exercises

[sportsnut3007]

Does anybody know good exercises to do for the back that are not harmful. I only have had a l5-s1 hernitaion and i suspect i have a bulge on left side now that i got from doing a stupid exercise my pt said to do. So if anybody has some good safe ones it would be appreciated. Also, Is jogging for a mile or 2 good or bad for the back?

[Dave]

I have the same problem at L5-S1 plus other bad levels. I would say jogging would not be a good idea due to the pounding your back would take. I am currently walking on a treadmill for two miles at a pace of 2.5 mph. This seems to be helping. Also, if you have access to a pool, aquatic therapy has really helped me a ton. Floating on a noodle in 7 foot of water while "jogging" in place has shown me great results. My PT tells me if it hurts, don't do it.

[Cindylou]

I have to agree with Dave on this one. I would think jogging is contra-indicated for a bad back, also due to all the pounding and jarring. Brisk walking, and a therapy pool, if you have access to one, are excellent for strengthening your core. Of course, swimming and biking would be better than jogging too, imho. I will let someone else chime in on other back exercises. Remember the slogan: no pain, no gain? Definitely not what you want to do with a bad back.

[Justin]

Hi SN,

Jogging / running are high impact activities that are extremely demanding on one' knees, back, etc. (especially if you are on asphalt & concrete). If you have a bad back, the better way to go is an elliptical machine.

Do a search about exercises for the spine--there are a couple threads on this. Good luck.
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[ajj1001]

Water anything is good, all your weight is supported. I have a flotation belt, water dumbells, webbed gloves, aqua shoes. All these can be used to make a very good workout. The only thing I was told to beware of was breast stroke as it bends the lower back.

My current physio post fusion (and my physio post adr a few years ago) is all pilates based and I have found this to be a commonly used type of exercise by those with spine problems.