We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Back Pain and exercise/weight loss

ShrinkingLauren88
ShrinkingLauren88 Posts: 197 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
long story short, i have a herniated/degenerating disc. and now i'm at the point where i love going to the gym, but sometimes i just can't because my back just wont hold up. elliptical is good for me but sometimes after 10min i start to get sore.

anyone else had weight loss success while having a bad back? tips/tricks?

Replies

  • brutalrage
    brutalrage Posts: 34 Member
    I have back problem myself, at my heaviest I just couldn't walk long time or stand up for long. I would suggest doing cardio on the Recline Bike to do cadio and for weight you can use the machine since most of them you can sit at. When I started to loose the weight I know that helped me.
  • Shirley61
    Shirley61 Posts: 7,758 Member
    I have an SI joint problem in my lower back and have to watch my exercise.
    I also have two bulging discs.
    I started doing Pilates, one on one with an instructor and it really worked.
    You have to work on your core strength, that in turn will help your back.

    I also do a lot of walking and back exercises to keep limber.
    I stagger my exercises and try to do different things too.
    I hope this helps.
  • AZackery
    AZackery Posts: 2,035 Member
    Pilates and core workouts using a stability ball.
  • ShrinkingLauren88
    ShrinkingLauren88 Posts: 197 Member
    thanks :) I'm in physical therapy on and off so i do a lot of core/leg strengthening. I know that the more i lose/tone, the better my back will feel. Guess I just have to keep at it. I usually do great with the circuit training/free weights, etc. But when it comes to cardio, it's difficult when i'm having a flair up.
  • ShrinkingLauren88
    ShrinkingLauren88 Posts: 197 Member
    shirly- if i walk for more than a few minutes i tend to get sore. you don't have that problem? i can do light walking on a treadmill for about 5 minutes and then i start to hurt :(
  • AZackery
    AZackery Posts: 2,035 Member
    I know about flair ups. Strengthening the core will help with the back pain.
  • Eleanorjanethinner
    Eleanorjanethinner Posts: 563 Member
    What about swimming/ water walking/ aquaerobics? The water helps support you and cuts pressure on your joints etc. Don't know if you've got a public pool/ gym pool anywhere near you...
  • ShrinkingLauren88
    ShrinkingLauren88 Posts: 197 Member
    i also do PT in the pool once a week. i like it but it's not like hard-core weight loss cardio. lol
  • scgbball
    scgbball Posts: 17 Member
    My gym actually has classes that take place in the pool - aqua kickboxing and aqua zumba- you should check out your gym and see if they have anything like that. Also, if you talk to any of the trainers at the gym they might have a few suggestions for you based on sound science. (instead of our opinions lol) Good luck!
  • MrsFolk
    MrsFolk Posts: 205
    I have Fibromyalgia and RA so pain is a constant for me. I push through it and keep going. When my workout is over, I feel 100% better. Exercise really is a great tool for pain management. Just be sure that you're not doing anything so intense that it could worsen your condition.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories