It so much depends on your specific case, that even a doctor, physical therapist, or exercise physiologist would be irresponsible to make recommendations without seeing and talking to you face-to-face and knowing your specific medical history - so I defintitely do not feel comfortable doing so.
Back and joint problems are especially tricky, because an exercise that is perfect for someone with some joint and back problems - can be very dangerous for another.
My husband and I are perfect examples. We're both on disability for pain, mobility, and joint issues. Our symptoms appear to be very similar, but there causes are different, and our physical limitations are much different.
Hubby has degenerative joint disease, and scarring from a severe rotator cuff injury. He's allowed no weight lifting and very little weight bearing exercises. His doctor and physical therapist approved only range-of-motion exercises, some stretching, and light walking and water exercise.
The doctor approved of water exercising for him, but only in very short increments of time - because the freedom from gravity in the water feels great, but getting out of the pool is then pure torment. For hubby the time in the water has to be so short (less than 20 minutes), that he's not willing to go through all the trouble to get into the water for such a short time (and because it still feels so good in the water and so horrible the minute he gets out, it just doesn't work well for him).
While I have similar symptoms they're due to osteoarthritis, possibly rheumatoid arthritis/autoimmune joint issues, and fibromyalgia. I have less severe permanent structural damage and because of the type of damage and location, if I "over do it" there are fewer long-term consequences. Wear and tear is also less an issue for me, so my doctor says I can use pain as my guide. If I can tolerate the discomfort, I can do it.
With the fibromyalgia, rebound fatigue and pain can be a problem. So pacing myself and using common sense is important, but worst case scenario I end up with more pain and fatigue for a week or two. Whereas my husband, if he overdoes it, his consequences (pain, damage to the joint, and loss of mobility or function) can, and are likely to be permanent.
I guess what I'm trying to say, in my usual long-winded way is "talk to your doctor before you do ANYTHING." If you can get sessions with a physical therapist, that would be ideal.
Last edited by kaplods; 01-28-2010 at 06:36 PM.
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