How to exercise with a bad back?

Someone very close to me lost 75 lbs on food choices alone with a broken body. So yes, it can be done.... diligence starts in the kitchen. :flowerforyou:

Mine is nerve pain related not because of the discs, but I use a TENS unit to manage my back pain. I got it through my dr's office and luckily my insurance covered it and one set of replacement pads a month. I swim 3-4 times per week with laps/light water aerobics. I slowly built up to that from once a week and find it to be the lesser of many exercise evils when it comes to back pain.

I have ddd and spinal stensis aqnd 3 bulging discs and nerve impingement. Also osteoarththritis inthe back When I started any activity I kid you not, I could barely walk. I had to hold on to the treadmill for dear life and go maybe 3 minutes. Now, I go for an hour on the elliptical walk all the time strength train ect. We need to build and strengthen the core. Inactivity is the worse thong you can do. PS... most anyone over 30 has some degenerative disc disease. The body wears out with age. .

I have the same kind of things going on I went to a therapist who showed me what exercises I could do. You're Doctor can tell you some also. They want you to exercise it helps with the pain and you need to strengthen the back muscles. I still have real bad days also but I keep trying and I keep my calories under or at 1200 and take vitamin's eat lots of protein. I have it in my neck also and I have arthritis every where. Life can still feel good. I also wouldn't have the surgery. My sister did, and it didn't help her. Do the shots, eat, and exercise.. good luck you can befriend me if you would like.

I tried it for about 2 weeks on and off and I still hurt, so I gave up. Not as bad, but I would need a few days off for recoop time.

I guess just weight lifting arms and legs probably wouldn't do anything? I need to lose about 25 lbs.

I have a bad low back and severely bad knee's so I am no stranger to pain... Strengthening the muscle around those area is key for me so I use weight lifting for that but also swim among other things.. Start slow, be consistent, and stay with it.. 4 years ago I couldn't walk across the floor from room to room and today I can exercise a couple hours (not completely pain free but still can do it). It took me 4 years of hard work to get to where I am today. I wear custom fitted knee braces to exercise, get knee injections and am on pain pills and work with a chiropractor for adjustments on my lower back. You can lose weight with diet alone but strengthening your back should also be a priority..... Are you still working with PT?? I have been working with mine throughout my journey to this day and wouldn't be where I am without them.... Best of Luck

All of this. I've had two surgeries, and now fighting wear and tear. I hurt all of the time. However, until I drop weight, it won't change. Best of luck to you!

Classical Pilates mat is what I've always seen recommended to dancers (and often to other athletes) with back injuries. You can find the exercises described everywhere online, but I'd recommend seeing a trainer to focus on your form and avoid further back strain. That's body weight strength training for you, and then once the core is stronger and the back has had time to heal, walking and other low-intensity cardio activities should be an option. Of course, you should talk about it with your doctor and/or PT first. Best wishes.

I would urge you not to stop doing an exercise just because you couldn't do it again for a few days afterwards. Every body takes time for recovery. Your body will come back stronger and be able to take more later. FInd something you enjoy, and do it as long as you can and then wait until next time. You might need to find two somethings that are different. I would also strongly consider consulting with a physical therapist to help be more targeted in your strategies. Good luck.

I have this as well and it was discovered when I was 24. :S
Stress definitely contributed to how much pain I'd have. Since losing weight I don't get pain nearly as often.

You can lose with just a deficit but I noticed better results with exercise. I walk, and recently started working in a bit of jogging. I would try to walk through the pain when it wasn't super bad.
Good sneakers to absorb shock are important, and indoor shock absorbant tracks as well are awesome if there's one you can go to. Much better than walking on pavement or cement. Make sure you have a good sports bra to keep the strain off your back.

I have what's called a Yantra Mat for when my back is really bad. It simulates a bed of nails and you lay on it, it promotes blood flow. It's amazing and has worked better than anything else for me for the pain. I usually end up almost dozing off on it.