How to Manage Degenerative Spine Disorders

[@margaretmartinpt]

This video covers four degenerative spine disorders common with people as they age. I describe each of them in detail and suggest several strategies to either reduce the risk of onset of these disorders or how to manage them if you develop a disorder.

[@irenemiller-lubin727]

Very good explanation. Makes a lot of sense. I have osteoporosis and I am also a fitness professional. Many of my clients have osteoporosis or bulging disc and I use many explanations for and examples to make sure they understand that it’s not just the exercises they should avoid but what they should avoid in daily live.

[@lindakautzman7388]

Great..really appreciate quidance to exercising with weight in a safe way⁷

[@karent.8245]

Very informative as always. Thank you.

[@margaretmartinpt]

Glad you like it. Thank you.

[@blissfulbaboon]

Fantastic video!Thank you so much!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Glad you liked it!

[@sharonmitchel1377]

Oh my! Fortunately all my spine disorders are relatively minor. Osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, lumbar schmorl’s node, facet arthritis and arthritis in si joint. Back extension (cobra) does bother lumbar. You mentioned being immaculate in movement. No idea how to manage all these at once.

[@margaretmartinpt]

You might want to read my page dedicated to posture: melioguide.com/health-guides/perfect-posture/

[@sharonmitchel1377]

@@margaretmartinpt thanks. You videos are so very helpful!

[@lindakautzman7388]

EXCELLENT.THANK YOU

[@ALi-bn6bf]

Thank you!

[@margaretmartinpt]

You're welcome!

[@kenridgway4499]

I do have osteoporosis and a regular yoga practice. Are forward bends acceptable if done from the hip rather than rounding the spine?

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Ken. Form matters when you are doing yoga and have osteoporosis. I cover this extensively in my book Yoga for Better Bones. melioguide.com/products/yoga-for-better-bones/ You can also review my hatha yoga workout to see how I do poses. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYauY5aZjth4ppI

[@elizabethsimurdiak6533]

@@margaretmartinpt Thank you

[@williamthomas6449]

Margaret, I have both osteoporosis of the spine and serious lumbar spinal stenosis! How do I handle this obvious contradiction? Please help!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi William. As I mentioned in the video these can be complex situations best managed by a Physical Therapist. I strong;y encourage you to start there and see what they recommend. Best of luck and thanks for following my channel.

[@JillHendrickson]

I'm wondering if bending down to wash my face in the bathroom sink each morning and evening is bad for my spine. If so, do you have any suggestions?

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Jill. Yes. Those daily movements matter. These are covered in detail in my book, Exercise for Better Bones. In the meantime, I explain the key concepts here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3yrm6t_ltSZe9E

[@kalsoomjavaid2563]

Mam where you live . I have extensive compression fracture

[@antonellamicheli1082]

DEAR MARGRET..IS COBRA POSE FOR OSTEOPINIA AND BULGING DISC OK? ..THANKU

[@margaretmartinpt]

In general, the Cobra Pose is safe for people with osteopenia. In fact there are a number of benefits associated with the Cobra pose for people who want to improve their bone health. I explain this in my book, Yoga for Better Bones. amzn.to/35ckg9h If you have bulging disc, I mention in the video that you should consult with a physical therapist or physician. Hope this helps! Good luck and thanks for your comments and questions.

[@antonellamicheli1082]

@@margaretmartinpt THANKU

[@sharonchila7698]

So helpful!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethsimurdiak6533]

Can the "micro traumas" heal over time? I have osteopenia in my spine and have been doing yoga for some time. I have an achy back frequently and wonder if I have micro traumas. This is the first I've heard about some poses not being healthy for my condition.

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Elizabeth. Micro traumas can accumulate to the point where they lead to a vertebral fracture. I discuss this extensively here: melioguide.com/perfect-posture/osteoporosis-posture/ My advice for individuals with osteopenia is to work on improving their posture and supplement with weight bearing exercises that are safe. Postural alignment comes first and this helps mitigate and reduce the chance of future micro trauma. To learn how to improve your posture, I suggest you visit: learn.melioguide.com/30-day-posture/ I encourage yoga practitioners and teachers to read my book, Yoga for Better Bones. melioguide.com/products/yoga-for-better-bones/

[@elizabethsimurdiak6533]

@@margaretmartinpt Thank you. Great explanation.

[@janethall3272]

I like to program prone back extensions (prone M) for my clients. If a participant has stenosis, is a bird dog (aka, horse stance) a good substitute? Any other exercises for erector spinae that are stenosis friendly?

[@margaretmartinpt]

I typically decide the appropriate intervention after I assess the patient. There could be a number of issues and the optimal exercise choice can vary. Thank.

[@carolthomas8528]

I’ve noticed lately that canned sardines are advertising “ bone free fish “ . Surely this is not a good trend - I have always chewed up all the bones in canned sardines and salmon etc . Do you think this is a valid theory ?

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Carol. I am not sure you will get the calcium you need through the fish bones. My understanding is that they are beneficial and their absence is a concern. I have an article on calcium supplements on my site. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-nutrition/calcium-supplements-for-osteoporosis/

[@carolthomas8528]

@@margaretmartinpt Thanks for your reply . I’m not actually implying that the soft bones in canned sardines are in themselves adequate but nonetheless I think their removal is a retrograde step .