Cardio for herniated discs??

wildflowergypsy38
wildflowergypsy38 Posts: 25 Member
edited November 25 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello there all!!
I have two herniated discs in my lumbar region, walking briskly is risky( ha I'm a poet) as any little jerk or stone and it's like I've stepped in hot lava. Running( my old past time, I still mourn it....miss getting in the zone) is defo out as it puts too much pressure on my back(esp carrying my massive lower half!!) so I was thinking an elliptical trainer/bike machine.
Any experts out there or anyone with experience? I heard it's low impact but good results as I can work up speed and tension on the fly wheel/magnets?
I'm hoping something as I'm so fed up with not being able to exercise. I need those endorphins!! Strength exercise does nothing for me, I need the cardio. But I'm open to suggestions!!

Replies

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    This is a question for your dr. What works for someone else might not be safe for you.
  • forevermaryb
    forevermaryb Posts: 108 Member
    I feel your pain! I'm not an expert, but I've done cardio with 2 bulging discs and a partially herniated disc (cortisone shots were my BFF). Elliptical is good. I had to be careful with resistance, though. Too much would bother. Walking at a slight incline on the treadmill was good, too. I could get on an exercise bike, but I could only go fairly slow with no resistance, so I couldn't get my heart rate up. If you are able to get to a gym, try both types of bikes (regular and recumbent) and see which is more comfortable. It's really going to be a trial and error for you.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    i might ask your dr for a referral for a physical therapist if you haven't already. tell them your goals and they should help you develop a plan to meet your goals within your physical restrictions
  • ozgurvh
    ozgurvh Posts: 182 Member
    Swimming is the best for people who have hernia, think about that if you are able to do it. You can do some exercises while you are supporting your back like with pillows or towels.
  • dizzieblondeuk
    dizzieblondeuk Posts: 286 Member
    Swimming? One of the only exercises where you're not weight bearing at all, and you're burning tonnes of calories in the pool. You may want to speak to a physio, whatever low impact exercise you choose, as they will know exactly what exercises are appropriate with your physical limitations. But swimming is recommended for so many people with major physical limits, I've got to think it would be OK for you.

    Also, and I probably recommend this every single time someone asks a 'what exercise when I'm injured?' question, but pilates would be fantastic for you. You need to make sure the pilates instructor is fully qualified to instruct rehab patients, and completely understands your medical issues, but strengthening your core is probably one of the best things you can do to help alleviate pain, and ensure that you are preserving future function of your back as much as possible. Pilates has completely changed my physical health, owing to the elimination of lower back pain (an old back injury, where I broke my back, led to decades of daily, low-level, back pain, that I've somehow reversed in less than 4 months with regular pilates instruction!). Not everyone will have the type of medical issue that can be completely 'cured', but herniated disks can be treated non-surgically, and with the type of exercise that pilates offers.
  • wildflowergypsy38
    wildflowergypsy38 Posts: 25 Member
    Thank you!! Amazing advice! I'll defo try those! Went for long walks today. Not too fast engaged my core iwhich helped and back n knees were achy by the end.
    But all good! Pates yes defo!
  • wildflowergypsy38
    wildflowergypsy38 Posts: 25 Member
    Pates?? Sorry I meant Pilates!! Haha!
    Yah I've done pilates before and enjoyed it!
    I've had been seeing a physio for a year when it was super bad.
    She was great and advised Pilates and losing some weight and swimming but I wanted to do cardio again as I miss it and wanted to see if anyone similar to me.
    I had a series of Pilates classes via Physio and also went to acupuncture.

    Thank you everyone for your great advice
    Xxxx
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    You could try water walking/jogging or aqua fit if swimming isn't your thing.
    Good cardio with support for your back and low impact.

    See if your pool offers physio through a professional qualified PT.

    Cheers, h.
  • wildflowergypsy38
    wildflowergypsy38 Posts: 25 Member
    Thanks H! Those are super ideas cheers!!
  • bigirishguy96
    bigirishguy96 Posts: 1 Member
    Have you tried inversion? I was a candidate for surgery and am now cardio kickboxing 4 times a week. I bought an inversion table and used an elliptical machine with upper body attachment for a long time. The more weight I lose the more things I can do. On a recent vacation I was even able to run on the beach. Good luck.
  • wildflowergypsy38
    wildflowergypsy38 Posts: 25 Member
    No but I've thought of it! I'll get on it!!
    That's really inspiring and great news!!!
    Thanks big Irish guy!! :smile:
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