Core Exercises To Relieve Herniated Disc

Core Exercises To Relieve Herniated Disc

It’s not unusual for back pain to be caused by a “herniated” or “prolapsed” lumbar nerve disc. The problem can cause severe pain, including sciatica, numbness and tingling in the lower back, as well as throbbing and tingling in your legs. However, it isn’t uncommon for the problem to cause no symptoms.

Spinal discs, soft, rubbery pillows that provide padding between vertebrae, are also known as spinal discs. Their structure is often compared with a jelly-doughnut. A hard outer surrounds a soft interior. The disc bursts or herniates when the casing cracks and the filling pushes into the outer wall. It presses on the sensitive spinal cords.

Your doctor will need to make the diagnosis. Sometimes surgery is necessary. But many can prevent or reduce their symptoms by engaging in exercise and strengthening the right muscles. It is important to strengthen the lower abdominal area, but that’s only part of lower back wellness. Talk to your doctor or physical therapy if you have a herniated distal disc. A complete exercise program can be arranged for stretching and core-strengthening.

What is the bulging disc?

A bulging disc is when the outer disc of a spinal disc is weakened and protrudes out of its normal location. The spinal cartilage’s inner nucleus is liquid-like and finds the weakest points of the disc. It then balloons out. Although it causes minimal pain, this swelling can cause serious injury if left untreated. If left untreated, the bulge may cause serious discomfort by putting pressure on nearby nerves. Most commonly, people feel a bulging or herniation in the lower spine.

What to avoid

Because the disc protrudes posteriorly it is crucial to limit spinal flexion. Exercises that include spinal flexion may worsen the symptoms. This is due to the possibility of disc damage from further spinal flexion.

Symptoms for Herniated Lumbar Disc

  • Lower back Pain (typically the first symptom).
  • Leg pains (traveling up and back)
  • Leg numbness/tingling (traveling pain).
  • Leg weakness
  • It is more painful to sit than to suffer from pain
  • Restricted trunk flexion
  • Sciatica pain (Pinched Nerve)

Be aware that a herniated disc doesn’t always cause pain. It is best to seek proper diagnosis.

Important: This is an extremely rare sign of lumbar Disc Herniation. It can also cause loss of bladder control. This syndrome is caused when the spinal nerve roots are compressed and should be treated immediately.

What does a Herniated Disc feel like?

Lower back pain is usually the first sign of lumbar disc damage. This will often last for a few more days, then it will subside. However, leg pain and numbness or weakness in the lower extremities may follow. Typically, the leg pain travels below your knee and can even affect your ankle and foot.

How long does pain last? Most patients who have lumbar disc injuries will notice a gradual improvement in symptoms over the course of days to week. Most patients will feel pain-free within 3 to 6 months.

Core Exercises for Herniated Disc

A study of 63 men with herniated spines found that those who participated in a 12-week lumbar spine stabilizer exercises (LSSE), experienced a significantly greater reduction in their pain than those who only did general exercise. The LSSE group did prone planks, pelvic crosses, side bridge alternate arms/leg raises, curl-ups, and pelvic Bridges.

Good for Spine and Abs

Abdominal Draw In

Include the abdominal drawing into your ab workout using a herniated-disc. This exercise works not only the abdominis rectus, but also the internal and outer obliques. It also engages the transverse abdominis (the deepest abdominal muscles). The draw in, which is particularly recommended for lower back problems, can be done either standing or lying flat. However it is more effective when performed while standing.

It involves slowly drawing in the lower abdominal and then drawing the pelvic muscles up to contract with the lower stomach. Breathe normally during the exercise. The draw in, also called the vacuum, involves contracting the transverse abdomen, which in turn flattens and flatters the lower abdominals.

Reverse Curl

While curls are great for abdominal exercises to relieve lower back problems, they also work the upper part of your rectus abdominis. Reverse curls are able to engage the lower portion of your abs better. To perform a reverse curl, lay on your back and cross your arms across your chest. Flex your hips and knees to 45 degrees. You can raise the lower half of the body, including the buttocks, as high as you like. Turn them over on the mat for one more time.

