Can Elliptical cause sharp pain at the sides despite normal kidney reports?

Posted on Tue, 8 May 2018

Question: I have a lot of problems with my back, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis. Spurs on 2 separate discs, lower lumbar pain. I work out on an elliptical which has greatly helped these conditions. Actually, I take no pain meds because the exercise is so helpful. About 2 months ago I noticed after I finished the Elliptical, my left side was painful. This didn’t make since everything else had improved. There was no pain in the left side for about 30 minutes after I got off the elliptical . For about 2 months I have pain when I tech a certain way, sharp pain, almost a pain where you want to say argh! There seems to be a dull pain. Which is always there . I have had my kidneys checked and they are fine can you give me some advice?

Answered by Dr. Eni (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is a mechanical back pain

Detailed Answer:
Dear lady,
I have read your question and I understand your concern.

From what you have described, the results of using the Elliptical have been remarkable. You don't use any meds and you can keep the pain under control even though you have to degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spurs on 2 separate discs? This is outstanding. But everything has a limit.
The patients I see that have the same conditions as you have, are already on multiple therapies for pain control, and they still complain of dull pain which sometimes in certain positions turns sharp.
It is not coming from your kidneys, as the doctor checked them and confirmed that they are not the problem. It is from your back.

All the conditions you have, especially the degenerative disc disease and the spurs on 2 discs, cannot be alleviated only with Elliptical. You will feel pain.

I would recommend you to see your doctor, and to see some alternatives about the medical treatment, which would be a great help to the healthy diet and Elliptical trainer. I don't mean it to be the main therapy, but it can enhance your pain control, and you won't have this dull pain everyday.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health!
Manoku Eni M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj