I think this is a question with a complex answer...and probably not one answer but an answer directly related to your particular problems.

Have you had a flexion/extension X-ray? Without it, it would be hard to say whether any flexion/extension activity is "OK" for you. If you have any spondylolisthesis, these activities should be avoided as they can make the slippage worse. They can make a stable situation unstable.

In general, bending forward is never advised. It is hard on the discs. Bending backward is much better for the spine, in general, but not if you have spondylolisthesis!!

If you want to practice yoga, it is important to go to someone who understands the body and the problems associated with DDD. Any program can be structured to modify a pose so it would be safer for you to do.

There are several good books on yoga for back patients. You might look at one or two to see what poses are recommended. There is also at least one good DVD for people who have had back surgeries.

Maybe you could ask your PT for a clarification on the forward bends.

Good luck. Proceed cautiously!

Definitely do a little more research. Talk with your doc and let him know what the PT recommended and your experience with the different poses. Since the doc is the one who sent you to the PT, he should have some insight as to the condition of your spine and whether or not flexion and extension are okay.

There are many yoga instructors who are brought up through the ranks quickly and don't understand the body and just repeat the basics of what they were taught. Be careful that you don't just get thrown into a class that the instructor expects you to "keep up". There are some really good yoga instructors with experience in rehabilitation and spine issues. They can easily recommend which poses to try and which ones to avoid. They are also good about working one on one with you.

Welcome to Spine Health.

"C"

hi j
i have had alot of back issues..and have fibromyalgia
so am doing yoga..when i can
some of poses are great for stretching and good for spine.
i dont go to a class because have not found one teacher yet in my area that is informed of back yoga..
till you find a qualified instructor..dont do some of them..
i went to library and found alot of great yoga ones with special needs..wow they are great..
i have really gotten some dvd with poses i felt okay doing at first then it hit me hard...
so go slow and find a yoga class instructer that specializes in your needs...
check local libray
good luck to you
keep moving however you can
mary

I'll definitely call the PT (though they released me before Thanksgiving, she said to call if I ever had questions). My regular doc works at a student health center, and so is more of a general practitioner, so prob. not the best person to ask...

I haven't had a flexion/extension x-ray, but it sounds like a good idea, as I'm getting more active.
I've been doing great with the arc trainer, walking, and body weight exercises (like planks, push-ups, pull-ups, etc); It just seems to be bending forward or backward that hurts. The other day in yoga we laid on these bolsters with our bottoms on the floor (kind of bending backwards) and it was very uncomfortable for me.

I'll update when I hear from the PT.

Thanks again!

"J"

I know that bolster move, it always hurt like heck but it was supposed to be "good for my back". I took yoga classes for about 7 years and quite frankly I think I did more damage to my spine as I kept-up with everyone else most of the time.

When my back started crumbling more (severe DDD) my PT said to quit the gym and yoga, too many ways to do myself harm and most instructors don't really know how to deal with spineys. She runs a yoga class for those of us with injuries and I would trust going to that, might try it once I get the OK from this fusion.

Be careful, if it hurts, don't do it.

because of the bending. The location of my degenerative discs (L4-S1) makes flexion/extension not a good thing. She said to try pilates instead, and basically anything where I keep my spine more neutral and avoid extremes there.

Thanks for all your comments!

I was just going to write to say "avoid the forward and backward bending". When I had a PLIF two years ago I had a surgeon who was very casual. He basically gave me no restrictions, even when I kept asking for them. He just said "If it hurts, don't do it." The problem is that you usually do not have this information until after you do it!!

You should not really be doing forward bends anyway. They are very hard on the discs even when they are healthy!