Avoidance of Ab Exercises

Your ab exercises for a herniated sock should not include any of the following:

  • The use of sit ups can put a lot of pressure on the neck and spinal discs. They can also sprain cervical ligaments or cause disc damage.
  • Double leg lifts — They hyperextend your lower back by straining your hip flexors. Single leg lifts are recommended with the opposing knee flexed.

What exercises are safe to perform?

Superman or McKenzie press

An extension exercise is the safest and best option for a posteriorly herniated spinal disc. Because of the increased pressure, the leaked substances will be pushed back into the correct position in the spinal column.

Superman involves lying on your stomach and lifting your hands off the ground. Depending on your skills, this position will last for 30 seconds to an hour. McKenzie pressing is like a yoga “upward facing” dog. To begin, you will need to lie on your stomach pressing your hands into concrete. You can then extend your hips backwards and keep the hips flat on the ground. You can do this exercise in pulses, or statically.

Heel taps

Static abdominal exercise is great for strengthening your entire core and stabilizing your spine. The heel tap will get you to lay on your back flat with your knees bent. Once you’re in this position, you can lower one heel at once to the ground. Next, tighten your abdominal muscles and push your lower back toward the floor. When performing this exercise, you should not allow your lower back to arch. When lowering your heel to the floor, try to keep your back as straight as possible.

Glute bridges

Glute Bridges are a safe, effective exercise for the lower body to strengthen the glutes. These muscles help to limit lower back pain by stabilizing sacral nerves. Place your feet approximately shoulder width apart while lying on your back. Keep your hips lifted off the ground, so that your shoulders, hips and knees align in a straight line. Keep your glutes tight at the top of this movement.

Decompression of the Spine

How it helps – You should first treat bulging discs with spinal decompression. This is because it creates space between vertebrae which, in turn, relieves disc pressure.

How to do it

  • Hang your body from a barre or the top of an open door.
  • Hang for 30 seconds and perform three sets.
  • Slowly release from this position so as to not cause spasms.

** This shouldn’t cause any pain. If you feel pain while doing it, it is not a good choice. Instead, try these exercises.

Standing Extension

How it works – This standing stretch reverses the damage done to your discs by poor posture, repeated flexion and bending of the spine (e.g. bending in bad posture).

How to do it

  • Stand up straight and maintain a good posture.
  • Now, place both of your hands on your lower back.
  • Now, with the help of your hands, lift your pelvis up and extend your spine. 
  • Your neck should be extended towards the ceiling.
  • Start with 10 repetitions. Do 2-3 sets.
  • This one is especially great for when you’re tired of working at your desk.
  • This should not cause pain. If you feel any pain, this is not the exercise for you. Instead, try these exercises.
Half Cobra Pose (Prone Lumbar Extension)

How it helps: The Half Cobra Flex pushes disc material toward the center of the intervertebral disc, which facilitates healing. “Centralization of symptoms” is achieved by repeated lower back extension. In other words, pain that travels down the affected leg should travel up the back to relieve it.

How to do it

  • Begin the exercise by lying on your stomach (prone posture) and gradually lift yourself up onto your elbows, keeping your hips in contact with the ground.
  • For 10-15 seconds, keep the prop-up in place before you return to the prone or face-down position.
  • Gradually increase to the final position for 30 seconds. Ten repetitions are recommended.

** It is possible to not tolerate this position initially. Therefore, it is important that you take it slow and carefully. Try another exercise if it causes pain.

Full Cobra Pose: Advanced Extension

How it helps: This stretch uses the same principle of the half Cobra pose. This advanced extension allows disc material to be pushed back towards the center. It is intended to reduce pain symptoms.

