Herniated Disc problems? :\

danapenguin

I am not a stranger to back pain, so I usualy just go on with my business when I get a twinge, but here lately its been really bad. Like tingly, numbing, cramping bad. So, I went to the doctor today and turns out I have a herniated disc =\ I begin traction therapy Friday at 2pm. I still want to stay active and the doctor said I can be but I cannot do my wonderful Zumba for a few weeks (she said I could do Zumba, but no jumping around and just to stick with walking really). Any suggestions on something I could do (besides walking) while my back is out of the game?

lkenn67

I am almost 18 months since I herniated a disc in my neck. I really let it derail me. I was running, weight training, exercising 5-6 times a week, then severe pain that I ended up in er...I thought I was having a heart attack. I kept thinking I could resume my regular exercise, but every time I would feel better and start to exercise I would re-aggravate it and be back in pain...I have gained almost 20 lbs since I hurt my neck. Very frustrating.

So the point of this long rambling message is I have finally accepted that walking is acceptable and better than nothing. I can swim the back stroke but not other strokes. Bike works, some times elliptical with out the twisting of the arms. Find what is comfortable and stick with that. You might have to give up Zumba for now, if it causes problems . Sometimes a herniated disc can heal but you need to allow it the rest it needs.

I hope your back heals faster than my neck.

craigmandu

The important thing is to not cause further damage. Trust me. I've had two lower back disectomies L4/L5 and L5/S1...After my 2nd surgery I was basically out of all fitness for about 5 years...except the occasional walk. It is imperative you don't try to do "too much"..

Do low or no impact activities....walking....light (and I mean light) elliptical....maybe get some very low weights to do some simple easy exercises with etc...or low resistance bands.

I wish you great luck...I've been through that pain alot and I know how sh!tty it is.

danapenguin

thanks guys! i am glad that you both have found ways around this. it is so painful, even sitting for periods of time is hard. I think I will stick to walking and bike riding. I may get back on the elipitical too. It was my best friend and then I found Zumba lol.Our elipitcal doesn't have the arm things that swing back and forth. Thanks guys for the suggestions.
How long did it take you guys to feel better?