parrotbeak said:
Where on your back? Have you gotten an mri and found any specific causes for the pain?
Also what exactly did your trainer have you do?
I have two herniated discs, but after physical therapy and a series of injections (epidural, facet joint, and something else I forget the name of) I've had absolutely zero pain relief. I've been to 6 doctors, and none of them can completely explain the pain. My pain management doctor referred me to a rheumatologist to see if I have any genetic diseases, and I'm seeing him on Monday.
The trainer showed me some stuff on a stability ball (which I do at home, because the ones at the gym are dirty), inverted sit-ups on some contraption (which I really like), an oblique exercise where you alternate a weight in your hands and tilt sideways, and some other stuff using my body weight as resistance. When I'm at the gym, I feel fine. I don't get sore at all, and I'm just a little bit tired. But I'll wake up the next day feeling like total crap.
Then there are the days that are just wasted when I'm in a haze of painkillers and muscle relaxants, but that's for another thread.
FallingEdge said:
I have no idea as far as what exercises you can do but if you have trainer and doctor who have set you up on the plan, I say just follow it. Yes, you will be sore but as you do it more and more, the soreness will go away. We have all experienced it and as we have become more experienced, it happens less and less. Myself, I love that feeling and try to push myself every time in the gym (time permitting of course).
And I'm sure you know this already but it won't matter how much you exercise if you don't get your diet in check. Start simple, remove the sweets and sugars. Eat more whole foods and veggies.
Hope that helps.
It wasn't the soreness that got to me. In 2009/early 2010, I lost 60 lbs. by spending 6 hours per week in the gym. I know what it used to feel like when I worked out. The way I feel now after going to the gym is totally different. I'm completely drained and listless the day after. And I'm only doing a third or a half of what I used to - 20 minutes of cardio instead of 60, 70 lbs on the chest press instead of 140, etc. It's frustrating.
I know my diet has to change, but it's not so easy. I used to cook a lot, but now it's nearly impossible for me to stand in front of the stove long enough to cook anything decent. I eat frozen food for nearly every meal, and I eat snacks because I have nothing better to do. I don't go out anymore except for work and the occasional card night.
I just need the motivation to start, and there's nothing in my life right now that's doing it.