Disc Disease, exercise and weight loss

asra425
asra425 Posts: 14
edited January 2 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all. I am in this connundrum. Last year I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. I started physical therapy while I waited for an appointment with a surgeon and a physiatrist (aka rehab doc.... NOT a psychiatrist... lol). In the crazy long wait to see the doctors (four months! bah!), my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child. So that put basically all treatment options (other than physical therapy) off the table.

During pregnancy, my symptoms got much better. I was able to stand up straight and walk, sitting and standing didn't bring on pain. It was like a miracle.

Here I am now, however, a year later and a mommy (of the cutest girl ever) and the pain is coming back. Its still not quite as bad as it was before I got pregnant, but its starting to inch that way. Each day its just a little worse. I started physical therapy again, but its not doing much. I am trying to put off surgery as long as possible.

Post baby, I have about 20 extra pounds that I would like to lose. Most of this is extra weight around my core, and I know getting rid of it would help reduce my back pain. However, the disc disease makes it near impossible to do any exercise. I have been told to swim, but honestly that just isn't possible. I do not have a pool and to go to a gym to use a pool takes time that I really don't have with a new baby. I used to be a runner/jogger (I would average about 2 three mile jogs a week) but I just can't do that anymore. I have tried walking, but after a little bit I start to get really stiff and sore from that too.

Anyone have any suggestions of things that work for them? I am super frustrated by this!!!

Replies

  • ixap
    ixap Posts: 675 Member
    The good news is that you can lose the weight w/o any exercise. Get on top of your diet, and you can lose it.
    This weight loss may relieve much of your back pain.

    Did your PT give you any strengthening and stretching exercises?
    Strength training can actually improve back pain symptoms too, but I'd hesitate to make any specific recommendations for you without having seen you.
  • asra425
    asra425 Posts: 14
    my PT has mostly given me strength training stuff and a little bit of stretching. Nothing really in the way of cardio, although he did tell me that I could do some walking and swimming if I really wanted to.

    I was thinking the same thing... that losing this weight will help the pain get better bc its less stress on my back. I am trying to keep my diet healthy and low on calories, but there is also nursing to contend with. Too much calorie restriction messes with baby's food supply and that gets us nowhere fast. Lol.
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