My revelation

nancy324

nancy324

Cathlete
I just realized something I probably should have realized before, but it didn't hit me until today.

I started doing weight work in about 1988 or so with Volume I of the Firm. I loved it and have been doing some kind of weight work pretty much ever since. I've been doing Cathe's strength training now for several years. This year, however, I have been so distracted with career stuff, that I've done very little strength training or working out of any kind.

I have had chronic lower back pain for decades, which sometimes turns acute, and I have even wound up in the hospital a few times. The lower back pain is usually MUCH worse during PMS. It just dawned on me today that I have had almost no lower back pain in 2006, not even during PMS!!! Something in my distracted brain finally clicked, and today I realized that there is probably a correlation between my not doing any strength training and not having any back pain. Duh.

I realize now that it doesn't take much for my back to hurt. I had suspected the connection before and had given up deadlifts, but found that even simple bicep curls caused lower back pain the next day. :eek:

So, what now? I love weight training and I love being toned. Maybe the machines at the gym would be better? Most of them work your muscles while you're sitting, and they don't involve lifting dumbbells or a barbell. Just a thought. I don't know. Any thoughts out there from the educated crowd?

Thanks guys!

-Nancy
 
Hi Nancy,

I too used to have lower back pain, cause by a silly injury a few years back.
I started pilates about 3 years ago - and I cannot tell you what a difference it has made in my life. I am knocking wood real hard, but I haven't had a sore back in over a year and a half, and just love the effects it has on my psyche also. Just recently - maybe 4 months ago, I have added vinyasa yoga, and this seems to compliment the pilates.

I should also note - that my pilates instructor has been studying pilates and body work for over 20 years- and blends his practice with other methods such as feltancrais (sp?) -

As well - I once met a woman who had been diagnosed with MS over 16 years ago - she began pilates shortly thereafter - and says that it has saved her life. She is well into her 50's - with minimal issues from the MS - and a body like a ballerina.

So - I wholeheartedly believe that pilates is excellent not only for conditioning - but for rehabilitative purposes also.

Yve.
 
Oh, thanks Yve! I have been considering joining a reformer pilates class that one of the members here recommended. Do you think that reformer pilates can substitute for other strength training?

-Nancy
 
Nancy, I've done pilates on the reformer and it's great. I loved it! I've thought about signing up for a class but they're hard to get into around here because they're packed.

I know of people who do pilates in lieu of traditional weight training, but I personally would use it as an adjunct.

Michele
 
Nancy-

It could simply be because of the inconsistent workouts and that your core strength and stabilizing muscles have weakened. You probably need to work really hard at consistency with workouts and start back with much lighter weights.

That said, I am no doctor and if problems persist through consistent, lighter w/o with good form, see a doctor.

Also, years ago I had a lower back injury from a fall and that's when I saw a chiropractor. I have remained under the watch and care of a competent chirporactor ever since. With that and consistent w/o - no lower back problems. The degenerative cervical disc is another story.:p

EDIT: I recently started pilates mat work and yoga and LOVE them. I believe they are extremely beneficial for core strength and those deep stabilizing muscles.
 
I think Melody is right on the money about consistency and working on the core stabilizers. Have you ever thought of trying out the new TLT DVD's? I think those work outs might be really beneficial for you, too.

Michele
 
Nancy, can you work with a physical therapist to design a program? That might be the smartest option rather than a hit-or-miss approach which risks aggravating the problem. My SO also has a bad back and he said that his is the worst when he has a little weight on and isn't working his abs regularly. He also avoids any cardio that has impact, so those might also be factors for you.

Good luck!
Marie
 
I agree with Marie--my first reaction to your post was that you should find a good physical therapist, maybe at a place that is known for working with athletes. That way, maybe you can learn what it is about your body that causes the problem, what exercises to avoid, how and what you need to modify or work on. Definitely better than hit and miss and risking more injury.
 
Thanks for all of the advice. Now that I've realized that I'm pain-free for the first time in 18 years, I don't think I'm willing to go back to being in pain again. I had accepted that pain was a part of life, and now I'M FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I'm going to leave my usual strength-training workouts alone and try something completely different like the pilates classes, or yoga as Melody suggested, or find a physical therapist, or something. I haven't decided quite what to do yet, but now that I know it's possible to be out of pain, I'm in no rush to go back there again.

Did I mention that it's so amazing not to be in pain anymore??? :+
-Nancy

ETA: Nope, Marie, cardio doesn't cause me any problems at all. I never do high-impact anything. :)
 
Interesting because I have a permanent back injury that gets worse when I don't do regular strength training. As long as I stay on track with my workouts...I don't have pain...unless I do something funky like twisting too quickly chasing after a child or something like that that you do without thinking. I still do gymnastics and all the pounding to my spine during handsprings and flips doesn't bother me...unless I neglect strength training

Back pain is no fun. ANY pain is no fun when it's cronic.
 
Boy 40something, I know just what you're talking about. After I herniated a disc in my neck (a severe herniation resulting in a full spinal cord compression that required surgery) it was strongly recommended that I strength train regularly and work on core stabilization. I've been really faithful about it until the past year when I fell off the w/o bandwagon and into some horrible abyss. I felt the best when I was strength training with fairly heavy weights.