How to do it

  • Once you’ve mastered this pose, you will be able to move on to the difficult version.
  • Begin by lying on one side, face down.
  • Now press your hands into your chest and gently push your arms up.
  • Maintain the prop-up pose for 10 seconds. Repeat this 10 times.
  • If it feels good, you might hold this pose for longer (20-30 seconds).

**If you feel pain, this exercise may not be for you. In such cases, it is best to stop and start doing other exercises.

Cat-Cow

How it helps – This herniated disc exercise is very popular. Combining two yoga poses, a cat-cow strain can help to relieve pressure from the herniated spinal disc. It opens the intervertebral disc space. It may speed up recovery by increasing mobility and alleviating disc herniation pain.

How to do it

  • Now, start this stretch by placing your hands on your knees.
  • Breathe in and let your stomach drop to the floor.
  • Next, gaze up towards the ceiling.
  • This is how to exhale while slowly rotating your spine.
  • Next, press your hands into concrete with your fingertips and turn your neck slightly to see your feet.

– Try to do 10 repetitions. Do 2 sets.

Bird Dog

This is a great exercise to increase core strength, lumbar and back muscles.

How to do that

  • Start by laying on your hands and knees.
  • Place your hands under your shoulders, and your knees below your hips.
  • Before you start any movement, brace (contract!) the core of your body.
  • Bracingly raise your left elbow and extend it forwards towards your torso. At the same time, kick your right foot backwards toward your torso until it is aligned.
  • Do not arch your low back when doing this.
  • Continue to hold this position for about 2-3 seconds before slowly returning back to the starting place.
  • Continue the procedure with your right arm, and your left leg.
  • Alternate sides to complete 10 repetitions.

** Please extend your arm and leg only to the point that it is comfortable. Don’t arch your lower back.

Plank

This exercise can be used to strengthen both your deep core as well as your gluteal muscles.

How to do that

  • Begin by lying on your stomach.
  • Engage your core by lifting your body up so that your forearms are in line with your toes.
  • Ensure that your spine remains in a neutral position.
  • Maintain the plank position in place for 20-30 sec.
  • After that, lower your body to the floor.
  • Do 2-5 repetitions of the exercise.

** Remember to keep your back straight throughout this exercise.

Other treatment options for herniated discs 

  • Rest: Sometimes a few days of relaxation will be sufficient to relieve severe pain from lumbar spine herniation. It’s important not to rest for any longer than this, as it can make the problem worse and cause stiffness.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines: drugs such as naproxen (or ibuprofen) can reduce inflammation and ease pain.
  • Physical therapy: Specific exercises are performed to improve range-of-motion and strengthen muscles in your lower spine and core to reduce pain and prevent you from re-injuring yourself.
  • Spinal manipulation: Manipulation of the lower spine joints can improve range of motion or decrease pain.
  • Massage therapy  may increase blood circulation, relax muscles, and help with pain relief.
  • Injections of epidural corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are injected into the affected region to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

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Kevin Pauza, M.D.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Travis Foxx, M.D. - Premier Anesthesiology & Pain

Kevin Pauza, M.D. - Turtle Creek Surgery Center

Prior to attending Penn State University, Dr. Pauza earned his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, and furthered his training with a Surgical and Medical Internship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He continued his specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by an Interventional Spine Fellowship. In addition to his research, philanthropic, and clinical endeavors, Dr. Pauza remains a motivated educator. He established a Spine Fellowship program and continues training physicians from around the world. He heads international committees responsible for establishing standards and educating surgical and non-surgical physicians.

After helping hundreds of patients who failed to experience relief after spine surgery, it became evident to Dr. Pauza that current methods needed to change. This motivated him to seek better ways to help patients, by thinking outside the box.

