Back pain limits and weight loss

WandaJean1564
WandaJean1564 Posts: 93 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have been walking an average of 60 mins since May 18th and today I went for my walk and my lower back was killing me, I wanted to do a straight 60 mins...but it turned in to 35 mins...I usually do 2 sets of 30 mins each day.
is there anything I can do so my back is not so sore when I go for my walks.? Should I just do 30 min walks a day ?
I actually became nauseated because of the pain...but I don't want this to stop me...I have a goal to reach!!
Thanks.
Wanda

Replies

  • brsnyder117
    brsnyder117 Posts: 11
    Well, is the back pain a new thing? Or recurrence of an old problem? How's your posture? Are you wearing good, non-worn-out shoes? Are you relaxed while you walk? Pain is a warning sign - sometimes you can push through and feel great and other times you can push through and do real damage. More info might help us provide more insight and advice.

    -- Barbara, who knows from back pain more than I would like
  • WandaJean1564
    WandaJean1564 Posts: 93 Member
    back problems are old ...I have osteoporosis/osteoarthritis/ degenerative disc disease and two mild bulging disc...
    I wear sketchers lite running shoes..brand new. I try my best to walk tall but my posture does need some improving.
  • SweetBasil35
    SweetBasil35 Posts: 126 Member
    Well honey, just my two cents - but I think you should be really careful. It would really kill your exercise routine if you ruptured one of your bulging discs. I had back surgery two years ago on my L4 and L5 ruptured/bulging discs... I was out of commission for weeks, not to mention the three months it took me to fully recover.

    I have another bulging disc now that rears its ugly head every now and then; I'm trying to delay a spinal fusion, so I pay damn close attention when my lower back starts hurting. I think it's awesome that you're so committed to your routine, but I think your back might be telling you to slow it down a bit.

    If I were you, I would try and go for shorter walks maybe three or four times a day if you can... maybe you can only do two 15 minute walks for a few days. Either way honey, I really recommend that you back off of anything that's hurting your lower back.

    Good luck to you!
  • top10deb
    top10deb Posts: 5 Member
    I just read Chi Running by Danny Dreyer. He has a Chi Walking book. It taught me correct running form to eliminate injuries & pain. I no longer have shin splints or foot pain. Good shoes are important too. A store focused on running could analyse your stride and see if you need a walking shoe to help correct your form.
  • WandaJean1564
    WandaJean1564 Posts: 93 Member
    Thank you for the responses, perhaps I will just be smart and listen to my body...when I start to ache...it's time to stop.
    I want the weight off though and I push myself...but i suppose I could be doing more harm.
    I will take it easy.
  • shaldra
    shaldra Posts: 8
    Having essentially destroyed my spine from T10 on down thru entire lumber spine and then discovering I had a host of other medical problems that have to be addressed before any surgery, I went swimming, water aerobics and water walking route - I am up to 5 - 90 min sessions a week, lost over 70 lbs and when in the water pain free. Rule 1 is if it (exercise or # reps or time) HURTS - STOP and back up. Rule 2 is be careful when starting - go slow. Rule 3 be careful as exiting pool - take time to adjust to gravity again. Pn dry land i can walk slowly ffor up to 10 minutes and stand for maybe 2 - 3 minutes before pain forces me to sit or better to lie down.:smile:
  • jessgrey2
    jessgrey2 Posts: 88 Member
    I'm a nurse and have had a few lower back injuries from work...and one thing that has helped me so much is pilates. It strengthens your core abdominal and back muscles so that less pressure is placed on your ligaments and joints. It has completely eliminated back pain for me, and changed my posture a great deal.

    However, I would absolutely check with your doctor/ or orthopedic surgeon to be sure they approve of it for your situation.

    It's very important to go to a class for some time to learn proper form, and then later if you want you can do it it home. At home I do mat pilates (I do not have the machine), and I love the instructor Ana Caban. She has several DVD's that she produced with Gaiam (http://anacaban.com/products/dvds/)

    Something to consider! Hope you are feeling better soon.

    xo
  • Vailara
    Vailara Posts: 2,466 Member
    I have problems with back and hip pain and I find that walking is one of the things that makes it worse. Other activities such as dancing seem much less painful. I did get some physiotherapy and was told that it was important to keep the supporting muscles strong, so I try to do some activity for strength as well. It sounds like you would need specialised advice on which exercises are safe to do.
  • WandaJean1564
    WandaJean1564 Posts: 93 Member
    my back gets sore walking...30 mins is my limit...then I have to rest...so I usually do 2 sets of 30 mins...one in the morning and one usually in the late afternoon or early evening.
    I have walked for 40 mins but ended up having pain in my lower back and butt that was killer.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    back problems are old ...I have osteoporosis/osteoarthritis/ degenerative disc disease and two mild bulging disc...
    I wear sketchers lite running shoes..brand new. I try my best to walk tall but my posture does need some improving.

    Well then.. you shouldnt be pushing anything until you consult with your PCP, an Osteo or even a Spinal Specialist. Anything bone-related like the issues you have mentioned in this post require a consult to make sure you are ok to be pushing yourself.

    MFP is not a medical website - please consult with the medical professionals who are overseeing your medical care
  • WandaJean1564
    WandaJean1564 Posts: 93 Member
    my doctor was the one that recommended walking to me after I was I talked to him about my gaining so much weight.
    I do have to ask how many minutes i should be walking....right now I am just listening to my body and I stop when it tells me to.
  • potluck965
    potluck965 Posts: 529 Member
    Any chance you could walk on soft surfaces instead of pavement? I try to do almost all my walking in the woods or in fields. I think it really helps.

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