I would investigate dead hanging. I tore my rotator cuff and decided not to repair. One of the suggestions for rehabbing on my own was hanging. There is a lot of good advice on how to start. I particularly like Bob and Brad Physical Therapists on YouTube. I have spinal stenosis and the hanging not only helps my shoulders but my spine and back as well worth a try and doesn’t cost much or require a lot of effort!
I'm 70 and my lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, lithesis, degenerative arthritis of the vertebra and disc degradation. I used to by 6'1" tall and now I'm 5'10".
Nothing can be done to correct osteoarthritis. I developed sciatica twice, once on each side of my legs. The shooting pain was awful. The first time, I had a bulging disc that eventually shrank back into place. The second time, the disc at S1/L5 ruptured and I needed surgery. Holes were drilled in the back of my S1, L5, and L4 vertebra, the ruptured section of the disc was removed and arthritic spurs inside my spinal canal were also removed. I think the name for the procedure is laminotomy (not to be confused with the much more aggressive laminectomy).
My surgeon has told me the only thing holding my lumbar spine in place is a very strong set of "core" muscles. I go to the gym everyday, and in addition to stretching, resistance training, and cardio (spinning), I make sure to do exercises to keep my core strong. I also dropped from 190 lbs to 160 lbs the past year.
If I develop sciatica again, my surgeon said he will have to fuse some of the vertebrae, probably S1, L5, and L4. I'm doing everything I can to avoid this, so that's why I'm at the gym everyday, and why I eat a healthy diet.
I hope at least some of this is useful to you. I have also cut way back on sugar and products that include sugar. Sugar fuels inflammation and inflammation fuels arthritis.
@heyjoe415 just want to note that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are different problems. Osteoporosis, if DEXA warrants it, can be treated and even reversed with medications.
I'm 70 and my lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, lithesis, degenerative arthritis of the vertebra and disc degradation. I used to by 6'1" tall and now I'm 5'10".
Nothing can be done to correct osteoarthritis. I developed sciatica twice, once on each side of my legs. The shooting pain was awful. The first time, I had a bulging disc that eventually shrank back into place. The second time, the disc at S1/L5 ruptured and I needed surgery. Holes were drilled in the back of my S1, L5, and L4 vertebra, the ruptured section of the disc was removed and arthritic spurs inside my spinal canal were also removed. I think the name for the procedure is laminotomy (not to be confused with the much more aggressive laminectomy).
My surgeon has told me the only thing holding my lumbar spine in place is a very strong set of "core" muscles. I go to the gym everyday, and in addition to stretching, resistance training, and cardio (spinning), I make sure to do exercises to keep my core strong. I also dropped from 190 lbs to 160 lbs the past year.
If I develop sciatica again, my surgeon said he will have to fuse some of the vertebrae, probably S1, L5, and L4. I'm doing everything I can to avoid this, so that's why I'm at the gym everyday, and why I eat a healthy diet.
I hope at least some of this is useful to you. I have also cut way back on sugar and products that include sugar. Sugar fuels inflammation and inflammation fuels arthritis.
@heyjoe415 just want to note that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are different problems. Osteoporosis, if DEXA warrants it, can be treated and even reversed with medications.
Yes indeed osteoporosis can be reversed. Sorry Joe! I do believe that developing/maintaining a strong core is very helpful for the lower spine, as is avoiding foods that can cause inflammation.
As for reversing osteoporosis, I'm not certain how to do that. Intuitively I'd add calcium to the diet, but these things should be verified with a Dr and ideally after a Complete Blood Panel. That is, finding out what is causing the osteoporosis may lead to answers on how to reverse the condition.
Yes indeed osteoporosis can be reversed. Sorry Joe! I do believe that developing/maintaining a strong core is very helpful for the lower spine, as is avoiding foods that can cause inflammation.
As for reversing osteoporosis, I'm not certain how to do that. Intuitively I'd add calcium to the diet, but these things should be verified with a Dr and ideally after a Complete Blood Panel. That is, finding out what is causing the osteoporosis may lead to answers on how to reverse the condition.
@heyjoe415 your post was helpful since the words sound the same and are easy to confuse (not you, I realize you just misread). There are many medications that will help osteoporosis. If severe our doctors tend to prescribe Forteo or Tymlos (work through the parathyroids) or, increasingly, Evenity (inhibits sclerostin). Of course exercise, diet and supplements support that treatment.
