Exercise

Posted , 6 users are following.

I have -4.6lumbar and have been walking with ankle and wrist weights. I have always been fairly light weight and thought the weights might be equivalent to carrying a few extra pounds. Another forum had said I shouldn't do it as it will affect my knees. I am at a loss as what to do. Gp and nhs useless. Can't even get physio. Any advice?

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    I don't use weights as I am overweight anyway for my height.

    Not that I know much about this but how about only using light weights.

    When I exercise with weights they are much lighter than my husband needs.

    So maybe keep them very light at least for a start?

    Others will be better with this like Anhaga who will comment soon.

    • Posted

      Thanks Kathleen. I use two ankle weights totalling 2.5 kgs. I've got use to them but am now worried about doing more damage than good.

  • Posted

    Try to use a weighted vest instead. My Chiropractor is always warning me about elbow damage when I carry weights.
  • Posted

    Hi Michele,  with those lumbar scores be really careful about setting up a weight lifting programme for yourself. There is no doubt that exercise (hopefully with medication also) would be good for you BUT you are not an expert here and you really need the advice of a physiotherapist about which  exercises woud be good and which would be positiively harmful. Preferably a physio. who specialises in osteoporosis,they're usually attached to a hospital. 

    Kind regards,  J

    • Posted

      That's what I would like but I can't even get a referral for physio. I had to push to get an x-ray s and that took 3 months. Dexa scan a month later and 10 weeks for result. I paid to see private consultant who wrote to gp advising treatment. That's 3 weeks ago and gp said they have to wait for their referral to be authorised before I can even go on waiting list. Nhs is crazy

    • Posted

      Hi, I'm not sure that you need a referral for physio. but if you do then the GP can do that at your next visit.  A few weeks delay will make very little difference so don't get too anxious about this.. It's great that you saw a specialist and he wrote to your GP re.your treatment plan. So use your waiting time to read up on OP and write down any questions you have. 

      Re. exercise then, just be careful for the moment.  Walking will do no harm and is good. Cycling and swimming are generally good but won't do a lot for the bones. Any more than that you should hold off until you see the physio which you'll need because you'll find that the GP isn't really clued in. . . . 

      Finally have a look online at the OP sites for various countries, (the British, Canadian, Australian, Irish) they are each set up a bit differently but have some valuable information . . . 

      J

    • Posted

      Thanks juno. I have to be referred to get physio on nhs. I did pay to go privately but was concerned that they didn't deal with op. Was told to use various weight machines at gym but that was before private consultant said my thoracic spine should be evaluated. I will continue to walk but maybe without the weights. P.s. I got a pt referral from gp in Jan but they only did a phone consultation and sent pictures in the post of exercises. But it's difficult to know if I'm doing them right. Most of them had, do not do, on them. Its difficult trying to sort appointment as I work fulltime.thanks for your advice

    • Posted

      Well, I'd sort out my apt. and then, if necessary, I'd 'go sick' for a morning or an afternoon. . . .  Good luck anyway.  J

  • Posted

    I have a weighted vest.  I know one is not supposed to name brand names here, but I happen to be using a computer these days which doesn't have adblock installed and I noted the other day that my type of vest was advertised, so I will risk naming it in a subsequent post.  It is ideal because you can add very small weights (only a couple of ounces each) as slowly as you want in order to build up the weight safely.  It is better than any other kind of weight bearing as it is distributed over the torso.

    • Posted

      hypervest
    • Posted

      Hi Anhaga. I did but one but haven't worn it yet. Sounds crazy but it looks s bit like a terrorist vest and it put me off. It's been too hot here to wear it under something. Maybe I'll start wearing it around the house

    • Posted

      Yes, I won't wear mine in public, always under something if it's cool enough, or indoors.  Never thought about the terrorist look, though (thanks a lot eek

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