Lumbar Spine Update

In December, I posted about the improvements I am finally and miraculously experiencing in my cervical spine.  At that time, I was still waiting to receive the results from my lumbar spine follow-up X-ray.

I just went in for another consult to review my lumbar X-rays.  Most orthopedic doctors will say that once the disc degenerates, it cannot regenerate itself.  While my untrained eye can barely see it in these photos, my doctor says the discs are thickening (i.e., regenerating).  The spacing between discs has improved, and the curvature is improving. That much I can see.  I had too much forward curvature initially, and it looked like my back froze in baby carrying posture.  The ultimate goal is for the last horizontal line representing the top of the lower disc to touch the red vertical line.

It takes much longer for the lumbar discs to make permanent changes, so I will continue with my treatments until I reach that point.  Much of these alignment issues were likely due to two serious car accidents.  Difficult pregnancies and deliveries combined with excessive running on a subluxated spine accelerated disc degeneration.  My doctor says he has seen ultra-marathoners in their 20s with much worse spinal problems than average exercisers in their 90s.

The best news of all to me is that if I get my ankle and knee issues to heal with appropriate rest (very challenging for this busy mom), physical therapy, and continued adjustments, then I should be able to run again within the next year.  The ankles and knees are chronic, so I'll need a miracle there, too.  If God chooses to give me another miracle and heal my ankles and knees, then I will praise Him.  If He chooses not to heal me in that way, and I never get to run again, then I will still praise Him.  God is always good, for goodness is His very nature, and allows what He does for His glory and for our refinement. If pain brings me closer to Him, then I will rejoice in it.

I am continuing with my weight training regimen as best I can without being able to do any running or jump training.  Pull-ups and the superman are some of the best exercises for the back.  Core strengthening has also been very beneficial for my lumbar spine.  I do a wide variety of pull-ups to target different muscles in the back.  I recommend the following:

• Standard pull-ups
• Wide pull-ups
• 4 Position pull-ups
• Chin-ups
• X Pull-ups
• Vaulter pull-ups (targets the core)
• Pull up crunchy curls (targets the core)
• Lever pull-ups (good for the core, back, shoulders, chest, & arms)
• L pull-ups (HARD! - I really need to invest in an assist band to help me do this move, but I keep hoping I'll master it without an assist as I have with the other exercises, but I can't eek out more than one rep without returning to the floor.) 

Standard Pull-Up

Basic free weight exercises have helped strengthen my shoulders and neck so that I can hold my neck in the proper posture.  They also help me maintain my adjustments.

Never, ever, take a healthy spine for granted! The central nervous system, every joint, muscle, and ligament, and all major illnesses are influenced by the health of the spine.  It takes a lot of money, time, and effort to work toward healing, but it is so worth it!