall stretches
Ball adductor squeeze holds
Dead bugs
Clamshell
Bird-dog alternate
At PhysioGenics Physiotherapy clinic in St John's Wood, a patient is engaged in individual exercise plan based on the intensity and severity of the condition.
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