What type of exercise do you do with a painful lower back (bulging discs)?

I'm presently in physical therapy for my lower back pain. Wondering if anyone else has a similar situation and still exercises. If so, what exercises do you do? I really need to get moving more than I do. Because of my back issue, I cannot walk more than 5-10 minutes. I can walk more when I have a shopping cart in front of me so I do a lot of walking when in a store. Thanks for your help and suggestions!!

Have you looked into swimming or doing exercise in the pool? My MIL had back issues, and she found that walking laps in chest-high water at the gym pool worked very well without hurting her back!

I'll have to look into that. Thanks!!

I agree with SparkleKitty - but take a few minutes in PT to talk to the therapist about what would be a good idea for you with your limitations. S/he may have recommendations that we wouldn't think of. But the pool is a great idea - I have really bad knees and at first all i could do was water walking. As the weight came off, it became easier and certainly as you lose weight your back will be happier.

3 votes for swimming/water

It's great that you're in physical therapy! This is a great question to ask your physical therapist, as they'll be able to advise you on what's safest for you.

My partner has a lot of back problems, as did my father. They do/did a combination of swimming and water walking (just walking in a pool, surprisingly hard work). You might consider a walker/rollator if you're able to walk with a shopping cart.

But definitely talk with your physical therapist about this.