Wellness

[Julie_23]

For those with back issues, what have you found helpful?  I have heard pilates might be good.  If so, how often you do recommend doing it?

Any other things that have been helpful?  

Thanks!

[thechedda]

I can't tout the benefits of Pilates enough. I even got the reformer from here and absolutely love it. It is very low impact and targets your core.  I ended up getting a personal trainer for my reformer and am about to part ways with her as she's taught me how to master the machine. When I don't work out for a couple of days, my body really feels it.  You might want to see if there are beginner classes in your area. All the trainers I have met are excellent and they can tailor the workout to your specific needs, even while in a class. Good luck to you.  

[Gram W]

I have an inversion table.  I hurt my back and neck in 2000.   In 2008 I  had cervical discs replaced and fused.  My surgeon and I decided because of my odds we would put off the surgery as long as I can stand the pain and walk.  I am 71, still walking on my own within my limits and still do not want surgery.  For a time before my neck surgery i went to a chiropractor and physical therapy who gave me exercises and used traction to expand my spine.  I told my surgeon about this previous treatment and asked him about inversion.  He agreed and it has helped my pain level alot.  I have an older version of the Tweeter Hangup.   My son also got one for him and his wife.  They love it.  She sits at a desk all day and he is on his feet on hard floors.   It does help fight the compression and reduce pain.

[3suwm5]

Julie_23 -- My DH has had back problems for many years.  He was really bad about 20 years ago and went to physical therapy.  They gave him pilates exercises, which he thought was all nonsense.

Well, he does those exercises every morning after his shower and has had 'NO' trouble since.  He doesn't think it's nonsense anymore.

[sandraskates]

Maybe it depends on what the back issue is.

I've had lower back sciatica problems in the past; no pilates for me!

However, I do find that various gentle, lower body stretching works wonders:
lying on the floor and pulling my knees to my check, the "pigeon pose" in yoga, stretching out my calf muscles, and a few others.

[hckynut]

@Julie_23

I have had 3 ruptured discs removed from my lower back. Open surgery to remove the L-5/S-1, and a less invasive experimental procedure(back in 2006) to remove a ruptured L-3.

Exercises for the spine that are essential. You have to have strong Core Muscles( the abdominal muscles),as they support the spine from the front and sides. It is also essential to have all muscle groups in the rear of you body as flexible as you can get them.

All the rear muscles from the cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar of the back. Also included are the Thigh Biceps(hamstrings)/Calf Muscles and the Achilles Tendon.

These need to be done daily even more important when your back quits hurting. These are all preventive exercises, and also done for Physical Therapy for back injuries.

You first should see a doctor to get a diagnosis before you start doing anything, if you are having pain consistently. Treating the symptoms only never fixes any physical issues. You have to find the source of your spinal issue, otherwise you are "whistling into the wind".

hckynut(john)

[feline groovy]

Yoga.

Even doctors recommend it for back pain, especially lower back.

[Gram W]

My surgeon and I know what is wrong with my spine.  I know my odds for success and have decided no surgery as long as I can walk.  Before the injury I was on a 3 day a week program at our local health center and my body was in good shape for my age.   I used the equipment and pulleys but not the bar weights.  Those programs are not recommended for me now.  Inversion works for me and that position allows me simple body exercise while stretching.  I will wait for modern surgery to keep developing new methods.

[sandraskates]

I am so jealous that you have an inversion table @Gram W. :-)

[151949]

I have a lot of back pain though it is NOT nerve pain usually. I have facet joint arthritis and stenosis.  I have found that getting into the water and doing range of motion exercises is most effective for me, as well as swimming laps as much as I am able.