No lifting for me
Replies
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That's great... none of that actually relates to back issues though.
Right, but they aren't making excuses. You went to one doctor, if it was an issue I think you would have made an effort to sort it out.
Woah, a little harsh I think.
If you read my initial post you will see that the reason I am on here, losing weight is because my back was an issue. The reason I started walking at least 2 miles every day was because my back was an issue. The reason I started picking up the weights in the first place was because I want to strengthen my back.
You are not me and you have not felt the pain I went through. You also do not know the considerable lifestyles changes I have made since my back problems, and as a consequence you have no right to determine whether I am 'making an effort' or not.0 -
You may have a real issue with your back that would truly prevent you from strength training. Then again, you may want to go to a specialist and get a diagnosis, and then take that to the physio. Tell the physio you want to work to recover so you can lift again. If you really can't, then you can't, but so many people say they can't and really mean "it will be too hard."
Personal story: my wife walked out throughout her chemotherapy. It doesn't sound like much but I literally had to carry her to the car on one occasion and she often struggled and had to sit every 100 feet or so. Dedication pays. She was also told by her surgeon that she should never lift weights because of her mastectomy. Guess what, she's lifting and feeling much better for it. Be slow, be cautious, find specialists that will talk to you and not tell you "no," but work, and don't listen to the first person who comes along and tells you that you can't. There are just way too many of those out there.0 -
Hi! I totally understand where you are coming from, but I have to agree that lifting is the way to go if you want your back to be stronger and lower your pain. When I started exercising back in September I did a program that was all with body weight exercises. The first month or so my lower back felt like it was going to break, but I kept at it, modified the exercises a bit to protect my back and did as much as I could. After a month I was feeling better, stronger, and I could push harder. Three months latter I was pain free and could complete all exercises. Now I am doing Stronglifts (since February) and even though sometimes my back is sore, I just add a few more minutes of back stretches, and make sure that I am listening to my body. You can do it. Don’t be afraid. The benefits are too great to let them pass. Start with a lower weight and stay there until you are strong enough and confident to move on. Good Luck.0
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Another thought, jumping from 5kg to 20kg is a big increase, try going to 10kg for a while, then 15, etc0
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That's great... none of that actually relates to back issues though.
Right, but they aren't making excuses. You went to one doctor, if it was an issue I think you would have made an effort to sort it out.
Woah, a little harsh I think.
If you read my initial post you will see that the reason I am on here, losing weight is because my back was an issue. The reason I started walking at least 2 miles every day was because my back was an issue. The reason I started picking up the weights in the first place was because I want to strengthen my back.
You are not me and you have not felt the pain I went through. You also do not know the considerable lifestyles changes I have made since my back problems, and as a consequence you have no right to determine whether I am 'making an effort' or not.
Sorry to say things you don't want to hear.
I have translated your post to: I tried heavy lifting It got pretty difficult, i'll pull out this old injury excuse.
I find your opinion quite astonishing. We are all meant to be here to help each other, and here you are actually putting down my efforts. I could have just given up all together, instead I came on here for some advice and for an alternative.
Think what you like. I am very proud of what I have achieved so far.0 -
That's great... none of that actually relates to back issues though.
Right, but they aren't making excuses. You went to one doctor, if it was an issue I think you would have made an effort to sort it out.
Woah, a little harsh I think.
If you read my initial post you will see that the reason I am on here, losing weight is because my back was an issue. The reason I started walking at least 2 miles every day was because my back was an issue. The reason I started picking up the weights in the first place was because I want to strengthen my back.
You are not me and you have not felt the pain I went through. You also do not know the considerable lifestyles changes I have made since my back problems, and as a consequence you have no right to determine whether I am 'making an effort' or not.
Sorry to say things you don't want to hear.
I have translated your post to: I tried heavy lifting It got pretty difficult, i'll pull out this old injury excuse.
Wow. She's not a person who has lost minimal weight, she's obviously put in some effots. I'm glad other people are being supportive and offering up USEFUL advice. You have offered nothing productive here except to try to cut her down. I read her original post and did not see it in this way at all. Some of us do have restrictions that we have to learn to work around but I guess some people refuse to accept that.0 -
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That's great... none of that actually relates to back issues though.
Right, but they aren't making excuses. You went to one doctor, if it was an issue I think you would have made an effort to sort it out.
Woah, a little harsh I think.
If you read my initial post you will see that the reason I am on here, losing weight is because my back was an issue. The reason I started walking at least 2 miles every day was because my back was an issue. The reason I started picking up the weights in the first place was because I want to strengthen my back.
You are not me and you have not felt the pain I went through. You also do not know the considerable lifestyles changes I have made since my back problems, and as a consequence you have no right to determine whether I am 'making an effort' or not.
Sorry to say things you don't want to hear.
I have translated your post to: I tried heavy lifting It got pretty difficult, i'll pull out this old injury excuse.
I find your opinion quite astonishing. We are all meant to be here to help each other, and here you are actually putting down my efforts. I could have just given up all together, instead I came on here for some advice and for an alternative.
Think what you like. I am very proud of what I have achieved so far.
You haven't given any indication whatsoever what the problem with your back is.
Nothing anyone here says, other than "see a back specialist or physiotherapist," has any relevance to you unless we know what your issue is. Herniated disc? Sprain? Compressed nerve? What's going on?0 -
Not putting down your accomplishments at all.
I'm saying if you have serious back problems seek medical help until its sorted out.
You apparently have no idea to what extent the injury is.
Find out.
Fix it.
Lift.0 -
OP are you in the uk? (I was guessing by your car picture!)
