Anyone else have spinal disorders?

jenniferb973
jenniferb973 Posts: 34 Member
edited November 30 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey...diagnosed with osteoarthritis and spondyololithesis....extremely challenging for me to work out as I'm in so much pain. Curious to see if anyone else deals with these types of issues and what kinds of workouts are you able to do safely without causing more harm?

Replies

  • ElizabethOakes2
    ElizabethOakes2 Posts: 1,038 Member
    I have damaged spine-bones at S1L5 from a herniated disc that was improperly treated for two years before my doctor approved an MRI.
    Can you afford a few sessions with a physical therapist experienced in spine issues? They can get you started with great core exercises to strengthen your back muscles that will help get the weight-load off your spine and onto your muscle and tendon load.
  • jenniferb973
    jenniferb973 Posts: 34 Member
    yeah I'm working with one now....I'm not too thrilled with them...I feel like they don't really give a *kitten* lol.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Physical therapy, water exercises, stretching, and I am even able to bike with my issues.

    The most important thing, besides finding a physical therapist you trust, is to increase your activity slowly.
  • mtouseefzafar
    mtouseefzafar Posts: 1 Member
    L5S1 herniated...i cant seem to kift weight. I have been to physical therapist but their exercises are very general. I have noticed that if i keep my back warm i feel less pain. I dont think you can get rid of this issue?
  • jenniferb973
    jenniferb973 Posts: 34 Member
    I know the back condition is not curable...but I see all of these people getting an extreme amount of pain relief through exercise. I feel like I am not one of those people. Many movements hurt me more.
  • tomteboda
    tomteboda Posts: 2,171 Member
    Scoliosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine and injuries in the cervical (C2) and lumbar regions. The struggle is real. I lost 35 lbs on calorie control alone, before adding walking. Walking has really strengthened my muscles and helped with the weight loss without strain. For me, walking is actually easier than standing still or sitting.
  • SwimmyD
    SwimmyD Posts: 96 Member
    edited March 2016
    OP- Find yourself a new physio. You are hurting with movement and exercise because the spondylolothesis is abnormal motion occurring in that vertebral segment because of the crack +/- shift in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra.

    Find a physio that will actually give you good back stabilization exercises. You have to start with the very basics- targeting the muscles surrounding the vertebrae, and slowly build from there before you can take on other full body exercises - otherwise you just get pain.

    Hopefully you can find a physio with manual therapy credentials (IFOMPT) - go to the IFOMPT site and find the list of member organizations which is listed by country. At the country level you will most likely find a search feature that will give you a list of therapists by city who have these credentials. You don't HAVE to find a physio who has this level of training as there are plenty who *should* know how to treat this problem at an advanced level. But an orthopaedic manipulative therapist is a great place to start. Good luck!
  • ashleyminnich1
    ashleyminnich1 Posts: 60 Member
    My husband does. The only cardio exercise that he does anymore is swimming. It releases the pressure off his spine. His spine shifts do to genetic malformation. In and out on a daily, hourly, minute to minute basis. Sometimes, the swimming will release the pressure enough that it shifts back.
  • lauracups
    lauracups Posts: 533 Member
    I have stenosis, scoliosis, compression and nerve damage. I work out 6 days a week, pilates is wonderful! Yoga is good. I can use the elliptical for non impact cardio and I've gradually worked up to being able to walk 5ish miles at once. My advice, always ask a doctor (and one who's NOT JUST A PILL PUSHER ) about physical activity and start slow with stretches and short walks.
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