Nance, I strongly recommend the PT route. While I agree that you should not do anything that produces frank pain, I think there must be some reason for why you would have so much persistent back pain when you lift. I'm wondering about your core strength and I truly feel it would be a mistake to completely write off strength training.

Michele
 
Hi Nancy,

I don't know if this will help, but here goes...

I have had chronic lower back pain to some degree since my late teens. About 2-3 years ago, I also started feeling like I was walking funny.

Around Christmas time, I decided to try seeing a new chiropractor, one who took a holistic approach to chiropractic and wellness, etc. Anyway, I was flabbergasted when I saw my X-Rays, I couldn't believe how out of whack both my back and hips were were...not to mention my neck (I think every skiing crash I ever had showed up there). It answered a lot of questions as to why things didn't feel right. My chiro recommeneded a schedule of adjustments with him and sessions with the staff occupational therapist that lasted about 6-8 weeks (I'm currently on a monthly Maintenance). I also opted to get a pair of orthotics for my workout/hiking shoes.

What difference this has made for me...not just the adjustments, but the OT work I did as well - lots of pilates style ab work (no crunches), bridge work, planks and ball work. I really didn't realize the weakness in my core and lower back that I had. I used to have a problem with kickboxing where I'd get back pain whenever I did side kicks, now the pain's gone and I finally feel those suckers in my core.

Anyhoo...I don't know if this is helpful in what you're dealing with, but I thought I'd mention it. Strength training is so beneficial, I'd hate to hear that your giving it up when the root problem might have a different solution.

HTH :)
 
>>Nance, I strongly recommend the PT route. While I agree that you >>should not do anything that produces frank pain, I think there >>must be some reason for why you would have so much persistent back >>pain when you lift. I'm wondering about your core strength and I >>truly feel it would be a mistake to completely write off strength >>training.

>>Michele


Agreed, don't write off the strenghth training, just do it under proper advice and supervision, i.e. PT or doctor. You really don't won't to lose the benefits weights offer if at all possible. And really, many people laugh off chiropractic care, but when vertebrae are misaligned and pinching nerves, all sorts of havoc can be created throughout your body. I see one who uses the activator method, not the manual twist, crunch and pop the heck out of your spinal column.:)
 
Regarding chiropracters: I've tried many different chiropracters in my time and I wound up paying them for years with no improvement, so I'm done with chiropracters. I'm glad that some of you had good experiences, but I have negative memories of my experiences.

Regarding giving up strength training: I'm just going to try pilates reformer classes as a substitute and see what happens. There is a free introductory class next week. If my core is the problem, the pilates should make a big difference. I appreciate the input on this, and think that those of you who mentioned it may be right on the money.

Thanks!

-Nancy
 
Good Nancy. I think the pilates will be extremely beneficial with core and stabilizer muscles. However, if you also have pain with the pilates - SEE A DOCTOR!
 
Nancy,
I am going through a similar issue only flipped a little. I have been dealing with an overuse injury in my feet for almost two years. I have Plantar Fasciatis. I have been stopping my running and aerobics just long enough until it feels okay to do some aerobics a little jogging etc. So, I have basicly been reinjuring myself over and over again for almost two years. So, now I am facing the reality. I have to allow myself to heal completely. I will probably never be able to run again. And, I have to rethink a new approach to my workouts. It's really hard, and although I can't give you any advice on your situation. I can sympathize.
Heather
 
Oh, I would marry my chiropractor if it was an option...heck he can even bring his wife and kids to live at my house, I wouldn't care. What a dream situation...he could adjust me every morning and my life would be utopia. :7 :7
 
I have had terrible back problems for years. I was not able to sleep on my back. If I would ever roll over to my back while sleeping, I would wake up in excrutiating pain! I couldn't move, my DH would have to help me move. I first tried pilates - it has helped a little. But in the last month I have changed things up a little and my back has never felt this strong! I can even sleep on my back! The Gym Styles have been a big part of that. I noticed that when doing the upper body GS my core would be sore the next day a big plus to a great workout. And also the lower back exercises almost felt energizing for my lower back. Next I worked Glutes! Tons of squats, lunges and dead lifts (watching form in mirror!), lots floor glute work. This has made a huge difference in my life. I find that I am not scared to bend over and pick up something on the floor - I do it without even thinking about it. I also work planks! I hate them, but I feel so many muscles engaged and fired up, I know my body needs it!
I hope you find what works for you!

jooge
 
You've had some terrific advise and it's been very interesting to read others posts.

I am completely biased on this subject but how about a massage every now and then to get some circulation through the muscles, tendons and fascia. Passive stretching of the low back on the massage table gives people great relief. It's therapeutic and is covered by many extended benefit packages (not to mention that it feels wonderful and is just plain good for the soul). It's not a cure but a viable strategy to manage chronic back pain.

Take Care
Laurie:)
 
Hey Laurie, great suggestion and you are very sweet to post it, but guess what: I DON'T HAVE BACK PAIN ANYMORE!!!!!!!!
YIPPPPPEEEEEEEE! I can't believe it took my 3 months to realize I wasn't in pain anymore. I had been in pain for so long, it never even occurred to me that it was possible to be without it. :D :D :D :D
I am truly amazed.

-Nancy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top