Osteo arthritis- mostly in men

notworthstalking

I am mostly asking for my husband. He has had cronic back pain since hurting it at work about 6 or 7 years ago. He has just been back to a dr this week and had fresh x-rays done. Where his injury is a weak spot in the join of his spine. It's about the middle of his back. He has a bone density scan on Monday and will see how bad it is, but he has been diagnoised with osteo arthritis. He is only 37.

He is over weight, because he doesn't work (sahd) and the pain limits his activity. He gets a 40 plus minute walk in on school days , pushing on kid in a stroller up a hill one way . That's about it. He isn't even doing much house work currently. He will be seeing a physio, and taking suppliments as part of his plan. He is going to make an effort to eat more regulary, instead of one big meal and not much in the way of snacks. He is also going to make sure he gets more vegies. I am home for lunch so will be making for him or him for me so he remembers. He feeds me better then himself. Calorie counting doesn't interest him, but he likes that I am eating more food and losing weight. I told him he should weigh himself when I do Monday and we can measure his gut. That way he can get an idea if it's all helping.

Now I know he will have to chat to the physio, but both me and the dr want him to start lifting. Has anyone else got this condition or simular? I am working on heavy lifting , using NRFWL as a guide. I am still learning the lifts. I was think that he would be better not pushing himself but slowly building up. Different to a healthy 37 yearold guy. Any experince with this condition?

meggyannpt

The PT will be the expert in getting him going. They will give him a home exercise program to strengthen his core to help support his joints. I would not recommend any heavy lifting or power lifting anytime soon for him, since that would put more stress through the back.

Water aerobics is also a great way to go. It unweights the back and can provide some relief, plus you can still get a great workout! Just a thought

BigGuy47

. Has anyone else got this condition or simular? I am working on heavy lifting , using NRFWL as a guide. I am still learning the lifts. I was think that he would be better not pushing himself but slowly building up. Different to a healthy 37 yearold guy. Any experince with this condition?

I have psoriatic arthritis. Diagnosed at 32, I'm near 50 now. In the last couple of years I've dropped a bunch of weight and started excercising six days a week (cardio and strength). The dietery changes and excerise have made a tremendous difference with my arthritis. I have less pain and feel better than I did when I was 40.

One of the things that pushes me is the fear I have of the degeneration that will occur over the next 10-15 years. I have a wife to take care of and grand kids that need me. In my mind I need to fight now to preserve my chances of being in decent shape 10 years from now. I know if I do nothing it will only get worse.

You are correct in the plan to build up slowly. It makes the transition to a regular routine much easier. When I first started I try to give 200% right out of the gate. Needless to say I burnt out quickly and stopped altogether for a few months. My next attempt I slowly progressed to a full time routine - it stuck. I agree that you should consult with a PT to come up with a plan that reduces the risks of aggravating his existing condition.

good luck