I am suffering from pain in my lower back, left hip and leg. It hurts to walk, climb stairs, stump, even get up and down from a chair or sofa, and lifting. My doctor just called with my results of the xrays. I have server narrowing of the L5. He
has prescribed some back exercises to try for now. Will excercises really help?

It depends, there are 2 types of exercises for low back pain; flexion and extension. With no indications of facet involvement (joints at the back part of L5), extension would probably be the first place to start. In some people, these exercises can make a big difference. If extension exercises make it worse, then flexion exercises should be done, however, the results are usually not as dramatic.

How often should I do an exercise routine?

3 Responses to “Does back exercise really help with L5 problems?”

1. Mike D says:

   February 17, 2010 at 7:41 am

   4633

   youd be surprised how much exercise really helps the body. even a little goes a long way. trust him and do the exercises.
   References :
   
2. sandrota says:

   February 17, 2010 at 8:26 am

   4634

   Yes, they do help alleviate some of the pain.
   References :
   
3. Terri says:

   February 17, 2010 at 9:15 am

   4635

   It depends, there are 2 types of exercises for low back pain; flexion and extension. With no indications of facet involvement (joints at the back part of L5), extension would probably be the first place to start. In some people, these exercises can make a big difference. If extension exercises make it worse, then flexion exercises should be done, however, the results are usually not as dramatic.
   References :
   http://www.necksolutions.com/back-pain-exercises.html