Dr. Pauza is the first physician in history to pursue FDA approval for using biologics to treat the spine. Millions of patients will benefit from his development of minimally invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease and other more common and serious disorders of the spine.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Brandon Tolman, D.O. - Nashville Spine Institute

Boris Terebuh, M.D. - Regenerative Spine & Joint Center

Boris Terebuh, MD specializes in providing personalized nonsurgical solutions for spine problems that interfere with the function patients desire and the independence they deserve. Dr. Terebuh completed his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency training at The Ohio State University in 1997 and has been in solo practice in Ohio since 2001 because he is committed to providing accessible, individualized and attentive care to his patients. His regenerative approach to solving spine problems enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself. His guiding principle is integrity – doing what is right for patients in a conscientious manner with the motivation of helping them become fully functional, independent and satisfied. Dr. Terebuh is a very unique Medical Doctor because he has earned seven Board Certifications in the field of musculoskeletal medicine and nonsurgical spine care. Boris Terebuh, MD is delighted to be a Discseel® provider because this revolutionary new technology aligns perfectly with his preferred regenerative treatment approach and patient care philosophy. Dr. Terebuh is also grateful to Discseel® developer, Kevin Pauza, MD, for all the years of diligent and meticulous research to create this innovative, paradigm-shifting intervention, which will certainly spare countless individuals the prospect of avoidable spine surgical procedures.

Thierry Bonnabesse, M.D. - Champlain Spine and Pain Management

Gregory Lutz, M.D. - Regenerative Sportscare Institute

Dr. Gregory Lutz is the Founder and Medical Director of the Regenerative SportsCare Institute (RSI). In addition, he currently serves as Physiatrist-In-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Lutz is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of regenerative interventional orthopedic medicine, appearing annually on Castle Connolly’s and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctors” lists.

Janet Pearl, M.D. - The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Janet Pearl has been in practice since 1999 and is the Medical Director of The Boston Stem Cell Center. She is also the Medical Director of  Complete Spine and Pain Care  an interventional integrated Pain Management practice, both located in Framingham, Massachusetts. Dr. Pearl is Triple Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and has over 20 years experience in doing these procedures.

Previously, Dr. Pearl was the Co-Director of the Pain Management Center at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, where she was also the Director of the Pain Management Fellowship program.

After graduating from Harvard College with an A.B. in Applied Mathematics with Economics, Dr. Pearl received a M.Sc. in Health Planning and Financing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She then received her M.D. from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she represented the Medical School as a senator in the Columbia University Senate.

Watch Dr Pearl give an introduction to The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Pearl completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New England Deaconess Hospital, her residency in Anesthesiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and her fellowship in Pain Management at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Pearl was the first resident ever to serve on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)’s Residency Review Committee for Anesthesiology. She is a Joseph Collins Scholar and a Rotary Scholar and was awarded the AMA/Glaxo Welcome and AMA/Burroughs Welcome Resident Leadership Awards.

From 2004 to 2010, Dr. Pearl served on the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. While there she chaired the Committee on Science, Technology and Research, was a member of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs and the Governance Committee and also served as Vice Chair of the Advancement Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Athletics.

Dr. Pearl is Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology with the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiologists.

Memberships:

  • The American Pain Society;
  • The Massachusetts Medical Society;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Interventional Pain Physicians;
  • The American Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The American Society of International Pain Physicians;
  • The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; and,
  • The American Board of Regenerative Medicine.

PUBLIC SERVICE:

  • Member, Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, Health Care Services Board 
  • Member of the Association of Harvard College Class Secretaries and Treasurers
  • Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Harvard Alumni Association
  • Former Member of the Board of Trustees University of Massachusetts. (10/2010 – 10/2014) 

Mark Reecer, M.D. - Fort Wayne Physical Medicine

Dr. Mark Reecer is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Management. He has over 20 years of work comp experience, and he routinely provides Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board. Dr. Reecer has lectured extensively and has authored multiple publications that promote his specialty and the use of treatment modalities to eliminate pain, improve function and avoid surgery.

