I've had low back pain and spasms off and on for 4 months, and I finally saw an orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed me with a herniated lumbar disc. He didn't suggest any treatment, as the disc isn't causing any nerve pain at the present time. He will have me go for furthur tests if the back spasms return, or if I have symptoms of an irritated nerve. In the meantime, he suggests I resume my previous level of activity. He didn't feel PT would be of much benefit because I'm already quite flexible. Of course, I don't plan on doing hi-impact, or heavy weight training in the near future, but I was wondering if anyone out there has had this problem and have been able to overcome it with a sensible exercise program. I don't want to give up on Cathe, but I don't want to do anything that will aggravate the condition! I've read Deb's posts, and received some great advice from her. Thanks Deb!
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Herniated disc and doing Cathe.
- Thread starter lesliew
- Start date
I just went through this last year. The neurosurgeon felt I didn't need surgery since I was young and he felt I would recover better in time. I had a herniated disc at L-4 and bulging discs above and below that. I have never had so much pain. It started September of 2001 and finally I was able to start back with Cathe in April 2002.
I did go to PT because the spasms were so painful. Actually the first PT I went to made the nerve pain worse. When the nerve pain subsided, my back still felt like it would give out at any moment, especially when stepping off curbs, or tripping. The Physical Therapist said I should never run again or do Step aerobics and pretty much anything high impact, or I would make my condition worse. She told me to swim, which I personally would never do for exercise.
Well, I was determined to get back to Cathe and prove her wrong. I did. I took it slow getting back into it but the most important thing was too keep up with abdominal and low back exercises. I now feel like a million bucks. I won't lie and say my back is perfect now, it isn't, but if I don't workout (like when I am sick) I can feel the weakness coming back. It is almost like my spine is just sticking out and I can feel it. It also is not as flexible as it once was, but that is slowly improving.
Now, I am back in full swing. I still am a little scared to start running again but I will one day.
So, there is hope! Just go slow and you will feel so much better once you strengthen around the injury. If you have any questions, please let me know. I researched on this topic constantly when I couldn't workout. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Sorry so long! :+
I did go to PT because the spasms were so painful. Actually the first PT I went to made the nerve pain worse. When the nerve pain subsided, my back still felt like it would give out at any moment, especially when stepping off curbs, or tripping. The Physical Therapist said I should never run again or do Step aerobics and pretty much anything high impact, or I would make my condition worse. She told me to swim, which I personally would never do for exercise.
Well, I was determined to get back to Cathe and prove her wrong. I did. I took it slow getting back into it but the most important thing was too keep up with abdominal and low back exercises. I now feel like a million bucks. I won't lie and say my back is perfect now, it isn't, but if I don't workout (like when I am sick) I can feel the weakness coming back. It is almost like my spine is just sticking out and I can feel it. It also is not as flexible as it once was, but that is slowly improving.
Now, I am back in full swing. I still am a little scared to start running again but I will one day.
So, there is hope! Just go slow and you will feel so much better once you strengthen around the injury. If you have any questions, please let me know. I researched on this topic constantly when I couldn't workout. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Sorry so long! :+
I have 2 bulging discs C5-6 and C6-7, but not herniated discs. I have severe, chornic neck pain and carpal-tunnel-like symptoms. What I have found best is to listen listen listen to any signal that I'm feeling over fatigued, headache or achy in those areas and to immediately stop. I've also found that keeping up with my exercise helps me stay healthier, stronger and have less headaches.
Not sure if this helps or not since it's a different area!!
Colleen
Not sure if this helps or not since it's a different area!!
Colleen
Hi,
I've had herniated and bulging for many years, and up to very recently I didn't really have serious pain. Suffice it to say that my doctor has suspended any type of weight training until further tests are done. My plan - is to prove all those doctors wrong. The weight training that I've been doing with Cathe for the past 8 months is the best! It has changed my body and my life. I've been searching the internet for Spine information - you would all be surprised to know that they mention pilates and abdominal workouts as excersise for a healthy back, among others. Anyone interested in reading more about this can find this website useful - www.spine-health.com - they even have a message board, newsletters, etc. Hope this information helps!
Take care,
Iris
:+
I've had herniated and bulging for many years, and up to very recently I didn't really have serious pain. Suffice it to say that my doctor has suspended any type of weight training until further tests are done. My plan - is to prove all those doctors wrong. The weight training that I've been doing with Cathe for the past 8 months is the best! It has changed my body and my life. I've been searching the internet for Spine information - you would all be surprised to know that they mention pilates and abdominal workouts as excersise for a healthy back, among others. Anyone interested in reading more about this can find this website useful - www.spine-health.com - they even have a message board, newsletters, etc. Hope this information helps!
Take care,
Iris
:+