Exercising with chronic back pain

blondie0942

I've been experiencing chronic lower back pain for a long time, and working out is seemingly impossible at times because something as simple as standing can be difficult. However, swimming works wonders for me as it's very low impact. If there's anyone else who suffers from chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, what do you do to get your exercise in for the day? I'm looking for other low impact ways to burn calories, so I can still exercise even if the weather isn't right for swimming (it's been raining here for a week straight). Thanks

jfan175

Foam rolling after working out has done wonders for my lower back pain. Have your doctor check out the back before doing this, though.

flechero

The only thing that has helped me in the last 15 years is actually doing back and ab strengthening exercises regularly. Yes it hurts the first few times but I noted a nice decrease in pain by week 2 each time I started it. I'm just talking basic, low weight resistance. If on a machine at the gym just putting 20 or so lbs on the pin and doing the ab and back curls. At home, I stretch and do dead bugs, super humans, planks and crunches. Start off slow and easy, give it a few days to work between workouts. I have beaten chronic back pain anytime I have stuck to it... the problem is after a few years, I forget that this routine is the answer and stop doing it... then in a couple weeks, the back pain returns.

Also, for low back pain, there are a number of stretching routines that can work wonders. Just stretching out can cure me for a day or two at a time. Yoga is another great back helper... just start slow.

Shrinkingmam0429

I've been experiencing chronic lower back pain for a long time, and working out is seemingly impossible at times because something as simple as standing can be difficult. However, swimming works wonders for me as it's very low impact. If there's anyone else who suffers from chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, what do you do to get your exercise in for the day? I'm looking for other low impact ways to burn calories, so I can still exercise even if the weather isn't right for swimming (it's been raining here for a week straight). Thanks

I'm right there with ya! 2 years ago I was in a car accident and herniated 3 discs in my back, so my pain was controlling my life, I guess that would add on to how I gained alot of weight in the past few years, besides the fact of having my son & being on birthcontrol! I do Pilates! & Honestly ALOT of the workouts are for releasing the back muscles, and taking the pressure off the back, Its been a life saver for me! 14lbs lost since May 1st

sarahrbraun

I had LOTS of back pain when I started working out in February. I messed up my back and hips last August in a fall--my hips were badly aligned, and that caused really bad lower back pain. When I first started walking on the treadmill, my hips would hurt like crazy after 20 minutes--I could hardly step off the treadmill I was in so much pain. Then I discovered the "back extension" machine in the strength training area. I put about 20 pounds on it and did a few FULL extensions, and could feel my lower back decompressing. It felt flippin AWESOME. After just a few months, I can do about 30 reps with 70# on it!! My back feels the best it has felt in ages!