Exercise after injury question

chmckernan
chmckernan Posts: 9 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've decided to get back to exercise and decided on a TRX type system. The day it arrived, my back went out (I didn't even get to try it yet).

I'm wondering when it is safe to start exercising. It has been 3 days. My back feels better each day (with help from flexeril and lidocaine patches). Today I'm not walking like a duck.

Anyone know? I'm really anxious to exercise. I used to work out until rheumatoid arthritis detailed me.

Replies

  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    It's better to be safe than sorry. Can you try something safer first? Fast walk? Slow jog?
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    edited September 2016
    I experienced a medical issue for a year which stopped my activity for six months, then six months of just dancing (but no lifts, stunts). I just tried to get back in and immediately injured my tailbone. I did nothing for a week. Waited for the pain to stop. Then I went back to dancing (but no lifts or stunts). Going for walks. And I put together a rehab program to ease back into strength training. It's worth it in the long haul to go easy, slow, steady. Build strength. And you can try more when you are stronger. Take care of yourself. Staying active will help you. But respect your body's limits.
  • chmckernan
    chmckernan Posts: 9 Member
    Thanks for the responses. :) I think I'll stick with walking for awhile. I surely don't want to go through this again.
  • jolive7
    jolive7 Posts: 283 Member
    Slow!! I have had 2 surgery's in the past 12 months and each time I took the whole 6 weeks off and just walked. For someone who lifts 5 times a week that was super hard, but I am so glad I stuck to it because I haven't had any injury since. When you go back to it make sure you ease in as well - don't try to go back to your old routines
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    i think i would wait until i was pain free or at least very close without the painkillers. never had a back injury, but gawd, i wouldn't want to take chances with that.
  • chmckernan
    chmckernan Posts: 9 Member
    Thanks for the responses. I needed a reality check. I'm sure my back went out because I've de conditioned with my rheumatoid arthritis flare. Now that it's back under control, I feel anxious to strengthen my core. I really need to give it time.
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    ah. yeah, it gets much harder to know which path to pick when you're used to a state where there's always something that hurts. but for gosh sakes, backs are nothing to mess around with. especially if you have inflammation floating around still after your flare.

    gl with it. i relate to the twostepsforwardtwostepsback feeling of the whole thing.
  • chmckernan
    chmckernan Posts: 9 Member
    Thank you Canadianlbs! It's nice to have someone understand the big picture struggle.
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    while you're waiting, is there stuff you can do now towards what you're aiming for that wouldn't affect your back? maybe not playing with your new toy yet, but something milder and more physio-y.
  • chmckernan
    chmckernan Posts: 9 Member
    I was thinking about dragging my Zumba DVDs back out. And just walking through any parts that hurt.
    And the same with yoga. I have a couple of gentler versions.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    edited September 2016
    I have problems with auto-immune inflammation also (according to my Rheumatologist). It definitely makes it challenging. Especially when I spontaneously develop pain (not triggered by an injury). I have had certain challenges all of my life. But, I managed it. But, it only got bad this past year. And I tried to jump back in too quickly. Starting with yoga and zumba is a good idea. But, mine was triggered after medical injury from misdiagnoses. So, my Rheumatologist wants to keep me off meds if possible. It's not easy to diagnose. She suspects something specific. But, it's not certain. I have elevated rheumatoid antibody factor. So, I understand a little. My Rheumatologist says to call her when I develop the pain. I get pain in cartilage. But, I am hoping for the best. Since I have experienced a lot of misdiagnoses and medical injury.
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    Common sense mixed with possibly some professional advice will be better than a forum thread every time.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Chieflrg wrote: »
    Common sense mixed with possibly some professional advice will be better than a forum thread every time.

    I know people keep saying that. But, she is just getting a little support.
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    Chieflrg wrote: »
    Common sense mixed with possibly some professional advice will be better than a forum thread every time.

    like a forum thread can't help with the first of those things?
  • chmckernan
    chmckernan Posts: 9 Member
    Chieflrg wrote: »
    Common sense mixed with possibly some professional advice will be better than a forum thread every time.

    Wow. Thanks for that. If you're assuming I haven't contacted my dr, you're assuming wrong. I didn't get much of an answer. I reached out figuring there are others who have been in my situation.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    edited September 2016
    chmckernan wrote: »
    Chieflrg wrote: »
    Common sense mixed with possibly some professional advice will be better than a forum thread every time.

    Wow. Thanks for that. If you're assuming I haven't contacted my dr, you're assuming wrong. I didn't get much of an answer. I reached out figuring there are others who have been in my situation.

    I know. People don't realize how little info we get from doctors. We have to figure most of it out on our own. That's how it works. We can look up info. We can ask others. Another possible option if we can afford it is physiotherapy. But, that's hit and miss too. And sometimes we don't need it and can get better without it. I hope you heal up quick! My tailbone feels better. Most likely I strained the ligaments. I have costochondritis (in the cartilage around my upper ribs) at the moment. That occurred spontaneously. But, it's mostly improving.

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