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2003/04/28, 02:35 AM
What I wanted to ask ravenwolf and rsquade, as they both mentioned problems with disks as well in a previous posting -- not sure whether they will read this- so it goes out to anyone else, too please:
HOW are you dealing with the pain or rather the limitations when trying to do strength exercise (weights) or any other way of cardio exercises apart from using an elliptical trainer?? -- (note: used the elliptical trainer now and did get knee pains the next day) I am severely limited in the exercises I can do because of my back problem (have an enlarged disk in my lower back and often have sciatica pains in legs etc.), hence find it difficult to get to a stage where my muscles are stronger to support my back and any disk problems in it,without any pain.....
Just the other day I took my weight training a step further doing some upper body work - more than usually-, as I thought that would be ok, and it left me rather immobilized for the next 2 days, still suffering now actually, but it's getting better.
Also, find it extremely difficult when getting back into a fitness routine to either have to 'not train' due to a rest day or due to back pain because of it or in general.
Any advise on these two queries??
Thanks for your thoughts.
S
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2003/04/28, 09:15 AM
Swimming - #1 - I got professional help from a chiropractor and physical therapist - with a brief consultation with a spinal surgeon who agreed that the first two were doing the best possible things for me.
After being hurt in a fall in September, I backed off (ahem) all my workouts for 4 weeks and just did the physical therapy which focused on improving my flexibility and strength in lower back and abs. I slowly returned to a more active workout - never neglecting to stretch and warm up until January when I got back into lifting (the 8-week mass program). I am very conscious of form, particularly on shoulder presses, deadlifts, etc that really depend on lower back stability.
I guess I'm very lucky, pain levels very quickly reduced and I don't have any pain at this time. The sciatica pain - yes I could hardly walk for 6 weeks - has eased and I have been hiking on significant mountains on recent weeks. I have a lingering issue with my one foot, which I can't raise from the ankle 100%.
I'm 46, so its not my youth that has made the difference. I was in pretty good shape before the fall that started all this and its been 6 months of recovery, but I think caution and focus on the basic core strength has made the most difference.
I sure hope you find a way to get past it. I remember all to well the incredible pain - I have a long commute through New York City - and spent more than one day in tears as I sat on the train. I now have lumbar support where ever I sit, too - attention to posture 24 hours a day.
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2003/04/28, 09:16 AM
By the way, have you tried "swimming". I don't have an opportunity often, but is was one of the first things I could do after getting hurt.
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2003/04/28, 11:17 AM
rsquade#,
Thanks for your posting and info.
You seemed to have found your way to deal with it, way to go! Congratulations.
But exactly, the pain is enourmous! Just this morning after walking my dog was in tears when I tried to clean her, and she isn't a small dog but still.
I have been through all the 'usual channels' of MD and physiotherapist, chiropracticor, spinal scan etc.
Diagnosis: nothing really can be done. I am not for surgery at all, but even the doctor was very much inclined to advise me to go for it, nor did he want to do it; as the disk concerned is too close to the spinal cord and there would be too much of a danger of permanent 'other' damage (wheelchair).
Used to swim on a daily basis, but in those days (about 10 years ago) my back wasn't playing up anyway.
Now swimming isn't the practical option due to time and actually when I tried it, being in quite a bit of pain while in the water, too. I swam for a team before so am able to swim the different strokes, but still, knowing that back stroke is the best. Usually front crawl being my option the most, which used to be fine.
Also just a slight 'downer' on the swimming option, as I am trying to loose weight don't feel comfortable to go swimming right now.
Anybody else any tips, as I am almost ready to give up trying to get into better shape now. Am trying an elliptical trainer right now, but even with that seem to end up with too much back pain and knee pain on the following day - strangely NOT when on the machine.
S
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2003/04/28, 11:51 AM
Your comments brought to mind that when I was at the most critical phase of pain, I was only comfortable when on the eliptical trainer or climbing stairs.
You know taking no action won't make it better. I know I'm lucky to be on the far side of this, but you need to set up a care plan of some sort. The sciatica will one day ease up, as long as the underlying problem of pressure on the sciatic nerve has been corrected. Nerves take along time to heal. I really believe fitness - the right body weight and composition, the habit of exercise, the expectation of feeling well - is the key to regaining health. I hope very much you can find a plan that moves you toward that.
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2003/04/29, 04:40 AM
Hi rsquade & ravenwolf, ta for your postings.
Strangely enough using the elliptical trainer, which I have now done for a few days 'seems' fine on the machine, but afterwards actually caused more knee pain than back pain. Though since I started with that machine, lifting my legs ,even to put on trousers, seems a struggle.
I have done the physiothery - so that's not an option any longer..
Guess have to get through this somehow by following my own routine and soon starting to swim as well again.
It's just rather annoying being limited in certain (lots of )movements...
S
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2003/04/29, 03:04 PM
Wow, knee pain with the elliptical. I find that machine to be best on joint pain. I love to use that when I go to the gym for my cardio.
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Lisa
Just laugh about it....
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