• Strengthening exercises for the spinal area are recommended
• Smoking contributes to development of back diseases; joining smoking cessation programs may help patients decrease or quit cigarette addiction

Weight loss programs

• Exercise & weight loss programs may help reduce additional weight pressure on already fragile spinal bones

• Follow-ups should be more frequent at the start of therapy, then gradually reduced when treatment goals have been established
• Encourage compliance especially w/ exercise regimens
• Watch out for yellow flags
• Evaluate new symptoms thoroughly, especially for presence of red flags

• Patient should be referred to a specialist if control is not achieved despite adequate treatment
• May refer to Rehabilitation specialist for continuation/maintenance of rehabilitation
• Consider referral to a surgeon for the following:
  
  • Preservation of neurological function
  • Presence of tumors, spinal stenosis, disc prolapse associated w/ leg pain, & fractures