help- serious back issues...

moosenbratsmommy

I have serious issues. I ALWAYS workout too hard and throw out my back or neck. I've learned to take it easy but it depresses me to not be able to go hard (I wake up thinking- "go hard or go home") so I'm left feeling like I should have just stayed home! Now, not from the gym, I have a pinched nerve in the lower back (or so I was told) and just walking a 30 minute mile with my kids caused serious burning sensations across the lower back.

I'm looking to see if anyone else has had any back issues and what exercises you were able to do to get in a good workout. I'm open to stretches, gym circuits, dvds, etc... anything that can help me feel better to lose weight. Currently since I can't workout I feel "why bother eating right" and I know its not right, but I suffer from Depression and it's hard to get out this slump!

(Thanks for ANY advice)

carrie_eggo

Are you seeing a doctor or chiropractor for this? What have they suggested? Have you had any testing done?

addisondisease

GO ASK A DOCTOR, no one on this site is qualified enough to help you.

ArroganceInStep

Chiro is a good idea

One thing I do before lifting is I'll hop on the hyperextension stand and let myself hang until my lower back cracks. It feels really good and I've found that at least for me it makes me less likely to hurt my back while lifting. That's just what I do as a stretch for my back though, it's certainly not medical advice and you should go with that first.

moosenbratsmommy

I saw a doctor and she said- take some pain pills and only walk! I saw the doctor because I was getting a sharp pain through the lower back and losing my balance. Oh, and she suggested losing weight (duh)- I just rolled my eyes because she obviously wasn't listening to me for the first 5 minutes when I told her I like to workout and can't!

I understand that no one is qualified to help me properly- I was wondering if anyone else had back issues and could tell me what they do.

Carolyn_79

I having a bulging disc which is different than what you're experiencing but my Dr. recommended physiotherapy to help strengthen my back. I'm waiting until I get back from my Vegas trip before I start going so I can't comment on effectiveness at this point.

carrie_eggo

I saw a doctor and she said- take some pain pills and only walk! I saw the doctor because I was getting a sharp pain through the lower back and losing my balance. Oh, and she suggested losing weight (duh)- I just rolled my eyes because she obviously wasn't listening to me for the first 5 minutes when I told her I like to workout and can't!

I understand that no one is qualified to help me properly- I was wondering if anyone else had back issues and could tell me what they do.

Maybe you need a second opinion then. You would swim if you have access to a pool.

kat2475

I have serious back issues as well and for awhile I allowed it to depress me and keep me from doing exercise. I have tears in 2 of my discs and nerve damage. I've been through epidural steroid injections, having my nerve endings cauterized, cortisone shots in my sacroiliac joints, physical therapy....you name it. I take narcotic pain killers 3 times a day just to be able to function. Ever since I've decided to work through the pain, I've lost 28 pounds and my bad days are getting less and less. I still have pain but the debilitating up all night crying pain is getting better. I have to have 2 separate surgeries in the next couple months on my back so I'm trying to get as strong as I can beforehand so I heal easier. As far as the type of exercises I do, I walk on my Gazelle, Yoga, strength training, dancing, Zumba. I try not to do anything too "jarring" or high impact. I wont lie. The exercise hurts but so does weighing more.

KickingDarkness

I have back issues from a car accident 6 years ago. I did physio for a couple of years and it helped. They give you exercises to strengthen your core in a gentle way. I still have back pain when I bend and lift but it's a LOT better than it used to be. The exercises I do now are mostly walking, but I also hula hoop (not recommending that to you it sounds like you are in too much pain for that). I never could have done hula hooping back in the day either but it really strengthens your core. I guess I'm just rambling and not much help, oops. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone I guess.

groomchick

I have had fusion and have finally found a way to workout without throwing my back out....it's been a slow process but am doing really well for 5 months with no "incidents" Feel free to add me if you wish!

janet_pratt

I've been down for 10 days with a back issue. I have a slippery sacrum due to my previous weight stretching out the ligaments that hold it in place. My hips rotate and my sacrum gets out of whack. Sometimes it's just a couple of adjustments and sometimes it's a big ordeal requiring lots of rest. This last bout sucked big time. A disk in my low back got irritated and inflamed and it's taken a few days of anti inflammatories, rest and ice to get it to settle down. BUT...I work with a very good chiropractor who is honest and concerned. I've been going to her for years and she knows my body. Both at 285 pounds and 185 pounds. I talk to her about the exercises I do. I lift weights, cycle, do martial arts, and run. She's not keen on the running but hasn't told me specifically not to. She says if I hadn't lost the weight when I did, I would either be in a wheel chair or using a walker right now. She says it's better for me to continue to be active and get things put back where they belong from getting dislodged during workouts rather than sitting and degenerating, which is where I was headed.
If you have a pinched nerve, something is obviously pressing on it that isn't where it's supposed to be. I don't know how you feel about chiropractic, but it's what keeps me moving. The tricky part is finding a good, honest chiropractor. There are a lot of bad ones out there that have given chiropractic a bad name. Get referrals and references. Good luck.

jenlarz

I don't know what all works with a pinched nerve, but in general when I do some Yoga (I use Wii Fit) it really helps me to feel better

moondust7

BUMP!
I have back pain and sciatic nerve pain... bumping to see what others say they do!
I find that getting up and walking (slowly) every hour for at least 5-15 minutes is a huge help when my back/butt is hurting. Yoga is helpful too, but when my back hurts, I need to go really slow. I have found that even when I walk or do yoga, even if it's hard while I'm doing it, I feel better the next day. Also, the warm-up exercises in workout DVD's are usually gentle enough for my back and give me a little more cardio, which is very, very helpful for my back. Sometimes I'll do the warm-up portion of Jullian Hough's "Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom (2009)" DVD several times in a row, and when I'm done my back is a lot better. It is a REALLY good warm-up / stretch, and really loosens my back up.

moosenbratsmommy

Thanks everyone! You guys are some strong people having dealt with the issues you all have. You have given me hope and some great advice. I know I have to take it slow, but I will try different things and contact my doctor (I saw a diff doc last week) and see what else she can do for me as well!

tecallahan

I am doing Pilates now to strengthen my back. I also have lower back issues and practically lived at my chiropractor for years. I am finding the Pilates to be very helpful. I think Yoga also. If it is very painful, you need to rest it and use ICE - a frozen back doesn't hurt as bad! :bigsmile: