DVD for spine issues

gratefuldog

gratefuldog

Cathlete
I have been suffering from two significant bulged discs in my lower back, for the last year.
Does any one know of a good DVD for exercises to build towards a healthy back? I have books with exercises, but I really need the motivation of an instructor. I want good old fashioned functional fitness for core and back.
Thanks
 
Having been through 2 major back surgeries, I can't recommend a DVD, but will tell you that McKenzie exercises will help possibly transition your bulges. I still have to do them when I get a flare up (I still have several bulges discs and stenosis).

Since I started Cathe, I did the STS and the dead lifts really strengthened my lower back. I had to start really low weight. You really should check with your Dr before attempting anything. You don't want to do more damage.
 
Thanks. I have been through PT. I was cautioned not to do anything that bends the spine backwards because I also have spondylolisthesis. (A condition where one vertebrae overhangs another).
So unfortunately the McKenzie Method won't work for me. This is why I am so frustrated! I can't bend forward or backward!
I appreciate your response.
 
Last edited:
Hi! I have bulged spinal discs suffer from sciatica too. The DVD which saves me is Yogaworks' Beginner AM / PM, namely the PM part. It is only 10 minutes long but does wonders for me! It has saved me from many sleepless nights caused by lower back tightness & pain.
Btw I'm not a yoga person; I don't do the main workout and the AM part but the PM section is so worthy! The instructor is professional and her voice is soothing.
Hope this helps!
 
The DVD I mentioned above is for easing back pain through stretching.
For strengthening & stretching the back , I know Kelly Coffey Meyer has a DVD called " Your Healthy Back" . I haven't tried it yet (it's still on my wish list due to high shipping cost to Europe ).
I'm quite sure it's a good one though; Kelly knows her stuff
 
Are there a lot of positions that bend you backwards? Like the cobra? I can't do any of those unfortunately.
I will see if I can find video clips of both videos mentioned above.
Thank you both!
 
Hi ! No there are absolutely no backwards bending positions. I myself can't do these either ...
Another DVD I used to use for back pain relief is Michelle LeMay's "Core Stretch". This one has no backward bends either and is effective. No back strengthening exercises either. It's problem (for me) is Michelle's voice and the 25-minute length. The Yogaworks' PM section is only 10 minutes and equally as effective.
I began my fitness journey in March 2011 exactly because of my back pain. I started with Pilates (Pilates for Dummies ; MTV Pilates, Rael Isakowitz; Anna Caban - these both strengthen & stretch the core) .
Later I got stronger, added other training styles & instructors and now I can do even Cathe!
I hope this helps. Keep in touch :)
 
Thank you so much! It is nice to hear that there is light at the end of this VERY dark tunnel.
I am going to give yoga a try. I will keep you posted.
 
It isn't exactly old school finctional fitness, but for my own scoliosis, I found the Viniyoga dvds, Terrence Dunn's Chi King dvds & Scott Cole's back care one helpful. But, really because my issues were so very specific, I found I've had to develop my own system through reading, researching etc. Sounds like you might just have to come up with a very specific system for yourself and yeah, if you can afford a PT or some private gyrotonic sessions etc.then that would be best. What works for some, doesn't work for everyone. I went to a couple of TRX classes and ended up tearing some chest and shoulder fibers. Be careful out there! Some trainers are great at motivation etc., but seem to not really respect differences in classes. Large classes are not good for folks like us, so working at home with books and dvds or with our own therapist is optimal.
I am also in the beginning stages of learning fascial self release through the franklin method which is turning out to be very, very useful for me ..although it isn't exactly a DVD like you may like. http://www.optp.com/Eric-Franklin#.VTgjhfD4L_h
 
Thank you! I am actually on my second week of Viniyoga! Like you said, I have had to tweak it a little because of my Spondylolisthesis. I will research the others that you mentioned. I am slowly becoming a bundle of knowledge!

I am mentally in a better place now that I have taken action. I appreciate your response. I'm going to check out the link as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top