catman Posted January 18 Posted January 18 G'day all, an ongoing issue that I seem to have these days is lower back pain resulting from a combination of my general weight/exercise work and a consequence of my pre-existing spinal cord injury induced mobility issues. The only partial cure for this pain for me is 'glute bridges' done a few days a week. Does anyone have any comments on lower back pain? Regards, Felix.
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted January 18 Volunteer Posted January 18 On 18/01/2025 at 1:51 AM, catman said: Does anyone have any comments on lower back pain? Expand As a long term sufferer with back issues I would first and foremost be seeking medical/physio advice (if you aren’t already doing this). My two bobs though, if your exercise program is worsening the issue then you need to modify the program (with guidance from your physio) 1
Whites Posted January 18 Posted January 18 Mine is not too bad, usually flares up after awkward lifting such as when I recently had extension ladder out to clean gutters. I generally can go to osteopath for 2 or 3 visits and it is good for quite a few months. Recently changed from a physio to osteopath which I thinks offers a different approach to treatment and seems to be more effective for my issue. 1
Pebbles Posted January 18 Posted January 18 Hi Felix, bad backs are a bugger and I imagine everyone's is different so my story may not help you. I've had a back issue since my early 20's and I'm 70 now. Most likely caused by my Spondylitis (excessive curvature of the lumbar spine) What were intermitant but regular acute episodes turned chronic back pain even though I was very fit otherwise i.e. swimming a klm a day. This was great for every other moving part of my body but not the lumbar area. Decided I needed to be more focused so cobbled together a bunch of yoga and pilates exercises aimed at increasing core strength and flexibility. 15mins twice a day, the pain initially got worse but then slowly went away. I have been doing them ever since although only once a day and workdays. My work is quite physical and it stands up pretty well. Still have the occasional issues but none of the debilitating spasm I used to get. Sitting posture (I always have a lumbar roll with me) and bed (firm) is important for me and of course the exersises. My advice would be to get it properly diagnosed, see a good physio or Pilates instructor and be prepared to do the exersises for a while to see if they help. It sounds like you are a willing exerciser. If they do keep doing them (forever) Very good luck, regards, Andrew 1
Pebbles Posted January 18 Posted January 18 just looked at glut bridges! I would not attempt that (doesnt mean its not right for you) looks like it loads up the lumbar region. My main core strength exercise is a sit up with knees up, hands behind head but only lifting the shoulders and torso off the ground, the lumbar region stays flat. That was advice I got from someone years ago. Lift straight up and also to each side. But hey I'm no physio or pilates instructor..that's what you need for a start. 1
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted January 18 Volunteer Posted January 18 On 18/01/2025 at 2:09 AM, catman said: G'day mate, yes I have already done both! Felix. Expand Have you tried visiting a Kieser Training gym? I’ve been doing it for years and it’s been good for me and my dodgy back. Not cheap though!
Vinylear Posted January 18 Posted January 18 I have occasional lower back problems. When this happens I always try so sit up straight with back firmly against back of seat. If you can't do this then use a cushion to help. You probably do these things already but it doesn't hurt to point them out again. All the best.
Jeddie Posted January 18 Posted January 18 I have had lower back pain for about 45+ years. Tried everyting; physio, massage, osteo, exercise. They all work for to various degrees. The absolute best thing I have done was to start doing yoga. This has strengthened my back like never before. I should have done this 45 years ago. In additional I get regular massages focusing on hip flexor, glutes & quads. 2
Assisi Posted January 18 Posted January 18 My problem started just ove year ago. The problem is numbness in the second and third toe in my right foot. It is connected to osteoarthritis at L5 in the spine. MRI and CT scans identified the cause. No pain in the back though. What caused that flair up impact with the toes is not specifically known. Falling down the stairs and hitting my back, 100 kg dead lift at the gym, brush cutting and a big chipper that requires movement etc. Who knows? The matter was serious initially as the feedback loop from one foot to the other did not work and I walked very slowly, tentative and fell over several times. The brain was confused as to where the feet where especially if the ground was not level. Physio did not work. Chiro was maybe. Cortisone Injection into the spine made a reasonable difference. Interesting experience. Myotherapist maybe. I then tried Acupuncture. Long story. Never had acupuncture before. Interesting. Now there is good but not perfect improvement. I can have key hole surgery. A story for another day. My walking speed is good. No falling over and I can now lift a 100kg at the Gym after one year plus chipping etc. Super careful on the stairs. Any one who has back issues should see a good neurologist followed by scans and then good Neuro Surgeon so that you know what you are dealing with. John
doogie44 Posted January 20 Posted January 20 Sympathy all round. Re PREVENTION: May I mention an aid I am finding invaluable because of ther shocking design of most modern furniture? Any slouching or even some 'slipping' down in the chair for only a few minutes and I am history for a week. This aid prevents that, and thus is helpful regardless of the cause of your pain, in my opinion. It's a seat, and back support, from Fine Foams, currently $170: https://www.finefoams.com.au/products/biggies-comfort-combo?syclid=5c67ae63-62de-429b-8a5c-d5470329c3a7&utm_campaign=order-confirmation-email&utm_content=product&utm_medium=email&utm_source=OrderlyEmails Just the seat is a very good start. I am not affiliated with the company. Just offering this from plain common sense. 2
Recommended Posts