Dmitry Buyanov, M.D. - IV Infusion Treatment Center

Dr. Buyanov is originally from Kiev, Ukraine. He received his training in Anesthesiology and his Interventional Pain Management Post-Doctoral at Penn State Medical Center, PA. Dr. Buyanov moved to San Antonio in 2003 at which time he was part of a multi-specialty group before he founded Premier Pain Consultants in 2004. His practice has over 5000 active patients in his practice. Dr. Buyanov treats his patients in a cost-effective manner although giving them the best care with interventional pain treatments/procedure to help each patient improve their quality of life. Dr. Buyanov strongly believes in an individualized and multidisciplinary approach to pain management, he believes in the Buddhist saying: “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional”. He works closely with the area internists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, neurologists, and spine surgeons to insure that each patient has the most optimal individualized treatment plan. Dr. Buyanov enjoys spending his spare time with his children.

Desmond Hussey, M.D. - NASA Neuroscience and Spine Associates. P.L

Dr. Hussey earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, and proceeded to earn his Medical Degree from The University of Miami School of Medicine. He then attended Northwestern University Internal Medicine Program, followed by a Neurology Residency Program at Emory University. Dr. Hussey continued his specialty training at John Hopkins University pain clinic. A member of The Spinal Injection Society and The American Academy of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Maxim Moradian, M.D. - Interventional Spine Care & Orthopedic Regenerative Experts

Dr. Moradian is triple-board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Sports Medicine and Pain Management. Dr. Moradian’s clinical practice is devoted to the comprehensive care of spine, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament, and peripheral nerve disorders. He is proficient in performing advanced, minimally-invasive procedures under fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance in the entire spine. Dr. Moradian performs electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) for the accurate diagnosis of muscle and/or nerve disorders. He has a special interest in regenerative medicine, sports concussions, neuromuscular ultrasound, medical education, and clinical research. His true passion is to treat his patients like his family and friends.

Wendi Lundquist, D.O. - Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center

Dr. Lundquist is the Medical Director and founder of Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center, Innovative Surgery Center, and Regena Spa. She is dual board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation along with Pain Management and a diplomat with the American Board of Pain Medicine. She completed her training at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois in July of 2005. During her time there, she served as Chief Resident and was involved in several research projects. Prior to, she completed medical school at Midwestern University at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Glendale, Arizona and internship at Doctors Hospital in Massillon, Ohio. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She has a special interest in sports medicine, pain and spine. With 17 years experience, she has great enthusiasm towards regenerative medicine.

Yasuyuki Nonaka, M.D. - Nonaka Lumbago Clinic

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Matthias H. Wiederholz, M.D. - Performance Pain and Sports Medicine

Founding Partner, Triple Board Certified – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine; Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine

Dr. Matthias H. Wiederholz is cofounder of Performance Spine & Sports Medicine, LLC. He is a fellowship-trained interventional pain physician whose clinical interests include: Interventional Pain Management, Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery, Non-Surgical Orthopedics, and Anti-Aging / Functional Medicine.

He received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management in Marietta, Georgia. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. He also received advanced fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is board-certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz performs a myriad of interventional pain procedures including, but not limited to the following: epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, sacroiliac joint injections, discography, percutaneous disc decompression, epidural lysis of adhesions spinal cord stimulator implants, and minimally-invasive discectomies. Endoscopic spine surgery is a very unique and valuable tool in his armamentarium and makes Dr. Wiederholz one of the most specialized physicians in the field of Pain Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries. He incorporates ultrasound for precise injection therapy including cortisone injections, prolotherapy, and PRP (platelet rich plasma). This technology is also utilized to perform the Tenex procedure, a percutaneous procedure for treating chronic tendon pain (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, etc).

Dr. Wiederholz is the fellowship director for the sports and spine fellowship at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine. Dr. Wiederholz holds an affiliation with Capital Health System and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

Being advanced fellowship trained in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine means that Dr. Wiederholz has the most advanced training in Anti-Aging Medicine available. He is a leading expert in Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration and helps patients achieve wellness through nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone therapies.

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Michael Wolff, M.D. - Southwest Spine & Sports