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My lower back just to the side of my spine – seems to ache either when I have done quite a bit of sport or if I have been standing around a lot – eg generally shopping where lots of stopping and starting. I have had a scan for it and the consultant said it was just general wear and tear for my age (60) … would this mean OA? He suggest Pilates and that was it… is there anything else you would recommend I could do or not do? Thank you (Julie)

Hi Julie

Thank you for your question.

I should imagine your consultant was speaking about some age related changed in the cartilage of the joints in question. This is probably in keeping with a degree of OA, however, such changes do vary a great deal from person to person.

What I can say for certain is that there are many ways to achieve better strength of ones core, which I presume is what your consultant was suggesting. Pilates, yoga, or any movement based class can be really effective in better managing back pain.

I would seek a class for beginner first and perhaps try some different classes to see what you really enjoy. As with any exercise. Listen to your body and be mindful of how you feel during and the day after any class. In doing this you will soon find an activity that suits you and your body.

Perhaps try some water based exercise as a great alternative to land based classes to. You might also want to speak to an allied health professional who might be able to sign-post you to a local class or prescribe some simple rehabilitation exercises. Osteopaths and Physiotherapists are well placed to offer such expertise.

Arthtis Action have some directories to look for local classes and also some nice information of exercise or seeking advice from Allied health professionals. I have included the links below.

Very best of luck!
David


David

https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... arthritis/

https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/physical-therapy/

https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... directory/

Hi, Julie

David has made some lovely suggestions for you.

On the issue of pilates, I recommend pilates classes as a management tool for back pain for many of my patients. The only very small caution is that pilates is a relatively complicated skill and so a good teacher is imperative. I recommend finding a good teacher (Perhaps one who is APPI trained (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute)) and have a couple of sessions in either a small class or 1 to 1 sessions just to get the hang of it.

Water-based exercise is also very good for back pain and for improving core strength. This could be in the form of swimming, aquatic exercise, walking in the water (this is very helpful for building strength and improving cardiovascular fitness).

In general, movement can be pain relieving and our bodies can respond well to exercise, even with age-related changes.

It might be worth approaching your GP to find out whether there are any local exercise classes that might work for you.