Injuries that Stall Weight loss... Thoughts?

gdb86 · January 2012

Hi all!

For the past 10 years or so, I have had lower back issues. Usually it will be extremely acute, my back will "go out" and I have to take weeks to recoup and then I slowly, but surely get back to a normal state and then a year or two go by and BOOM back to square one!

After multiple opinions/tests it's been concluded that I have a herniated bulging disc and early signs of arthritis in the joints of my lower back (I know, sounds awesome right?!) I have actively been pursuing a healthy lifestyle not only to better my life mentally and physically, but also to strengthen my core and try to stall any future attacks (like the one I had yesterday... eek!)

So, since I am currently in the "recouping" stage sitting in my bed w/ a nice large ice pack and my back brace, I figured I could semi venting/look for advice from anyone who has had similar injuries/physical aliments that put a large halt on working out and getting in shape! I will keep up w/ my diet, but I just love the endorphin rush from a nice jog. In general, I have just really been right on track with almost no issues and I just want to continue to keep my head in the game without getting discouraged on this month long recoup that's coming up!

I completely understand that I need to rest and time in order to get back to where I was, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating! As always, thank you MFP community for listening to my rant! Happy losing!

heybales · January 2012

For the past 10 years or so, I have had lower back issues. Usually it will be extremely acute, my back will "go out" and I have to take weeks to recoup and then I slowly, but surely get back to a normal state and then a year or two go by and BOOM back to square one!

After multiple opinions/tests it's been concluded that I have a herniated bulging disc and early signs of arthritis in the joints of my lower back (I know, sounds awesome right?!) I have actively been pursuing a healthy lifestyle not only to better my life mentally and physically, but also to strengthen my core and try to stall any future attacks (like the one I had yesterday... eek!)

So, since I am currently in the "recouping" stage sitting in my bed w/ a nice large ice pack and my back brace, I figured I could semi venting/look for advice from anyone who has had similar injuries/physical aliments that put a large halt on working out and getting in shape! I will keep up w/ my diet, but I just love the endorphin rush from a nice jog. In general, I have just really been right on track with almost no issues and I just want to continue to keep my head in the game without getting discouraged on this month long recoup that's coming up!

I completely understand that I need to rest and time in order to get back to where I was, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating! As always, thank you MFP community for listening to my rant! Happy losing!

With little or no exercise as a continuing option, just suggest you do the diet part very carefully.

Don't pick a goal that causes your suggested goal calories to be less than your BMR.
Because being bed ridden or inactive, you're body will be very prone and willing to lower metabolism to meet the energy needs you are giving it.

Once you can get back to walking and stairs, just do things that increases your daily activity.

While I didn't end up with herniated disc (if I'd kept going perhaps), I had enough pain that I was searching out many options.
Only one I didn't do was acupuncture, for at least relieving tense muscle, but I still need to.

I thought about the chiro's theory, if everything was in place, we'd all be perfect and pain free and ....
And while I do go, and do see some benefit, the common problem was immediately getting up, or getting in car, or very shortly later, hearing things go pop back. Their answer was more visits, I figured how do you stop the muscle from pulling it back out?

That led me to a back program that dealt with imbalances in muscles, and the resulting torquing, twisting, tilting, ect that will occur.

The programs self analysis nailed my issues, the specific stretches and muscle work were right on, and even now, if I feel it coming back, 2 specific stretches will stop the pain, and the fuller series needs to be done for a day.

One thing they left out a therapist did find. Unequal leg length, which led to one of the imbalances. Once that was corrected, great recovery since. Still a very specific tight muscle I'd like some acupuncture on, that flairs up, because of 40 yrs of unequal leg.

I mention all this, because one of the imbalances can cause just slightly too much tilt to pelvis, curving of lower back, and pinched discs that if left to suffer can get herniated.

I've only told about 4 friends about this, and never in public forums because you never know how excepted, and it's been 4 or 5 yrs back, so I really don't always remember, but your description made me.
www.losethebackpain.com

ginnylee74 · January 2012

Hi all!

For the past 10 years or so, I have had lower back issues. Usually it will be extremely acute, my back will "go out" and I have to take weeks to recoup and then I slowly, but surely get back to a normal state and then a year or two go by and BOOM back to square one!

