Does anyone out there have spinal arthritis?

Durring my pre-op tests yesterday, I was diagnosed with spinal arthritis.  I did not get much info on it as it was just the Dr. that was oking me for surgery.  I plan on getting the results and going to see my regular Dr. about this, but in the mean time any info that would be helpful would be greatly appreceated.  And I will thank all in advance for your support and knowledge. 

I have been going to a work out where there is jogging, running, and lots of different jumping type excercises.  I  fear that this my damage my back more than it already is.  Also what sort of things to you do to help with the pain.  I have always had a painful back, and was told it was due to my very large breasts and bad posture.  But with in the last year or so driving any distance over an hour is very painful for me and I have to shift in my seat as much as possible.  Which since I have to drive 2 hours just to go grocery shopping, I have been having more pain.  Also thing like folding laundry has always been really hard on me, but recently I really don't like doing it and more than not it just gets left in the baskets and my family has to rumage through them to find what they are looking for.  Any way just wanted a bit of info if any one has any.  Thank you very much for you time.
Tori

I have arthritis in my back and my doctor told me the best exercise is swimming! It takes off the pressure from yout spin and makes you feel weightless at the same time! See about a local YMCA or omething of the sort!

 I do recommend that you do see a doctor regarding your diagnosis and have an appropriate pain management plan in place before your surgery.    About five months after RNY I had the worst back pain ever.  After demanding my doctor send me for an MRI I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and a tethered cord.  Your body goes through so many changes and your posture will drastically change and could greatly increase your inflammation.    I too had large breasts (44DD and still am a 34D) now so I haven't had much relief from losing weight. 

Definitely a good idea to see a good rheumatolist (arthritis doc).

There are a few different types of spinal arthritis and there are some pretty good treatments for the pain. I agree it is a good idea to pursue this before WLS, although as you lose weight it will probabaly help some just from carrying less weight around.

Swimming or "swim-workouts" are usually reccommended for people with arthritis since the boyancy in water takes strain off of the joints.

Good Luck!
-lazer

Definitely a good idea to see a good rheumatolist (arthritis doc).

There are a few different types of spinal arthritis and there are some pretty good treatments for the pain. I agree it is a good idea to pursue this before WLS, although as you lose weight it will probabaly help some just from carrying less weight around.

Swimming or "swim-workouts" are usually reccommended for people with arthritis since the boyancy in water takes strain off of the joints.

Good Luck!
-lazer

PS sorry I replied to somebody elses' post by mistake!

I too have `severe arthritis in my spine. I have a ton of pain and am sometimes get so I can hardly walk around the house. I also have osteoporosis in my spine. I see a pain specialist and get bilateral facet injections at 3 levels. Usually I get great relief when they begin to work. This physcian told me that bariactric surgery would be good because while I can't get a new back, I will feel much better and feel more like moving around. He also says that walking is the best therapy I can do, but it must be slow walking for a good amount of time and not to take the dog. He pulls on his leash, which hurts. Swimming is good, too, but I've noticed that when I am hurting even that increases pain. Another good thing to do is to see a physical therapist to get exercises that strengthen core muscles, since if they are weak all this big belly hangs right off my spine. Cdheck it out. One last suggestion, I use a product called Biofreeze, it comes in several forms but I like the one that is like a roll on deoderant so I can put it where I need it. Frequently I get enough relief that I can get to sleep, or need to use just Tylenol. I showed it to my mom, a friend, and my oldest daughter and they all use it now and have passed it on to others. My first batch came from a chiropractor, then a local physical therapy center began carrying it. Just some ideas that may help. Just know I feel your pain.

Just thought I'd give an update. I started losing weight after the nutritionist put me on a 1500 cal. diet. I had lap-band surgery on May 4. I have gone from 208,6 to 169 pounds. My back is an amazing amount better! Yes, I still get the bilateral facet injections, but where I had been getting relief for about 6 weeks then bad, I went from my last one late April to today with only the last 10 days hurting, and then not bad. At Easter I could walk no more than 10 min. at a time, slowly, and then many times had to wait 2 or more days before doing it again. Now I can walk for an hour at a good clip. I have also taken over the lawn mowing (push), wrestled the roto tiller all over my garden, and planted the whole thing by bending over. Last year I couldn't plant at all. Getting the weight of my giant belly off my spine has helped more than I imagined it would. And sooner, as well. More than weight off I have lost inches and dropped sizes (2). Today I measured, my upper abdoman is 39", a while after I began (I couldn't force myself to measure before) that was 45". I now have more energy, too.

If any one questions the benefit of losing weight for their back, let me tell you, DO IT! Sue