Back exercises for scoliosis

beastmode2718
beastmode2718 Posts: 108 Member
edited November 21 in Fitness and Exercise
i had surgery when I was young and have a rod in my upper back. I want to strengthen up my back but I'm not sure how to without irritating it. I have tried yoga but a lot of the moves I have to modify or not do at All because it's too painful or I am simply not flexible enough with the rod, I can do weights if they are very lite. Anyone have suggestions or know great full body workouts that don't put a lot of pressure on the upper spine

Replies

  • IsaackGMOON
    IsaackGMOON Posts: 3,358 Member
    Go see your doctor instead of asking MFP.
  • juliet3455
    juliet3455 Posts: 3,015 Member
    Depending on where you live and what services are available through your Medical Provider/Insurance plan my suggestion would be see your Doctor and ask for a Physio-Therapist consultation. They would have access to your Medical Records and x-rays and have a better understanding of the limitations than most Trainers at any Gym would have ( unless it is a Sports Injurt Specialist Gym ) . Most Physio-Therapy is based on Body Weight exercise so no special equipment is required or it will be minimal.
  • beastmode2718
    beastmode2718 Posts: 108 Member
    The last time I went to the doctor there was nothing wrong with my back I just get muscle spasms sometimes which there is nothing you can do to fix that but pain medicine and massage and to the rude person I am not privileged and I don't have health insurance so I can't run to the doctor willy nilly I just had a question. My doctor told me a year ago I have no limitations but like I said some yoga poses really irritate it but I really enjoy yoga. Is there anything similar. Downward dog is always difficult for me and I know that's the basis of most yoga poses but other moves I can do just fine. Body weight movements don't bother me. Anyone know of good bwe for back
  • purplemystra
    purplemystra Posts: 159 Member
    Maybe you should see a physical therapist. They can customize exercises to your medical needs. They have professional training. I have a lot of back issues and that is what I did. In the past if I did an exercise I didn't know I shouldn't do I would end up having to go get a spine injection. I don't want that to happen again. Good luck.
  • msliu7911
    msliu7911 Posts: 638 Member
    edited August 2015
    juliet3455 wrote: »
    Depending on where you live and what services are available through your Medical Provider/Insurance plan my suggestion would be see your Doctor and ask for a Physio-Therapist consultation. They would have access to your Medical Records and x-rays and have a better understanding of the limitations than most Trainers at any Gym would have ( unless it is a Sports Injurt Specialist Gym ) . Most Physio-Therapy is based on Body Weight exercise so no special equipment is required or it will be minimal.

    This ^. Or you could also ask if there are any trainers who specialize in that type of training at your local gym and can recommend an exercise or two.

    I also have scoliosis and had rods placed in my back when I was younger, all thoracic fused together. Fortunately it didn't get into the lumbar so I'm fairly flexible when it comes to things like touching toes. However, its not a one-size fits all remedy for scoliosis patients since there are varying degrees of severity and what has been fused together.

    I understand why you might want to strengthen your back, however have you thought about focusing on other areas of the body to help compensate (i.e. core strength, legs, glutes, shoulders, chest, arms)?

    This is what I have done for the past 12 years and while my back still isn't (and will never be) the most muscular or defined, I feel my core and leg/glute strength has helped with lower back and posture, and helped to avoid lower back injury/pain. In addition many arm/shoulder exercises also impact the upper back region as an added benefit. Plus you can't deny that the fused spine already promotes good posture, so we have an advantage there. :wink:

    Best of luck and feel free to PM me if you need to chat more.
  • lavrn03
    lavrn03 Posts: 235 Member
    I agree with msliu7911....

    I just had my 25 year anniversary with my Harrington rod!!!
    I'm fused from T2-12. But no physical limitations! I just listen to my body.
    I understand what you mean some positions are not comfortable.
    I just finished up PT to help with some right side pain (paraformis muscle area).
    A lot of work on abs and stretches.
    I just lost 50lbs and that alone made things feel so much better.

  • lavrn03
    lavrn03 Posts: 235 Member
    How long as everyone else had their Rods?
    I asked my surgeon about how long they last. Someone has one for 50 years so far!!!!!
  • fou198
    fou198 Posts: 5 Member
    I have the same problem
    But I have a rod in upper and lower back
  • fou198
    fou198 Posts: 5 Member
    lavrn03 wrote: »
    How long as everyone else had their Rods?
    I asked my surgeon about how long they last. Someone has one for 50 years so far!!!!!

    I have mine from 25 years
  • beastmode2718
    beastmode2718 Posts: 108 Member
    As far as I know they don't need replaced. I knew someone who has had there's for 30 years
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,029 Member
    edited August 2015
    There is no way anyone here could give you accurate info without an assessment and having actual experience on your particular position. See your orthopedist and get their recommendation.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Yah, my sports physiotherapist was most helpful, giving me strengthening exercises that worked with my limitations. I did modified yoga for a whole year as I recovered from bursitis in one of my knees. You will simply need to modify as required and you will still get benefits.
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