Intro and hello from CT
 

Hello from Connecticut,

I wanted to introduce myself. I have been checking the posts for a while and could not help notice how many of us have the same story. Aside from all the the surveys and requests for information, can we better understand eachothers tolerances for pain? I am currently working. I'm am 6'4" and I weight approx. 225lbs. I cannot play with my kids and work in the yard. I work in an office so there is no lifting involved for my job. Biggest problem is sitting too long.

Constant leg pain with spasms. Lower back is always in pain.

I try to power thru the pain in short bursts. 30 minute task like cleaning the garage or the basement usually requires a 15-20 min rest in bed.

I was wondering if there are any excercises we can do to help our other body parts to help compensate for the weakness in our backs?

From what I understand we cannot hurt ourselves more. The pain is already going to be with us. So can we get some longterm relief in another way?

I also wonder about helping the recovery after surgery. I difinitely recevered better from the first surgery than the second. I attribute this to my physical strenght.



Appreciate all the help,

Tom





Hermiated discs L4/L5 & L5/S1 Aug. 2007
Reoccurrence in L4/L5 Oct 2007
DDD Dec. 2008
Dec 2008-Positive Discogram (L4/L5 & L5/S1 annular tears)
Dr. Yue at Yale Hospital, CT
Diagnosis - Need bi-level ProDisc ADR. Worker Comp Ins will only pay for one level.

Tom,

Welcome to the forum and it's nice to see you posting!

As far as strengthening for a weak lower back, anything you can do to strengthen the abdominal muscles is great ! That being said any exercise routine you take on needs to be carefully designed with your back issues in mind so as not to aggravate things more.

I also find that just plain old walking is an excellent exercise for not only the back but overall health and general conditioning.

Many of our members have specifics that they go into to strengthen their core... I'm sure they will pop in and add a lot more information in time.

Tom,

I had a surgeon give me a booklet from New England Baptist. They have a "course" called boot camp for the back. There are a lot of exercises that will help keep your core toned.

I'm not sure if it's available online, but it would be worth a look. It's helped me keep pretty much fit since my issues began.

Good luck,

Bob

Hi Bob
 

Hey :)
Glad your here:)

I would like to see these exercises.

Cttom: i did Pilates for five years and it really helped me out.

If your pain is high Pilates may be harmful for your spine.

I still do some pilates but not like before.

Walking is great for me 3 to 5 miles a day on a treadmill. Bike. stretching

All the best

Gil:)