back pain from pilates

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by caligirlz

How to Do Superman Exercises - YouTube

These are very similar to what was hurting my back...I'd actually get a sapsm. As it turns out I had a descended sacrum from multiple whiplash injuries which was causing all the problem...I've since had it fixed.

[kevxu]

Perhaps I've missed it, but I did not see where you mentioned investigating possible lower back problems with a doctor, and not exercise instructors. An x-ray, but more likely an MRI would be helpful. If you have some structural problems you do not want to exacerbate them with improper exercises. Once that happens you are royally screwed.

I have no faith - based on experience - that many exercise instructors are willing to entertain the possibility that their students with low backs pain require more than "a little rest" or an adjustment in exercises. Check it out with an M.D., and based on what you see, you can go back to an appropriate regimen of exercise.

I had serious auto-immune problems for years, and ditto arthritis, but neither messed up my life as much a bad back and the ministrations and advice of exercise instructors and chiropractors.

[wutitiz]

Any exercise that causes pain should be stopped IMO. Listen to your body; the pain is a wake up call telling you to stop. The regimen may be ok for some but your body is rejecting it. Don't ignore the message.

[tipitop]

Do not do exercises that hurt you. We are different build. Any one have exercises that are no no for him.

[arrieros81]

I hear nothing good about ab exercises that are done lying on your back . Isn't that almost all Pilates exercises?

Plank exercises are good also the swimmer exercise which is a Pilates movement for strengthening your back if that is a factor.

All this is assuming you don't have an injury. If it hurts definitely get it checked out first. Does it hurt only when you do the exercise or even just doing normal day to day stuff?

[arrieros81]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

I've been doing pilates on the reformer 2 times a week since Jan. (private and semi-private). My pilates instructor is also a personal trainer and understands correct form etc. I have been getting lower back pain so bad, it's is now causing me to stop pilates. She has been watching me like a hawk and says my form is perfect. She's also adapted some exercises to decrease stress on my lower back, and taken others out of the workout.

This is getting SO frustrating as I used to work out with a personal trainer 3 times a week and had to stop due to too much body/joint pain.

I am considering trying yoga but feel like I really need some good exercise to stay in shape....I also feel like I could lose all of what I've gained fitness wise. (both of the above have helped to sculpt my body and tone me).

Any ideas?

PS I'm 52 and have some arthritis and an auto-immune

I just read your post again in detail, so you are susceptible to joint pain? Have you tried non weight bearing exercise? I know there may not be too many of them but swimming is the first thing that came to my mind. Water aerobics too.