In 2021, a study conducted by Lorraine LeBlanc, et. al., deals the effects of early versus late exercise intervention on low back pain, fear avoidance, neurodynamic mobility, and function were investigated following a unilateral lumbar microdiscectomy. Lumbar microdiscectomy is a common surgical procedure for disc-related back issues, and exercise is often recommended postoperatively. However, the optimal timing and protocols for exercise intervention remain contentious.

Forty patients were randomly assigned to either the early exercise intervention group (Group 1) or the later exercise intervention group (Group 2). Various assessments were employed, including the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Dualer Pro IQ Inclinometer, 50-foot walk test, and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Data were collected at baseline (pre-surgery) and at 1-2, 4-6, and 8-10 weeks post-surgery.

Both intervention groups exhibited a significant reduction in low back pain and fear avoidance, coupled with a notable improvement in neurodynamic mobility and function at 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery. However, no significant differences were observed between the early and late exercise intervention groups.

The study’s findings suggest that early exercise intervention after lumbar microdiscectomy is safe and may contribute to decreased low back pain, reduced fear avoidance, and improved neurodynamic mobility and function. While these results are promising, the authors emphasize the need for a randomized controlled trial to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of early exercise intervention post lumbar microdiscectomy and validate the current findings. This pilot study lays the groundwork for future research aimed at optimizing postoperative rehabilitation strategies for individuals undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy.

Reference: LeBlanc, L., Moldovan, I. D., Sabri, E., Phan, P., Agbi, C., Mohammed, S., & AlKherayf, F. (2021). Comparing the Effects of Early Versus Late Exercise Intervention on Pain and Neurodynamic Mobility Following Unilateral Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Pilot Study. Spine, 46(18), E998-E1005.