back/ neck pain

[Jaquta]

Hi.  I've had back pain for several months now.  I spoke to my doctor earlier in the week and he said to avoid digging, etc but continue to run (but to do it on the flat and avoid hills).  He didn't give me a diagnosis but was talking about pinched nerves (which seemed to fit with other symptoms).
The last few days I have however had neck pain.  I have also had periods of nausea but it comes and goes.
Do you think that it would be safe to continue exercising?  It is important for me to exercise but at the same time I don't want to do more damage.
Any ideas on what this could be?

[Jaquta]

Thank you very much for your response.

I was later diagnosed with a prolapsed lumbar disc with sciatica.

I have just started to get back into running but on several occasions after my runs have noticed some of those same sciatic symptoms.

I'm still getting some neck pain at times and wonder if this is due to posture and/ or jarring.

I think some of my other symptoms may have been due to extreme stress (anxiety, depression and migraines??).

Thank you very much for your feedback.

[Dr Arora]

Hi, doing exercises for patients with back pain is not prohibited. The condition is that you should do calculated exercises which would help your back and also avoiding excessive strain at the same time. What I mean to say is exercise done while maintaining a good posture always helpful. For the neck pain and feelings of nausea associated with it, I would recommend you to undergo some investigations like neck x-ray and even MRI if required. Patients with neck problem are advised to do exercises only if there are comfortably with it and not aggravating the neck symptoms. I hope this helps.

[Jaquta]

Your family sound educated, well adjusted ... and fit.
I hope those meds are well researched and that outcomes are not swayed by finances.
You sound as though you have a very close-knit and supportive family unit.

[gymdandee]

I couldn't be happier with my knees just like a kids legs :>) I'm very proud of my kids
My daughter holds two degrees one in accounting and one in special education. My son is the principle scientist with a major pharmaceutical Co. I can't forget my wife she was in administration with our high school.  

[Jaquta]

15 bucks is pretty good.  Here they would charge that as a casual visit -doesn't really inspire or encourage one to join.

So just normal wear and tear.  Maybe you played contact sport?  Just hoping I don't fall to pieces -I already feel a little rusty (and I'm not that old).

I hope the result was as good as the doctor's credentials.  It sounds as though you've imparted some good habits into your kids.

[gymdandee]

My shoes were very good the Orthopedist that did my knees is well known and has been on TV a number of times he invented these knees and travels around the world teaching.
The second knee he did was fitted computerized. My son is an armature body builder so he works out and my daughter and son in law use the equipment. the gym costs $15.00 per month and no contract can't beat the price.  

[Jaquta]

It sounds like it could be tough.  I like interval training -is great for fitness, weight loss and can be mentally stimulating.
That's almost enough to put anyone off running for good.  Do you attribute that to the running surface, the distance, poor footwear?  Was that training for fitness or anything in particular?  Multiple ultra marathons may have me letting out a sigh of relief.  That is probably more understandable than say training for a marathon, etc.

Having a brain tumor removed must have been quite frightening.

At least going to the gym, while an expense and possible inconvenience, can be good for socializing.  Probably not a bad thing.  And seeing others training can sometimes be motivating.  I hope your kids are making good use of the equipment.

You wouldn't have had weak bones or anything like that to contribute to your need for knee replacements, etc?  I expect one would have seen breaks vs wear??

Just trying to figure out any potential risk factors I may have.  Looking back do you think there were any clues that things may have deteriorated to the point they did?
Is sad that that happened to you but is great that you are still getting out there and doing stuff.

[gymdandee]

I used to run hard ended up having both knees replaced doctor contributed it to the running.
I have a pin in my hip and had a none malignant brain tumor removed. I had a complete home gym gave everything to my son and daughter. I joined a gym and do everything except run as for cardio I go from one routine to another without resting and I do the bike routine as follows
first 90 sec. I get my RPM up to about 75rpm then the next 30sec. I get my heart rate up to the max. then 90sec. at 75rpm then back to max. I keep doing this for a half hour it's a real workout!

[Jaquta]

I use to have back problems and when I saw my doctor he would say to keep exercising, etc.  I'm like, Are you kidding?  He would say it was only a strain but my back felt out of alignment and really awkward and uncomfortable.  Walking was even painful.

I think running is jarring it.  That's disappointing as I've just been getting into it.  My doctor wants me to continue running so that it will help with mood and anxiety.  It will be difficult for me emotionally if I have to cut back or give up.
I was actually just wondering whether it was the camber on the road or body positioning due to running into a strong headwind.   ??  Not sure.

I was looking at training for a triathlon but needed to reevaluate that due to cost, etc.
I possibly didn't have the bike set up correctly and my swimming technique, if anything, seems to have gotten worse.

I was thinking about continuing with the running, etc until I see my doctor next week.

Maybe the problem is due to muscle tightness due to extreme stress.  I don't think so though.

If you can't run, what do you do for exercise?  Looking at your user name for clues, do you hang out at the gym?

[gymdandee]

I'm not an MD but I would think the pounding from running wouldn't be good for your back I have back problems and can't run anymore

[Jaquta]

Thanks.  We have a different referral system here but I'll talk to my GP again.

[gymdandee]

I Suggest first seeing an Orthopedist and having an MRI.

[Jaquta]

My doctor did some basic physical testing but no MRI or back x-ray.  My doctor is a general practitioner or family doctor.

Thanks for reading my post.

[gymdandee]

Have you had an MRI ? what is your doctor specialized in ?