After multiple opinions/tests it's been concluded that I have a herniated bulging disc and early signs of arthritis in the joints of my lower back (I know, sounds awesome right?!) I have actively been pursuing a healthy lifestyle not only to better my life mentally and physically, but also to strengthen my core and try to stall any future attacks (like the one I had yesterday... eek!)

So, since I am currently in the "recouping" stage sitting in my bed w/ a nice large ice pack and my back brace, I figured I could semi venting/look for advice from anyone who has had similar injuries/physical aliments that put a large halt on working out and getting in shape! I will keep up w/ my diet, but I just love the endorphin rush from a nice jog. In general, I have just really been right on track with almost no issues and I just want to continue to keep my head in the game without getting discouraged on this month long recoup that's coming up!

I completely understand that I need to rest and time in order to get back to where I was, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating! As always, thank you MFP community for listening to my rant! Happy losing!

I presume that your information is coming from your Neurologist. I'm surprised that you are in bed for weeks. I have siatica (sp) and arthritis in my back. Once in a while I do have to lay down but for the most part I have been told to keep moving. I have been in physical therapy for my lower back pain and it always feels better after. My Arthritis specialist tells me to keep moving. I love to run and love sports of all kinds. Due to that fact I finally blew out both of my knees and had them both replaced. My back is not doing well and I am unable to walk great distances however I can ride a stationary bike. Recommended by my Therapist. If, no, WHEN I lose weight and strengthen my core I am hoping to be able to hike again. My husband and I like to hike the Sierra's. I'm sorry you have to spend so much time down. But hang in there and if you can; with your Doctors Permission, seek out a good physical therapist. They sure can help get you back on your feet quickly. :flowerforyou:

Fishing4Stars · January 2012

Hi all!

For the past 10 years or so, I have had lower back issues. Usually it will be extremely acute, my back will "go out" and I have to take weeks to recoup and then I slowly, but surely get back to a normal state and then a year or two go by and BOOM back to square one!

After multiple opinions/tests it's been concluded that I have a herniated bulging disc and early signs of arthritis in the joints of my lower back (I know, sounds awesome right?!) I have actively been pursuing a healthy lifestyle not only to better my life mentally and physically, but also to strengthen my core and try to stall any future attacks (like the one I had yesterday... eek!)

So, since I am currently in the "recouping" stage sitting in my bed w/ a nice large ice pack and my back brace, I figured I could semi venting/look for advice from anyone who has had similar injuries/physical aliments that put a large halt on working out and getting in shape! I will keep up w/ my diet, but I just love the endorphin rush from a nice jog. In general, I have just really been right on track with almost no issues and I just want to continue to keep my head in the game without getting discouraged on this month long recoup that's coming up!

I completely understand that I need to rest and time in order to get back to where I was, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating! As always, thank you MFP community for listening to my rant! Happy losing!

Hey - I totally understand! I have Joint Hypermobility Syndrome/EDSIII and I get injured *constantly* from normal activities. I am usually in physical therapy at least three times a year for 6 weeks.

Here's some advice I received about keeping the diet during recovery: make sure you are eating enough to help your body heal. My dietitian suggested I up my calories to 1,500 of nutrient-rich foods a day during recovery period when I'm mostly stationary. Your calorie needs may be different but the point is, if you're not eating enough it will just stress your body out more and slow down your turnaround time.

Also, in my experience it helps in the long run to find a kind of exercise that will help you, not hurt you. For me that meant giving up running completely. Instead, I do weight lifting exercises that use large muscle groups and I do mostly low-impact cardio exercises like biking and swimming. You need to have some impact, because it affects your bone mass, so my choice of impact exercises are walking and hiking because they are more controlled movements than running.

As you start moving again *listen to your body*. Don't 'push through' the pain too much. Pain is your body telling you something is wrong, so listen! It's frustrating to start slowly, but it prevents immediate re-injury and helps you heal. Good luck & feel free to message me if you want support on this: I get it!

meg7399 · January 2012

I slightly understand your pain...I am currently in a walking cast from a running injury. I was able to keep up with some cardio (punching routines) and ab work. BUT then my uneven walk due to the cast started causing my lower back to hurt and I threw my back out last weekend! It seriously was a week of laying down with heat and ice and not being able to do anything and it has been driving me crazy!!! I also notice when I lay around I get bored and eat more!! Good luck and take care of yourself!

