Back problems

RE: Back problems

GregJS — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 05:19:06 GMT

What you describe sounds like the back pains I started having in my teens. For me, I think it had to do with misalignment of my pelvis. I tend to have a "swayback" and have to work on tucking my pelvis when I exercise. Backwards-bending yoga postures (camel, bow, cobra, wheel) and other "core" exercises (but not just abdominal ones) have helped me to strengthen the underdeveloped muscles that allow me to do this pelvic tucking. For the past 25+ years I've had very few flare ups of the back pain. Hope you find whatever helps you.

RE: Back problems

Former Member — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:52:26 GMT

Two recommended things 1) Stretch your hamstrings. After you warm them up with soem exercise 2) Do more crunches. When Joe Montana broke his back, he did 3000 sit ups a day as part of his rehab.

RE: Back problems

Former Member — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:18:56 GMT

DPR, you have been experiencing back spasms. The MD will prescribe a steroidal anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxant. If the problem was not brought on by straining your back, it is probably is due to something mis-aligned. A good chiropractor is what you need to see.

RE: Back problems

Former Member — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:51:58 GMT

Strange as it may sound, you might ask your physician about getting your vitamin D levels checked. There are a couple of pretty convincing studies showing improvement in chronic back pain once levels are optimized. I think it really helped me. As Mick said, stretching your hamstrings may improve things. And try your best not to stay in bed when your back hurts. For me, getting in a daily swim (even if only for 15 or 20 minutes) is essential. I think there's something about exercising while horizontal that really loosens my back up. Obviously, make sure that you get medical advice.

RE: Back problems

swimmieAvsFan — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:44:30 GMT

Did you happen to fall/trip at all before you back started hurting? As much as 2-3 weeks prior? I tripped up a set of steps in college and hurt my back pretty badly, but it took almost 2 weeks until I had any noticeable pain. The way you're describing your pain sounds a lot like mine, both in location and how it hurts (especially flip turns). Until you can see a doctor, I don't have any advice beyond what you're already doing. I was lucky that I was a varsity swimmer, so I had immediate access to a doctor and trainers, but most of what they did for me was assisted stretching and electrostim. If you can get to an orthopedist or physical therapist without seeing your general practitioner, I would try and do that.