Can Spinal Surgery Be Prevented by Aggressive Strengthening Exercises?
A Prospective Study of Cervical and Lumbar Patients Brian W. Nelson, MD, David M. Carpenter, MS, Thomas E. Dreisinger, PhD, Michelle Mitchell, PTA, Charles E. Kelly, MD, Joseph A. Wegner, MD Objective: To determine if patients recommended for spinal surgery can avoid the surgery through an aggressive strengthening program. Setting: A privately owned clinic, staffed by physicians and physical therapists, that provides treatment for patients with neck and/or back pain. Methods: Over a period of 2-1/2 years, consecutive patients referred to the clinic for evaluation and treatment were enrolled in the study if they (1) had a physician’s recommendation for lumbar or cervical surgery, (2) had no medical condition preventing exercise, and (3) were willing to participate in the approximately 10-week outpatient program. Treatment consisted mainly of intensive, progressive resistance exercise of the isolated lumbar or cervical spine. Exercise was continued to failure, and patients were encourage
