Arthritis and Weight Lifting

arabianhorselover
arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
edited November 20 in Fitness and Exercise
Wondering if any of you have been able to continue weight lifting with arthritis in your lower back. I've been doing Stronglifts and other stuff for almost two years now, but may have to stop doing a lot of it due to arthritis and degenerative disk disease in my lower spine.

Replies

  • Eddygogo
    Eddygogo Posts: 23 Member
    I can't speak for your degenerative disk disease but a friend of mine has arthritis on his lower back and he has been actively working out his lower back for years. according to him the strengthening effect of weight lifting has numbed the pain from arthritis for his every day activities.

    However, like i said, can't speak for your degenerative disk disease so his situation is clearly different from yours.
  • arabianhorselover
    arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
    Well, I think it's the arthritis in my facet joints that is causing my pain. I feel bone rubbing on bone when during certain exercises.
  • DawnEmbers
    DawnEmbers Posts: 2,451 Member
    I also can't speak for the degenerative disk part either.

    However, I have had arthritis in my back since my early 20's (it was diagnosed when I was 24) that was caused in part by injuring my back bowling. I also have problems with both knees, injured my hip bowling and also right elbow (I injured it then competed in 3 tournaments in one weekend because logic). Plus right hand is temperamental. Yet I started lifting heavy weights after turning 30 and no problems so far. My back got a bit achy when I got up to around 135 on squats, so I did a de-load. My hand got achy during a grit strength class so I had to stop on push ups for that day. My elbow aches on occasion when working with dumbbells, but overall it hasn't hindered me at all. Plus, lifting helps me lift things better at work.

    But with the extra issues and such, if you really want to lift you'll want to discuss it with a medical professional who is knowledge on not only the physical issues/limitation but also about lifting as well (not all know enough on that). Plus, you could consider some other programs. Stronglifts is great but many often move on after a certain point. Depending goals, there are many other rep schemes and lifts you could work, pending it won't cause further issues. Good luck.
  • missebbycou
    missebbycou Posts: 10 Member
    I wouldn't quit lifting completely, but I wouldn't be doing stronglifts or powerlifting either. You should consult a physiotherapist.
  • Eddygogo
    Eddygogo Posts: 23 Member
    arabianhorselover wrote: »
    Well, I think it's the arthritis in my facet joints that is causing my pain. I feel bone rubbing on bone when during certain exercises.

    Do you take any anti-inflammatory measures like glucosamine, aspirin and dietary changes? if you feel your symptoms consistently flaring up more than it is bearable there should be counter measures set in place. you should never have to bear with your joints grinding.

    A decent diet with lots of healthy oils and reduction of inflammation causing agents help in the long run.
  • arabianhorselover
    arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
    I am in the process of setting up some physical therapy. My doctor has suggeste steroid injections, but I want to avoid those, if possible. I take three baby aspirin a week for blood thinning. Also fish oil.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    Only your rheumy can advise really as arthritis, the auto-immune type can be helped by resistance training but it can be difficult with osteo / degenerative disc disease

    Your rheumy will have your x-rays, it's impossible for the internet to accurately advise
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    edited June 2015
    arabianhorselover wrote: »
    I am in the process of setting up some physical therapy. My doctor has suggeste steroid injections, but I want to avoid those, if possible. I take three baby aspirin a week for blood thinning. Also fish oil.

    That's all? What NSAIDs / pain relief?

    What type of arthritis do you have?
  • arabianhorselover
    arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
    I have osteoarthritis. I have taken acetaminophen as advised by my doctor, but I don't like to take it if I can avoid it. Night is the hardest for me. It is painful to turn over.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    I'd speak to your med team tbh

    Good luck
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