Strength training and lifting with bad back

LunaHare

I have damaged discs in my back and periodically they flare up badly. At the moment everything is great but I need to be very careful. I swim hard 3-4x a week at least 60 laps each time. But I want to make a little more muscle too, however I do lifting when I do my mucking out of my ponies and even that can trigger my back. So my question is what if anything can I do? I don't want to make my back worse!!!

McBully4

id suggest talking to a doctor/physical therapist, and see if yoga is an option for you.

JustJennie1

I would start by going to your doctor and talking to him/her about it and see what they recommend. Not a good idea to post a medical question on an internet website looking for the right answer on what to do.

jenaissance

definitely talk to your doc. before you do anything. You may be able to do more than you think though! I have two herniated discs, a pinched sciatic nerve and atrophied muscles around my spine; I also do crossfit and lift heavy 5x week I have to be extra super careful about my form, and there are definitely some things I just cannot do (sit ups, etc) but I'm amazed at how much better/stronger my back is now. I still have pain every day, and occassional flare ups, but I have a lot more mobility now.