New member seeking information, and experience from others

alvarezm

Hello,

i have recently been diagnosed with severe arthropathy on L4-L5. Being in a lot of pain. I love exercising, gardening, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and am devastated to think I will not be able to be active anymore. Have been trying to find out what I can do. Have lots of questions: is it possible to slow the progress of the degeneration? Is there alternative treatments? Can exercise help strengthen muscles to compensate for the damaged spine? I have read about a surgical intervention in Germany, has anyone with knowledge of the procedures? Thanks for reading.

Marcos

Sharon_K

Hi @alvarezm

welcome to the forums. So I can see that you have recently been diagnosed with severe arthropathy of L4-L and that you are in a lot of pain. It would be useful to know what type of arthropathy you have? You ask about exercise and I thought this information might be useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-back/

Exercise is generally encouraged to maintain health, if you are concerned please ask your specialist.

I have added this link to osteoarthritis of the spine which might be useful reading

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-spine/

Our members here are very helpful and I am sure they will share their experience with you

Best Wishes

Sharon