@joelaurie1 I hope you have an endocrinologist who can prescribe for you!
@heyjoe415 just want to note that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are different problems. Osteoporosis, if DEXA warrants it, can be treated and even reversed with medications.
One more point on this - the common “conditions” for losing bone mass are osteopenia and osteoporosis, with osteoporosis being the more advanced stage of bone density loss.
Neither should be confused with osteoarthritis, as I erroneously did…..
@heyjoe415 your post was helpful since the words sound the same and are easy to confuse (not you, I realize you just misread). There are many medications that will help osteoporosis. If severe our doctors tend to prescribe Forteo or Tymlos (work through the parathyroids) or, increasingly, Evenity (inhibits sclerostin). Of course exercise, diet and supplements support that treatment.
@joelaurie1 I hope you have an endocrinologist who can prescribe for you!
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I am in the same boat, was 5'2" and now after many surgeries 4'11". Think tall.
I would investigate dead hanging. I tore my rotator cuff and decided not to repair. One of the suggestions for rehabbing on my own was hanging. There is a lot of good advice on how to start. I particularly like Bob and Brad Physical Therapists on YouTube. I have spinal stenosis and the hanging not only helps my shoulders but my spine and back as well worth a try and doesn’t cost much or require a lot of effort!
Are you thinking about medications?
Hi Joe,
I'm 70 and my lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, lithesis, degenerative arthritis of the vertebra and disc degradation. I used to by 6'1" tall and now I'm 5'10".
Nothing can be done to correct osteoarthritis. I developed sciatica twice, once on each side of my legs. The shooting pain was awful. The first time, I had a bulging disc that eventually shrank back into place. The second time, the disc at S1/L5 ruptured and I needed surgery. Holes were drilled in the back of my S1, L5, and L4 vertebra, the ruptured section of the disc was removed and arthritic spurs inside my spinal canal were also removed. I think the name for the procedure is laminotomy (not to be confused with the much more aggressive laminectomy).
My surgeon has told me the only thing holding my lumbar spine in place is a very strong set of "core" muscles. I go to the gym everyday, and in addition to stretching, resistance training, and cardio (spinning), I make sure to do exercises to keep my core strong. I also dropped from 190 lbs to 160 lbs the past year.
If I develop sciatica again, my surgeon said he will have to fuse some of the vertebrae, probably S1, L5, and L4. I'm doing everything I can to avoid this, so that's why I'm at the gym everyday, and why I eat a healthy diet.
I hope at least some of this is useful to you. I have also cut way back on sugar and products that include sugar. Sugar fuels inflammation and inflammation fuels arthritis.
All the best to you.
Joe
@heyjoe415 just want to note that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are different problems. Osteoporosis, if DEXA warrants it, can be treated and even reversed with medications.
Joe,
Thank you, all this helps!
Joe
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1 ReactionThank you windy, my bad.
Yes indeed osteoporosis can be reversed. Sorry Joe! I do believe that developing/maintaining a strong core is very helpful for the lower spine, as is avoiding foods that can cause inflammation.
As for reversing osteoporosis, I'm not certain how to do that. Intuitively I'd add calcium to the diet, but these things should be verified with a Dr and ideally after a Complete Blood Panel. That is, finding out what is causing the osteoporosis may lead to answers on how to reverse the condition.
I'm sure other people here can help.
Again, my apologies for misreading Joe's post.
Joe
@heyjoe415 your post was helpful since the words sound the same and are easy to confuse (not you, I realize you just misread). There are many medications that will help osteoporosis. If severe our doctors tend to prescribe Forteo or Tymlos (work through the parathyroids) or, increasingly, Evenity (inhibits sclerostin). Of course exercise, diet and supplements support that treatment.
@joelaurie1 I hope you have an endocrinologist who can prescribe for you!
One more point on this - the common “conditions” for losing bone mass are osteopenia and osteoporosis, with osteoporosis being the more advanced stage of bone density loss.
Neither should be confused with osteoarthritis, as I erroneously did…..
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Helpful -
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1 ReactionThanks for this info windy. I think regular resistance training can also help maintain bone density. Thank you for your suggestions!
Joe