Karate training with arthritis in spine

[cmmder_cool]

I have been training for about a year and a half for the past 8 months or so i my lower back on my left side hurts every time I kick (with my left leg). I went to the doctors and was told to physical therapy, which i completed. After a couple weeks break from training the pain was much worse, so I went back to the doctors. This time I got an x-ray. I just got my results today and i have arthritis in my spine. I have another doctors appointment next week, but I am worried she will tell me to stop training. I almost want to train through the pain but i don't want to cripple myself. I was wondering if anybody else has this issue and how does it affect their training?

[CredoTe]

I am certainly no doctor, so I cannot advise you on medical conditions. But, what I can tell you, is that I, too, have arthritis in my "spine". Mine is located in my lower neck vertebrae and in my right shoulder blade.

The way I deal with it is I gently stretch my neck as much as possible using various stretching exercises (these were approved by my doctor). I do this before going to the dojo so I have no interruptions. I also stretch my shoulder very well as I would any other part of my body during warm-ups.

If my arthritis flares up during or after class, then I medicate with OTC naproxen. If the flare up is severe (rarely), then I medicate with prescription naproxen. This was all approved by my doctor.

Again, I cannot say what your doctor will advise, recommend, prescribe, etc. But, the good thing is, it doesn't necessarily mean an end to your training. You just have to learn to live with it, most likely.

[wagnerk]

Can't give specific advise as I'm not a medical practitioner, plus you don't mention what arthritis you have (eg Osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid). I've got Sjogren's and undergoing further testing for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc... and was told to practice when I can (when I'm not in pain) and not to practice when I can't (when I'm in pain).

I was also prescribed Naproxen and codeine for when I am in pain.

I would have a word with your instructor about your condition and see what he/she says. My instructor has modified a lot of the movements for me as I have issues with my joints. Personally I wouldn't training through the pain as you may end up doing my damage long term.

And worse case scenario, you have to stop karate training and take up a soft form of martials art, like Tai Chi. This is something that I've had to come to terms with in case my condition gets worse.

[sensei8]

Solid posts from both CredoTe and wagnerk! I can't really add anything to what they've posted. I suppose the older you get, the more pronounced the pain will be, and even to a debilitating degree...I suppose. I'm no doctor and my advice medically isn't sound by any means!!

It's just me, but I'd consider to not train anymore. Why? I'd rather be able to walk and get around, no matter how limited, than doing the MA anymore. Yeah, it would kill me emotionally, but I can deal with that over not walking or becoming bed-ridden.

A sensitive decision!! I wish you well!!