Exercise

[Jess_5]

Hi all,

Just wanted to know if anyone with scoliosis struggles with exercising?? I used to exercise everyday and loved to jog. I struggle to even walk these days. By the end of the day I can hardly move and just want to lay down because my muscles and back are so sore. It really gets me down! Is this something others have experienced?

Thanks!
Jess

[Jen]

Hi Jess, I can't say I've ever had that problem. Be interested in what others have to say. Is it the pain that makes it a struggle, or tiredness, or stiffness?

[Christine]

Hi Jess

I used to go to the gym heaps, for over 30 years (now 48) and quit last year as the pain was outweighing the benefit. Couldn't do any over-head weights/exercises or sit-ups anymore as it would make every nerve in my body pinch. Even swimming hurts as it fights the way my back wants to twist. My doctors still recommend I swim, but I don't. I become a mess after nights of not being able to sleep from the nerves pinching and bones hurting. And I have arthritis now too, to top things off.

So all I do now is walk, I sold my car and bought a bicycle too. It is a bit harder to keep trim though, although I am never overweight as I find even a few extra kg's causes extra back pain. But I just have to be more cautious.

Really miss the exercise though, I use to love a good workout!

[Jess_5]

Hi Jen - It's pain, tiredness and stiffness! By the end of the day I stuggle to even bend over. I have become used to it now but its a stuggle.

Hi Christine - Nice to know someone else who feels the same. It is so depressing especially as I used to run everyday. The pain and stuggle of it all is just not worth it anymore so I am trying to walk when I can. I am like you though, wish my body was up to it because I really love to exercise!

[Jen]

Hi Jess, pain is very tiring, it sucks the life out of you, so I can understand that you're tired after a day of pain.

In the last 12 months before I had surgery, I purchased a "magnetic wrap" to wear around my waist. It's a wide, stiff band and is held by strong velcro so it fits various sizes. I got it at the chemist. When I wore that (around home only) I got a lot of relief. I do not know if it was the magnets (I suspect not) but more that it was the strong support given to me as I was crunching down, with ribs on hips etc. They are about $60 and I wrapped it tightly. It did help. It might be worth the investment. I am lucky enough to have given all my wraps away now.

[Zanne]

Yup, I get it too. After exercise any kind even swimming, I feel really bad. But I seems to get worse if I don't exercise because of the weight gain I guess and weak muscles.

I do find that stretching gently helps, but I would get advice on your specific condition first and get the correct exercises.

[JO MELBOURNE]

Hi, yeah I think this is very common for people with scoliosis!
I used to be able to go to the gym 3-4 times a week and was a competetive swimmer.
Now I can only walk around 2km and then I need to lie down.
I cope now because I'm taking endep as a pain reliever but can still feel the stiffness and aching of my body.

It's hard ! I've put on weight now which is really hard for me to cope with as I have never been very big.
The best exercise I have found is
-walking at a reasonable pace regularly
-clinical pilates (gentle exercises in a controlled environment)
-home exercises to maintain muscle strength

THis does mean that you cant do cardio to burn off energy!! Which I find incredibly frusterating! I would love to be able to go for a run!! But would suffer if i did.

Keep battling on! Thats all we can do. Be positive and do what works for you. Focus on what you can do!

[sarahmulls21]

There are special workouts like doing pilates that could help in the health problem.