Exercise in pain management

[Narnian]

So my neurosurgeon has recommended Neurontin and exercise as the best way of dealing with nerve pain.

He said any exercise which strengthens core stability would be good, what have all you found works best?

[Dodger67]

Core stability is primarily dependent on spinal and abdominal muscles so that's the areas to concentrate on.
It would be best to consult a physiotherapist who can devise excercises to suit your specific needs, abilities and limitations.

[LisaJoy]

I don't know how much swimming helps with core stability, but I have found swimming and water aerobics to be very helpful for me.

I think that sitting on an exercise ball is supposed to strengthen your core. You might need to work with a physical therapist to find core exercises that you are able to do -- a lot of the online stuff doesn't look very compatible with sb. Did you get a referral for physiotherapy?

[Avocado Baby]

Your ability to build up your core will depend on your level of function too. I really don't have much core strength at all!

[sean]

Yoga, and not that I've tried it but I think Pallate's(?) exercises have a core focus.
I don't go to yoga classes anymore, but use it as I move and breathe through the day.

[dahliafaolan]

I don't know how much function you have, but I'm finding that Zumba is helping with all sorts of things, including my abs and core. Then again, I'm in a wheelchair full-time and I've been getting a lot of benefit from the classes.

[Justy Me]

I don't know how much function you have, but I'm finding that Zumba is helping with all sorts of things, including my abs and core. Then again, I'm in a wheelchair full-time and I've been getting a lot of benefit from the classes.

I have been DYING to know whether Zumba is wheelchiar user friendly!! are you finding that you are able to participate fully in the classes ( as opposed to sitting out on--pun intended, haha :-p-- a lot of segments?) Do you also own the DVD's?? Zumba looks like it would be SO much fun!

[dahliafaolan]

Well I have a wee bit of control over my hips so for the leg heavy parts, I move my hips as if I were moving my legs. Sounds weird, but it really works my abs for me. I HATE doing the salsa bits because my abs scream at me after, but it's all worth it, right? I don't find I sit out on any of it, but there are parts where I'm not feeling the burn as much.

I don't own the DVDs, but I bought one of the CDs and went on iTunes and bought most of the rest of the songs we use in class just because I liked them so much.

I find that the class is a lot more wheelchair friendly than a lot of things I've tried, but keep in mind that classes vary from instructor to instructor.

[Mustang Sal]

So my neurosurgeon has recommended Neurontin and exercise as the best way of dealing with nerve pain.

He said any exercise which strengthens core stability would be good, what have all you found works best?

I take Neurontin (Gabapentin) for nerve pain and find it beneficial, so the consultant is on the money with that one (well, hopefully - I guess not everyone gets on with it). However, no one has ever told me that building up my core stability would have any effect on my neuropathic pain, so i'm interested to hear how this might help. Obviously it's good to keep core stability as strong as possible, but like the others said, this depends on what function you have there in the first place.

[Narnian]

Thanks everyone. My mobility is actually high so that shouldn't be a problem.

I might try Zumba as it sounds good and I am already part of a club that has classes for it.

:3a:

[apack1999]

I don't have SB or sit in a wheelchair but I found Zumba to be one of the most fun exercise classes I've ever taken in 37 years. :) Then again, I LOVE to dance and my husband doesn't. So it was a win-win for me....exercise and dancing! ;)

[Justy Me]

Well I have a wee bit of control over my hips so for the leg heavy parts, I move my hips as if I were moving my legs. Sounds weird, but it really works my abs for me. I HATE doing the salsa bits because my abs scream at me after, but it's all worth it, right? I don't find I sit out on any of it, but there are parts where I'm not feeling the burn as much.

I don't own the DVDs, but I bought one of the CDs and went on iTunes and bought most of the rest of the songs we use in class just because I liked them so much.

I find that the class is a lot more wheelchair friendly than a lot of things I've tried, but keep in mind that classes vary from instructor to instructor.

I have been pretty OBSESSED with looking at Zumba vids on YouTube and have found a few featuring wheelchair users. I blame you for fueling the fire! lol jk...I ordered one of the DVDs this morning. It was described as being the one that's closest to the class, so I figured it would be the best option. And I've pretty much downloaded all the songs I could find. I feel so much more inspired to MOVE!! ( Waka Waka :-P)