Frustrated but in complete agreement

E

eaglobo

Cathlete
I put 100% of my trust in my family doctor...she's a big reason why I am where I am today. With that in mind, it was tough missing a week of exercise recently, even tougher to find that she thinks my decision to begin step aerobics is a big reason why.

I've had back issues since the early 90's, and had to trade in my landscape gloves for a desk job because of it. The funniest part is, I've done kickboxing for going on 10 years with no discomfort at all, yet the pain I felt in my lower back after just 10 minutes of Basic Step was horrible.

So, I posted a question for Cathe, and please feel free to add your opinions..will doing Cathe's step workouts, minus the step, still give me an effective workout??

It just surprises me that I was able to do KPC, jump kicks and all today, with zero discomfort. To quote my doctor, even the experts don't know what the deal is with the lower back.

At least I can use the step for tricep work and concentration curls, that sort of thing.

Jerry
 
I'm so sorry that you're going through this!!

I'm no expert, but I think that it would be effective doing Cath's step workouts without the step. If you don't have problems with kickboxing, you could add some higher jumps to the step workouts for some extra umph!

I was having knee problems a while ago, so I do most of her step workouts with no risers,now, and I feel like I'm definitely benefiting from it.

Good luck. I hope it works out for you!:)
 
Jerry, I'm sure you have a great doctor but they may not always be the best for treating musculoskeletel issues. A few years ago, a study came out that compared MS knowledge of family docs, physical therapists, and orthopedic surgeons (strangely they also compared psychiatrists). Here's a peer reviewed article from 2005 that explains this. I believe that most family docs failed the test they were given (average score of 61% - even PT students scored higher than family docs). If you haven't been to therapy or an orthopedic doc, I would highly recommend one. They may be able to really help you.

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/6/32

Carolyn

ETA: There are LOTS of treatments for low back pain including lumbar stabilization classes, manipulation, exercises, etc.
 
Sorry you're having problems ... back pain can be a real PIA. A little book that friends/clients have found helpful is "Mind Over Back Pain" by John Sarno, MD. Can't hurt, might help! Deb
 
Oh, Deb, I love that book. I've had back pain for decades, and spent a fortune on chiropracters. I've been to all kinds of doctors, and each one has a different explanation! Then I read that book and I realized that my back hurt mostly when I was experiencing emotional stress. I really learned a lot from that book. Of course, if your back pain was caused by an accident or injury, it's different.

As for you, Jerry, I can't imagine why step aerobics would hurt your back. Maybe if you just eliminate the high impact aspects of the workout you'll be okay?

I highly recommend the Sarno book.
 
This may sound totally weird, but do you think your hip flexor muscles got too tight doing the step workout and that's what triggered your back pain? I've read that hip flexor tightness can pull the pelvis out of alignment creating back problems. (My DH has lower back pain so I tend to read a lot about potential causes/cures!)
I realize that you use your hip flexor muscles during kickboxing too, but you don't have the added "stress" of pulling up your body weight like when you step on a step (okay, that was repetitive...)
Just a thought. Hope you're able to find some way to enjoy the step workouts. They are really fun!

Jonahnah
Chocolate IS the answer, regardless of the question.
 
I'll piggy-back on Carolyn's recommendation of an orthopedic doc or PT. I sought a chiropractor for my low back pain who required me to also work with an occupational therapist who works in his practice. She pinpointed several weaknesses I had in my core, as well as areas where I had muscle tightness that contributed to the pain as well.

She assigned me lots of exercises and stretches, and also did some myofacial(sp) release that has helped tremendously.
 
Jonahnah - Not weird at all! This is exactly one of the problems I had. I pay a lot more attention to stretching my hip flexors now than I used to.
 
Hi Gayle
I think I'm hijacking this thread, (Sorry Jerry!) but would you mind if I PM you to ask about the exercises and stretches that you found particularly helpful for your back? TIA!

Jonahnah
Chocolate IS the answer, regardless of the question.
 
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