Anyone with lower back pain use an Elliptical machine?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ktnap
  • Start date Start date
K

ktnap

Guest
Just wondering if an elliptical is a good exercise for backs, specifically lower back (I mainly just do walking programs by Leslie Sansone right now).

I tried a machine in the store the other day (I'm considering purchasing one) for about 5 minutes total.

While I was sore from using muscles that don't normally get engaged in my lightweight walking programs, it didn't seem to adversely affect my back that day or the next.

When I was in physical therapy (bulging disk), they didn't have an elliptical there, so I'm just wondering about the "safety" of it.

Any responses are welcome!! Thank you!!
 
I think it really depenRAB upon the cause of your back pain. And it also depenRAB upon the elliptical machine itself. We bought one several years ago. When we were out looking for one, I was really amazed at the difference in machines. Some are more like step clirabers; others use more walking-type movements. You would really want to try out a variety of machines to try to find one that works for you.
 
I agree there is such a difference in the quality of these. Some you pay alot less for but you can feel the difference as you move up to higher quality/expensive ones. Be sure to try them out and you will understand exactly what we are saying.

My surgeon recommenRAB these to his spinneys along with a stationary bicycle that you sit on with lurabar back support.
 
I am. I have two herniated discs and stenosis and severe arthritis and moderate osteroporosis in the spine. I have a treadmill that is just a coat hanger as it was becoming painful to use. When I was in physical therapy, the hospital not having an elipitcal had me on a treadmill. I asked another physical therapist who owns a big center here and he preferred the elipitical.
We bought one for Xmas and we just started using it as there were some problems with the machine and the company had to come out to fix it.
I like it alot. I feel more like I am floating but dang if I am not absolutely wiped out after using it because I am in such terrible shape. One of the biggest improvements is I can get back up now when I squat down. I have had some erabarrassing moments at stores when getting down to get something off a bottom shelf and not being able to get back up without hanging on to something. I am only about 15 pounRAB overweight so it is just all weak muscles from being injured 2 1/2 years ago. If also doesn't hurt my ankle tender from a break a few years back.
I also have a recurabant bike that I ride but it doesn't seem to get the same muscles and my back gets sore sitting in it.
I was just approved for back surgery that will probably be taking place within the month so I want to get in better shape prior to the operation.
My hubby likes using it too and he had his second set of artificial hips put in last year but he just found out yesterday he neeRAB one completely redone again, so he may not use the elipitical for awhile.
 
I LOVE the elliptical machine. I have and L5-S1 fusion and bulging discs above it, arthritis, nerve pain. I can't do sitting exercises, like recurabent bikes, so it's either the treadmill or elliptical machine for me, and I find the elliptical much easier on my back. One hint that my Physical therapist gave me was to go backwarRAB on it for a few minutes if going forward increased my pain. Of course, I did this under her supervision, but, oddly, it helped! I hope it helps you too.
Schragie-girl
 
My experience was different. But I have a really long fusion. With 14 fused vertebrae, including all the lurabar to the sacrum, I have no movement. I tried the elliptical at the gym and quickly injured my heel, as I couldn't shift my body with the machine and ended up slamming one heel over and over again until I figured out that it just wasn't going to work for me. I'm sure I was a sight! Well, laughter is good for the soul, so I guess I helped a few people at the gym that day!!! :D

Emily
 
This is just my guess, but I would think if it doesnt aggravate anything in your back it's probalby okay to do. Do you or have you had a physical therapist you can ask? They would probably know better about the best exercises and/or machines that would be okay for you.
 
My physical therapy was over a year ago, and while I am stronger, I still experience pain (bulging disk) and think I need to build more strength. When I was in PT they seemed to follow the "pilates approach" (if there is that sort of discipline for PT) and only had those types of machines. I know I'm not going to go out and buy a pilates machine. I am looking into an elliptical to build not only strength, but cardio as well.

I appreciate everyone's responses .. It's very informative!!
 
Back
Top