LorinaLynn · January 2012

I'm currently on the sideline with a stress fracture, and understand the frustration. I've already reached my goal weight, but even if I hadn't, my goal would still just be "try to maintain" during an injury.

I wouldn't recommend what I'm doing now for everyone, but quite frankly, I'm miserable as cat piss not being able to run, and if I also was limiting my food right now, I'd end up in a bell tower with a high powered assault rifle! So I've been using this time to take a complete break from logging. If I gain a few pounds in these few weeks, that's better than being extra miserable for those few weeks. I've already proven to myself that I know how to take weight off, so if I have to cut calories once I can be my normal active self again, I will.

But to be honest, it's been four weeks since I've been able to run (I can bike and do seated weights, but I haven't been very consistent), and the scale is right about the same as it was before. Maybe up two pounds, but I broke my digital scale and went back to my old analog scale, so I can't even bs sure.. All my clothes still fit the same, so I'm not going to sweat it.

Roni_M · January 2012

I think this one of those things that are based on the exact issue you are having. I have psoriatic arthritis in my back and sacroilliac joints. I was told I wasn't even allowed to walk for exercise....swimming was the only exercise the specialist would approve until the inflammation went down. No more then 30 minutes followed by 10 mins in the hot tub. Once the inflammation was under control (about 3 months later) then I was encouraged to go back to walking and told absolutely no high impact exercise.

During this time I was sent to physio therapy for ultra sound treatments and told by the doctor that if they tried to get me to exercise I was to refuse. Now at that particular point in time I couldn't really stand upright and was in a good deal of pain. I don't think I could have walked a block if I had of wanted too. The pool worked well for me but all I could really manage was treading water. I wondered if a chiropractor would be helpful since I have friends who swear by them.... but when I asked the specialist he recommended I avoid them (due to the inflammation in the joints he said manipulations may cause more problems).

I still have inflammation in my back (actually has spread into my ribcage and breastbone) but I'm encouraged to exercise. Of course I'm on arthritis medication which helps keep it under control. I think it's all based on the degree of the issue. Follow your doctors advice and get yourself healed up! Hope your recovery is quick!!

gdb86 · January 2012

Thank you everyone! I will definitely take a lot of what you said in consideration. I just think it's so frustrating to have this probably consistently every few years and the feeling like I don't have very much control over it. Support is awesome though regardless of how long I may be in pain or having down time - so thank you!

Bexx435 · January 2012

Hi all!

For the past 10 years or so, I have had lower back issues. Usually it will be extremely acute, my back will "go out" and I have to take weeks to recoup and then I slowly, but surely get back to a normal state and then a year or two go by and BOOM back to square one!

After multiple opinions/tests it's been concluded that I have a herniated bulging disc and early signs of arthritis in the joints of my lower back (I know, sounds awesome right?!) I have actively been pursuing a healthy lifestyle not only to better my life mentally and physically, but also to strengthen my core and try to stall any future attacks (like the one I had yesterday... eek!)

So, since I am currently in the "recouping" stage sitting in my bed w/ a nice large ice pack and my back brace, I figured I could semi venting/look for advice from anyone who has had similar injuries/physical aliments that put a large halt on working out and getting in shape! I will keep up w/ my diet, but I just love the endorphin rush from a nice jog. In general, I have just really been right on track with almost no issues and I just want to continue to keep my head in the game without getting discouraged on this month long recoup that's coming up!

I completely understand that I need to rest and time in order to get back to where I was, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating! As always, thank you MFP community for listening to my rant! Happy losing!

I totally feel your pain! Several years ago I injured my L4/L5 discs in my lower back, and ever since the littlest thing will cause me to throw my back out (shaving my legs was the most embarassing by far). I threw my back out after christmas and have just recently finished a series of spinal traction PT appointments that greatly helped with the pain. But until you are post-injury stable (meaning mostly back to normal) your best bet is just to watch your diet. Once you are able to start exercising again start with activities that don't involve stressing your back - you don't want to end up back where you are now. Walking is the best start to a healthly recovery. Also you should try out yoga. 75% of the moves I've learned in my Kundalini classes mirror the strenghtening excercises my doctor recommended. And like others have said, listen to your body. When it involves your back, the saying "no pain, no gain" does not apply. If something hurts or doesn't feel good, don't do it. Good luck!

Injuries that Stall Weight loss... Thoughts?

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