Back pain and exercise - does it ever get better?

sonicredhead

I see there are lots of you out there who have serious back problems, just like me, and that many of you find that exercise aggravates your back. I have the same problem, and was wondering, for those of you who keep it up, does the pain ever get better, or do you just deal with it every time you exercise? Also, do you have certain types of exercises that you prefer because they hurt less on the back? I need some ideas.

femmi1120

Most exercises don't bother my back too much, but rollerblading just kills me. I think it has a lot to do with my posture while I'm doing it. Just rollerbladed on Saturday and the past few days I've been hurting like crazy!

I'd like to believe it will get better once the muscles in my back are stronger... Or when I learn to rollerblade with better posture

AABru

Used to have back pain regularly, and then a friend introduced me to yoga to help correct soft tissue damage in my back. Since I started yoga (7 years ago) I have had little or no pain. My core muscles are much stronger than they were then as well.

stayxtrue

I say this a lot.. But pysio! I would definitely consult a physio to make sure you are doing things with correct technique and so on... I see one and would recommend it... People can tell you what to do on here, but they cant physically assess you and your body... So my suggestion is to see a physio, you do not want to permanently stuff your back!

hatrammell

I say this a lot.. But pysio! I would definitely consult a physio to make sure you are doing things with correct technique and so on... I see one and would recommend it... People can tell you what to do on here, but they cant physically assess you and your body... So my suggestion is to see a physio, you do not want to permanently stuff your back!

Yes, I woud have to agree. This seems like more of a question a doctor could answer. My sister had back problems and when she lost some weight it got better because she wasn't carrying around so much weight, however, something as serious as back problems are always better left to the professionals. Good luck, hope you get it figured out.

JaceyMarieS

I have degenerative disc disease and have herniated 2 discs. When I started, i could not walk any distance and could not carry anything...not so much as a dog leash, let alone a purse. I took Vicoden, Motrin 500 and Flexiril regularly. Oddly, using an elliptical trainer didn't bother me, so that what i started using.

I lost 5% of my body weight - no change
I lost 10 % and maybe felt a bit better. Couldn't walk long, but i could get out of bed without too much moaning.
15% seemed to be my magic number. Still doing the elliptical, but now I can walk for at least 40 minutes with my dog. No NSAIDs, no Vic, no muscle relaxers. I can sleep in different positions, which I haven't done in 6 years.

So ...there's hope :-)

Hood25

I am tall and have had back problems the last 10 years or so. CT scans say bulging disks. i just went to the PT until my pain was under control and then started doing cardio on the treadmill to get in cardio shape and I have since moved on to doing Jillian Micheal DVD's and it has helped tremendously. I think it's because my core is so much more stronger. I make sure my technique is accurate and don't worry about how many times I do an exercise. I listen to my body and if an exercise is too much right now then I just modify it and move on. My back is my priority because without keeping it in good shape I won't be able to work out.

My suggestion is visit a good PT.Do what they say. I went to a center that specialized in working with athletes. I know it is expensive but if you spend the money and get it fixed the right way then you can move on with your life and do a lifelong preventative plan. After PT I would get in shape enough cardio wise so your not winded and then move on to core strengthening and don't worry about having to do the tough exercises you will work your way up. I have never been real flexible and I do work on that but I don't force it. I tried doing the rubber band stretching and it started to aggrevate my back so I just stopped and kept doing light stretching after my Jillian workouts. I figure that is something that is going to take a while and not a 1-2 month fix. I think flexibility is going to be a life long goal of mine. Good luck! Baby your back and don't over do anything for a while.