I'm new, and just discovered this site. I had X-ray, MRI and CT scans this fall, and the neurosurgeon just told me that my SPINE is in excellent shape, in terms of the bone and disks around the spinal cord, but that the lumbar facet joints had some hypertrophied cartilage, probably something that developed over long years of an active life (I am in my 50s). So, after a period of trying to rest my back and investigate causes, I'm now ready to try and regain some muscle mass ans flexiblilty, within the limits of my discomfort threshold. I am currently taking 25mg of elavil (amitriptyline) each evening, which has moved the pain back out of my face somewhat, and given me the sleep that the pain had disrupted, as well as an aspirin and an extra-strength tylenol (acetaminiphren) twice a day. I am also working with a nutritionist and a chiropractor and hypnotherapist, but my family doctor of 23 years recently died, and I really miss his wisdom!
Anyone have any advice on starting to get in shape in a manner that my back can handle without too much complaint? Is yoga good? Any particular variety best?