You report: “I have a 3mm bulging disk at L-3/L-4 and a 4mm at L-4/L-5. Minimal foraminal narrowing. Minimal central canal narrowing. Small posterior disk tears at 3 and 4 noted. It is noted that at L-5,S-1 there is moderate to severe disk height loss, a small posterior disc osteophyte complex. Mild facet joint hypertrophy causing mild to moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing. No bulge at l-5,S-1”.
The restriction in extension (McKensie Exercises in general) is for patients who have stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal (or foramen and lateral recess. There generally are no restrictions for extension other than those exceptions.
According to your MRI, you most likely have lumbar isolated disc resorption (IDR-see website). When you load the disc by bending forward (flexion), that might increase your pain. In my opinion, you would be better served to work on extension to load the (hopefully) normal facets, unload the disc and reduce pain.
Dr. Corenman
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.