H.R Mokhtarinia - PhD, PT, Assistant professor, Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
Majid Zohrobi - Department of Neurosurgery, Nikan Hospital, MD, Neurosurgeon, Tehran, Iran
Noushin Khalilian-Ekrami - Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

The lumbar spine is among the first areas of the human body to show demonstrable change of disc degeneration and tearing. Disc herniation is a common cause of lumbago and sciatica. A wide range of treatment options are suggested for disc herniation including conservative methods (medication and physical therapy), minimally invasive (percutaneous) and surgical intervention based on its severity. A new technique entitled the minimally invasive percutaneous intradiscal injection of radiopaque gelified ethanol (Discogel) has been provided as an alternative to surgical treatment of lumbar radiculopathy. Some time it is imagined that after a minimally invasive procedure, physical therapy is unnecessary. It is usually seen in the people who experience a great deal of pain and reduced daily function.Appropriate Muscle function, pain reduction and most importantly retaining movement strategies should be in the best sate after any surgery procedure. Muscles can play different roles in the body in different situations under various demands. Some muscles are stabilizer and some others are prime mover. It is very important that muscle function is at its best after any spine procedure in order to maximize recovery and to minimize potential future problems.The aims of physical therapy and especially exercise therapy in these patients are: 1. Pain reduction and symptom control 2. Improving Physical conditioning 3. Reducing the Localized weakness in the segments with the disc problem. 4. Increasing segmental stabilization in the involved segment level5. Returning the function for all patients, retraining with education on posture, body mechanics and back protectionThis article addresses the specific physical therapy needs to maximize short and long term results of minimally invasive spine procedures, which can lessen likelihood of recurrence. A typical example of a minimally invasive spine surgery is a Discogel Injection for a symptomatic herniated lumbar disc.