Back Problems...update

NolaGal1

posted: 7/5/2009 at 9:29 PM

Yoga it is...the other night I ran across some stuff on the McKenzie Method. I decided to try a couple poses that seemed to be consistent with what I was reading...the cobra and upward dog. Seemed counter-intuitive but it seems to have gotten me past that last nagging 'pain'...something seems to be back where it belongs if only figuratively speaking.

I've run/walked these past three days and feel fine! Yoga class, here I come!

Runnergabe

Bridges in the sky

posted: 7/5/2009 at 10:33 PM

Nola - the McKenzie Method really helped me. I had a L4-L5 herniated disc in 09/06 and am now completely symptom free for the most part.

Sun, come shine my way.

May healing waters bury all my pain.

Wind, carry me home.

The fabric of reality is tearing apart.

The piece of me that died will return to live again.

John Petrucci, Dream Theater

Goals 2012:

run 1000 miles
1:45 HM
Have fun and be consistent

Woods Lady

posted: 7/5/2009 at 10:43 PM

Nola, have you tried the physical therapist? A good one, and I am blessed with one, can do wonders for you if you follow their instructions. Try to get one who is working or has worked with athletes. I am a 70 yr old life long, until now, non athletic woman, with all the usual back, hip, shoulder, arthritis, etc. problems. Been there, done that. Now I run instead. If you get out ther e and just walk, and then add running slowly, and keep it up, I bet you will improve. Keeping it up is the key. Woods Lady

skyedog

posted: 7/6/2009 at 11:31 AM

great to see that you are doing/feeling better. also agree that unless you have a real skeletal problem core strenthening is the way to go. It has greatly helped my back issues over last 3 yrs. keep in mind that as you are developing exercises & strengthening program the key is balance. ie, whenever you work your abs you must also work your back (upper, middle, lower). one possible reason, which is normal by the way, is that you may have an imbalance between the front & back core muscles. running does impose a tremendous pounding on our bodies, including our back. be sure that when you run or walk that you maintain the proper "standing straight up" form or "slight lean forward" when going uphill. good shoes, softer running surface. also work on sitting straight up when at home. back straight, head up & level. would also recommend a stability ball to use at home to practice proper sitting straight up when watching tv or computer. many other great core exercises as well. yoga, pilates great as well. go easy, slow, only do what you can safely manage. you will improve.

NolaGal1

posted: 7/6/2009 at 8:20 PM

Thanks everyone! The way I figure, whether or not it's muscular or disc related, it's not so bad now that I would even consider surgery so that leaves physical therapy of one kind or another.

I've been able to run/walk some over the last few days to that is great. I have a relatively new pair of cushioned Asics and so far, typically run on the packed dirt along the trolley tracks near my house. Runisnergabe and Woods Lady, it's good to hear what good PT can do. I had a physical therapist last year when it went out but that got expensive (insur wouldn't cover). I've got some really good recommendations for a yoga teacher nearby. I'm going to talk to her about joining the beginning class.

Skyedog, I think you're right about the posture bit. I think the most informative part of the x-ray was reference to straightening of the lumbar curve. I think I need to work to re-establish that normal curve. It's doable when I think about it but I need to be retrained to maintain it.

I'm on my way, slow but steady. Thanks for the well wishes!

Back Problems...update (Read 800 times)