Training, complex health issues - need some input

Firstly I am new here, I just want to first say hello to everyone here.

Firstly abit about me. Some years ago, I had decided to seriously return to the gym and be serious about my training, back in 2004 if I recall correctly. (prior to that, went on and off, but with much personal issues, couldn't seriously get into it)

Everything was going fine for me from 2004 to 2006, for the first time in my life it felt like I was making progress. No way I had a good body lol, but I was getting fitter, improving my strength and health, had a good job, until I developed complex health issues that I had to stop my training, which at the same time, cost me my job the following year.

Last year, I found out I have TMJ Dysfunction as I had chewing problems starting to surface in late 2007. (for those that don't know, its a problem with jaw that can cause alot of problems). I also have a loss of neck curve (no doubt work as data entry over the years contributed to that).

Basically with me, for the past few years, I live in chronic pain, 24x7 that fluctuates, ranging from tolerable to sometimes unbearable (sometimes my headaches are so bad, I have no choice but to lie down). I haven't been able to work for the past few years because of this (sometimes between my eyes on the forehead, it feels like it is being so tightened, the pain can be unbearable at times)

Now I would like to one day, working within my limitations to once again get into a health routine. Try to once again improve my fitness. But with this disorder I got, it is very hard to know what to do so I don't worsen my disorder.

I also need to point out I get certain types of headaches, which at times feels like a shock or a stab.

Has anyone here know of or dealt with people with health issues like mine and have been able to do some form of training?

I have for some time now considered once again trying to do something suitable, and know there are many types of exercises I can never do again.

For me, heavy lifting can be a problem now, and is something I have to avoid now, cannot risk this disorder getting worse, as it can get alot of worse if I don't look after myself now, as I found out it can be a trigger for this disorder.

It be good if some others here who know of this disorder, and who knows people who are able to do some form of training with this disorder could offer me some feedback. Getting ill with this disorder cost me so much.

I really don't know what to do now, I like to get into a health routine again, but am so lost

Hi,
I have never heard of this type of disorder and would not know what type of advice to give you.
Have you sort professional advice?
I don't think there is anyone here with that type of disorder so I don't think you are going to find any solution.
You really need to speak to a professional, possibly some one with a sports injury backgroung who might know what type of exercise you could do without causing any further pain.

Good Luck.

Speak to your rehabilitation counsellor (or just your regular Doc) about Swimming. But Definately do as Shrek suggested and check with your specialist with your options, before rushing into anything.

Good Luck

Couldn't help but have a quick look via Google and seems there are specific exercises for your problem. Have you tried these? Can't post a link yet, not up to 15 posts yet.

Hope it works out for you.

Thanks for the replies.

I have lost faith when it comes to dealing with doctors now. I had such a difficult time, that I had to change many of my numerous doctors and dentists in order to get appropiate treatment, most of which now is a combo of chiro/osteo/physio.

gwf, I too have looked on the internet for what exercises one can do and one avoid, and in my research, lifting heavy appears to be a common trigger.

With me, what started out appearing to be sinusitis ended up actually being tmj dysfunction.

I have my theories as to how I got, I suspect the heavy lifting I did could of contributed, (i suspect the disorder could of started to dveloped prior to developing chewing difficulties) but I don't believe it was the cause of it.