Gymming with severe back problems??

Jillasmar

My mom has started going to the gym with me and she has extreme back problems! Rods in her back. I'm worried about her. What exercises can I suggest that are safe and do not harm the back?? Thanks fit fam!

Jillasmar

Turning 50, car accident

ninerbuff

You mom SHOULDN'T go unless she has a release from the doctor who monitors her back health. And if she does get a release, she should learn exercises from a physical therapist and not just from people on the internet. While I'm well versed in rehab for any type of injury, I would be hesitant to give any advice because I have NO IDEA of the level of degree of flexibility, ROM, and fitness your mother has without personally assessing her.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

socaljackie

That is something she needs to discuss with her doctor.. Back issues are IMO an umbrella term for a variety of conditions. If she has rods, where and why? Did she have a corrective surgery? If so was it successful? What area of the back is injured? What methods does, she use know to avoid daily chronic pain?

-I had back surgery 2 years ago. Since then doctor cleared me and I am able to return to activities. But before that I wasn't aloud any form on impact and that including running and climbing and dancing. And pretty much all forms of lifting

granturismo

I'm also turning 50 and I had rods in my lumbar for two years (2010-2012) following an accident. After about a year I was able to use a gym - I went to a physio and used machines in my gym that were similar to those in the physio's clinic. I also had two sessions with a good instructor in the gym when I started.

I had the rods removed in 2012 and two months later returned to the gym after weekly sessions with my physio. I continue to use upper and lower body machines that give support to my chest, lower and upper back depending on the movement involved. I rarely use free weights in case bad form causes an injury (I have been left with a slightly compressed vertebra and disc)

Both my surgeon and physio said that the rods ensured my spine was protected - so the rods in themselves shouldnt be any cause for injury concern in the gym, unless their location restrict spinal bending/twisting. She needs medical advice first.

Can she attend a sports injury physio? The one I attended had suitable gym machines in his clinic.

Jillasmar

Hmm she could. Idk why she hasn't decided to go to a specialist on her own yet. Thanks guys!

boomshakalaka911

@ninerbuff is always on it. Dude knows what's up!

wilsoncl6

ninerbuff wrote: »

You mom SHOULDN'T go unless she has a release from the doctor who monitors her back health. And if she does get a release, she should learn exercises from a physical therapist and not just from people on the internet. While I'm well versed in rehab for any type of injury, I would be hesitant to give any advice because I have NO IDEA of the level of degree of flexibility, ROM, and fitness your mother has without personally assessing her.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

This! Very good advice. No one here knows the extent of your Mom's injury, health and fitness. Some people who are already in great condition may be able to do more or work harder than others.