Is it alright to do vigorous exercise with MS?

[Farrr]

I just got diagnosed with probable MS. I get back pain when I do vigorous activity, but my doctor told me to do just that. He suggested I go for swimming or any kind of cardio workout. I did tell him that it might hurt but he blames it on my posture.

[jensequitur]

I used to run a few times a week, as well as a regular cardio workout on the elliptical.  When I started having problems with my right leg, I had to quit running, as I was tripping and stumbling on the treadmill.  I don't think there's anything wrong with working out, but pay close attention to your body.  If the activity causes pain, don't do it.  

I have had problems both with back pain and with foot cramping when I go swimming.  My back spasms because I'm stretching with it, and the feet cramp because I'm moving them back and forth.  I recommend a physical activity that utilizes your strengths, without endangering you.

Also devote a little time to building muscle.  Cardio activity is a good idea, but building muscle will help you with stability.  Oddly enough, I have certain activities that I can't do, but I can still lift certain kinds of weights.

[Farrr]

Thanks a ton!
I'll definitely start off with a moderate exercise activity everyday.

[shermay]

I think that the key to exercise is in moderation.

We have many people here who swim, practice Yoga and yes also run!

Please remember that not sx are related to MS - so just pace yourself.

Debs

[Ojibajo]

I had back pain but found out that I had a degenerative form of arthritis in my spine that runs in my family. It's completely unrelated to my MS. Now that I am feeling normal again I am planning on returning to my workout routine and my dance classes.

[BOK2Bjan]

MS doesn't cause space occupying masses.  It attacks and takes away the myelin sheath covering of our nerves.  I have a lot of spinal damage and degeneration, as well as cysts that cause tremendous pain, but it has nothing to do with the MS.  I agree with others who wrote: be careful of overheating if heat sensitive, and also remember that the disease does cause our bodies to have to work harder - thus causing more fatigue.  

I have never heard of exercise being contraindicated for most with MS unless you are in an attack which includes balance issues, vision issues, numbness, etc.  In this way it's kind of nice, because we can usually judge for ourselves whether vigorous activity of any kind is appropriate.  Of course your doc is right - swimming is always a great way to go if you are having any symptoms.  You won't fall, and if you have spasms - hopefully you would not be alone and could signal for assistance.

Blessings, Jan

[Sumanadevii]

I would be cautious if it caused pain.  If not, go for it!  Think of how many MSers take place in runs!!!  

[twopack]

Vigorous is a key word in your question.  Vigorous is not the place to start.  Water probably is a good place to jump in (sadly, pun intended).  Exercise isn't going to make everything better immediately but if you commit to a regular and balanced program of activity you will likely notice better movement with less pain within several weeks (possibly months).

I agree with Lulu and Alex.  I never think moving more will help what hurts.  But that is exactly what happens.  It is always best when I start small, add difficulty and endurance gradually, keep sessions brief but frequent, and stick with it even after I'm feeling better.  

Your back pain may or may not be MS related.  Too much activity too soon could be causing spasms.  Warm pool water might feel good to your muscles.  It might also leave you feeling weak if it is too warm.  You will have to carefully experiment to find a balance that works for you.

I'm glad Lulu linked you to those talks.  They were excellent.  Maybe your doctor would be willing to prescribe some physical therapy sessions to help you get started on a program of stretching and strengthening that would help both pain and posture.  It often helps to get an expert's input.  (Left to my own ideas I will sometimes do more harm than good.)

Good luck on getting moving.
Mary

[HVAC]

It is all individual. I find I do better if I exercise every day. I woke up with back pain like I do everyday so I did yoga. I can not walk as well as I used to but I ride horses and swim. I am not riding at the moment due to tendinitis in my arm, under Doctor's orders. I had to build up very slowly to walking when I started. The key for me is to start off slowly to everything. My local NMSS chapter has chair yoga dvds to lend out for those who can not do other things.

After exercise I use a vibrating massage back pad on my chair to help my muscles.

I used to think people who told me it would help my muscle pain if I exercised were crazy. Now I know at least for me it works. I do have to listen to my body.

Alex

[Lulu54]

It's important to learn that not everything wrong with us is caused by the MS.  If you pain occurs only when you are doing vigorous activity, I would also guess that it is not caused by the MS.

You do want to be sure you don't overheat when exercisiing if you have heat sensitivity.  

I wrote an extensive piece about exercise from listening to a physical therapists' teleconference recently.  You can read it under my journal -

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/278310/Fatigue---Exercise-and-Therapy-Tips?personal_page_id=865800


You can listen to these teleconferences by following the instructions at

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/281871/MS-Foundation-links--?personal_page_id=865800