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diverlarry
USA
44 Posts |
 Posted - 08/10/2004 : 07:07:50
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I am curious about how other people view "special back exercises".
I have asked this question before but still have questions.
I know that Dr Sarno says to stop all stretching and special back exercises. I have stopped stretching which has really helped.
I use to lift weights before my back problems. Now im lifting again.
Also at one time i was in a program that worked specific muscles in the back. I still do most of these exercises(db dead lift,back extension, seated row, lat pulldown). I did some but not all of these exercises before. I know that my problem is my mind and these exercises will not cure my problems. But strong muscles are good for you and i enjoy lifting.
So now i wonder if my mind see's these exercises as keeping attention to my back. But then i wonder if my fear is telling me to stop because im concerned i will get hurt. So my mind goes back and forth between these 2 thoughts.
My progress so far has been very good. I am walking a hour 2-3 times a week. Eventually i will start to run. I stared to swim again. And i started to bike again. (although my butt muscles got very sore the first time).
Fear of exercise has been my biggest problem so far to overcome.
I do a little more and more but the fear is still there. Anytime i do something new or something i have not done in a long time i get sore. I guess it will take a long time to overcome.
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 08:05:09
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quote:
Originally posted by diverlarry
I am curious about how other people view "special back exercises".
The answer is simple: never do any exercise with the mindset that it will help "fix" your pain.
You bring up an important point. What you consciously believe about these exercises may just be a lie. Deep down maybe you do feel that strengthening these muscles will help the pain.
If you can get to the point where back exercises are a normal part of your overall workout routine, and you don't pay them any special mind, then it's probably OK. However it seems you are not at that point, because you still have fear that those exercises will hurt your back.
Until you can banish that fear, I think it's best to lay off the back exercises. Personally I do not do them; I do not view back extensions or other highly focused exercises as essential to my overall fitness goals. |
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diverlarry
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 09:53:38
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Dave
You are correct. I still have fear of the exercises....even though i would tell myself i have no fear. Yes i would consciously tell myself that the exercises did not "cure" me but deep down i think they do help. I guess i was paying "Lip Service" to myself as Dr Sarno has said. I know now i would worry about doing these exercises but would feel good when i finished. Fear and doubt do creap into your mind. Now my mind will try to tell me that if i have any pain its because i didn't do these exercises...but i will ignore it.
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 12:39:59
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I first learned of TMS while I was undergoing physical therapy. I paid close attention to my symptoms. I did the exercises diligently. But at the same time I was starting to accept that it was TMS.
Some days the pain was horrible, some days I had little or no pain, despite going for PT regularly and doing all of the home stretches and exercises. I would ask the PT why my condition might be worse on some days than others, if my routine had not changed. She had no answers.
I look back on that experience and laugh ... it was TMS all along. But it takes time to sink in to your unconscious. |
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Special back Exercises
