Francaise

francaise
0 Recommendations

I have been recently diagnosed with osteo of the spine. I have asked my doctor and a rheumatologist what kind of exercises to do. Neither one had an answer for me. They both said to stay with Curves if I wanted, although I have found out many of their exercise machines can be detrimental to my condition. Another doctor said to just walk and swim. I bought sev. books and also have one on yoga positions and exercises - many of these exercises recommend doing what we are told not to do (i.e. bending and touching toes, side bending, jumping rope, etc...). Who do I turn to when I can't get a straight answer from my doctors?

4 replies

KathyS

I belong to a gym too... and basically I can do machines that totally support the back with no twisting at the waist... you might consider going to a PT to learn some exercises that you can do and with that carry over into your personal exercise at the gym. building up the thighs to support the back was one my PT showed me.... and the back supporting bicycle machine. that helps at least with cardio since you can't really do the eliptical machine... or I used to love that machine and was told by the PT no one should be doing that one... sigh... but a PT to get you started would be the most beneficial in my opinion. I was told I could do walking in a pool but no jumping up and down...

SharonG

Kathy,
I have osteo in my spine also. Wondering why you say the elliptical machine is out? Since I have osteoarthritis in my hip, that is what I do for cardio instead of jogging or fast walking which hurts my hip.

KathyS

The PT said that the eliptical machine is hard on the joints overall.... I really liked it because it didn't bore me.... and I really burned the calories on it...if you consider how your body moves though with your hands on the bars going back and forth and your legs on the peddles it really does twist your waist which can be bad for the spine... it doesn't support the back...

SharonG

My elliptical does not have the handles that go back and forth. My hands rest on stationary bars. The machine was invented exactly for the reason of not putting stress on joints. I am confused that your PT would say that. It is a rotating movement rather than the slamming movement on a treadmill. I stand up straight when I do the exercise and do not need back support. Perhaps my osteo is not as severe as some.

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