Yesterday I had my first in-water therapy session for my back. I’m a little stiff today. Following a recent MRI I was diagnosed with arthritis, narrowing of the gaps between the vertebrae and a couple of discs slightly bulging. Somewhere in there a nerve pinches once in awhile and puts me down with massive back spasms and insane stabbing pain.
My latest back doc recommended aquatic therapy for the back, to strengthen my core and help relieve some pressure on the lower vertebrae. It was an interesting session. I was in a small pool with a moving floor. The doc had me do core exercises like walking in the water, forward, backward, sideways. He even turned on jets to provide more resistance. I also did some kind of water weightlifting and resistance training.
At the end I did a relaxation session where I floated vertically to let gravity help the back loosen. It was not a difficult session and I had to remind the doc that when my back isn’t tweaked, I’m pretty much 95% and no pain. That said I can have some stiffness in the morning or after sitting for a while. The doc told me I did great and can “take a lot more” than most people, so he will be working me harder in the next session. Bring it on.
He also said if I tweak the back to call or text him and get in the water right away. He says some water therapy can get rid of the spasms quickly. I have my doubts on that, but the next time I tweak it I’ll be giving that a shot.
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