I used to suffer with horrendous lower back issues, so I visited a chiropractor. It was expensive, but worth it. She pinpointed the physical reason I was in so much pain, and gave me some good core exercises that did not impact the lower back. She also gave me stretches to do every day, that I still do a couple of times a week 5 years later, and I am pain-free the majority of the time. I thought I was destined to be one of those "bad back" people who don't or can't do anything, but that first visit to the chiropractic clinic literally changed my life. I hope you get sorted, very difficult to get anywhere with a gp, even if they refer you to physio unfortunately.
I'm happy you got a good chiropractor but I would advise the OP to be careful with seeking out one. It is an unregulated practice, which means some are very capable, informed, and are a true "complimentary" therapy.... then you get the ones who have some funny ideas but generally mean well, and a few bad apples that can be full on quacks.
It's a bad idea to try and "re-align" your spine and "manipulate" your neck without having any access to your medical notes. For most people this is painful, pointless, but fine. For those with disc problems, and some even treat young children, it can be very dangerous. Personally I would not let a chiropractor near my neck, full stop.0 -
Not putting down your accomplishments at all.
I'm saying if you have serious back problems seek medical help until its sorted out.
You apparently have no idea to what extent the injury is.
Find out.
Fix it.
Lift.
Telling me I'm making excuses and not putting the effort in is doing just that.
I have already established that the first step is to see a different doctor. If you read through my posts you can see that I did have repeated appointments after my injury where I asked for further investigation and a physio, and was refused.0 -
Not putting down your accomplishments at all.
I'm saying if you have serious back problems seek medical help until its sorted out.
You apparently have no idea to what extent the injury is.
Find out.
Fix it.
Lift.
Telling me I'm making excuses and not putting the effort in is doing just that.
I have already established that the first step is to see a different doctor. If you read through my posts you can see that I did have repeated appointments after my injury where I asked for further investigation and a physio, and was refused.
I applaud you -- you've taken an initial issue (your back), decided to make a healthier life for yourself from there, made lots of progress, tried lifting, and as soon as there was pain, went to your doc to ask all the right questions before you injured something, or did more permanent damage.
Heck, a lot of people would have said "OH, woe is me. My back is bad, the doc says don't do anything, so I'm not." How many of us know people that do this with all kinds of things in their life?!? You took control, made changes, and are questioning how to keep moving forward EFFECTIVELY. :flowerforyou: KUDOS. :flowerforyou:
I do believe lifting is healthy -- I spent 5 months at my local CrossFit box, and the overall strength and fitness I achieved there was amazing, better than anything else I've tried (running, biking, circuit training, etc.) HOWEVER, I have three bulging discs in my neck right now, and after seeing a great sports ortho and having PT for 6 weeks (and ongoing PT daily at home on my own), I haven't been able to get back to that level...yet. My goal is to get back to heavy lifting...but at 3 months out, I'm still not cleared for anything close to that. :grumble:
Necks and backs ARE complicated. Like others have said, get a good diagnosis (ortho, physio) and then go SLOW. Even though my ortho says I am doing amazingly well for 3 discs, it is incredibly hard to hold back on things you want to do. But I can tell when I've done too much, and as frustrating as this process is, I'm still trying.
And so are YOU. So don't let anybody discourage you. Keep asking questions, keep going, keep moving, stand your ground. I'm proud of you. :flowerforyou:0 -
OP: I completely understand what you're going through. I had lower back problems on and off for a number of years that would leave me completely bed ridden for a few days to over a week and hopped up on over the counter pain killers. I saw my GP about it who simply told me to take Advil. When I told her that I did, she said "take more." Then it went "out" (not sure how else to describe it) the day of my sister's engagement party. It was hosted by her in-laws, and I literally crawled from the bus stop down the street to their house. One of my brother-in-law's friends is a chiropractor. He took a look at me, drove me to his office, and spent an hour doing a physical exam and a number of tests. This was WAY MORE than my GP ever did. I still see him regularly and I go a bit more often when I have the odd flare up just so things don't get out of control, but he literally changed my life. He also gave me exercises to do in order to strengthen my lower back and other muscles.
I now lift heavy twice a week (I'm not super serious about it - I just do it as part of a group power class) and I know that I would not be able to do it without him. He has never once told me not to do something. Instead, when I first started lifting, he helped me with it and showed me proper form, etc. My lower back muscles have gotten to that point where in the past I knew it would go out soon thereafter (where you feel that little twinge in your lower back muscles?), but it has never gotten worse than that since I started going to him. Obviously there are contraindications to chiropractic adjustments, so if you choose this route, be sure to go to one who is reputable and does diagnostic tests. However, if the problem is with weak muscles, then I highly recommend this route. I think someone else mentioned that you should consider a sports chiropractor. He/she should be able to help you with proper form so that you don't injure your back or give you instructions on how to work up to it. My chiropractor has never once told me NOT to do something - instead, he just helps me get there.0 -
Backs are tough, I know how you feel. Truth of the matter is, most back pains or issues can be resolved with abdominal and core strengthening. Correct form sit-ups, crunches, and planks can help in the long run, and making sure you sleep on your side or back to prevent anterior pelvic tilt which is very stressful on the low back. Watch your running, which can cause axial loading on the lumbar vertabrae and cause more inflammation of the discs. Slowly you should get better, but definitely do self-body resistance training like push ups, dip ups on a chair, and crunches along with your core workouts. Lean proteins can help but only with muscle repair, otherwise excess protein is just turned to free fatty acids and stored as adipose tissue just like any other macronutrient.
This is about the best thing I have read in a long time. I might just print it out and post it on my fridge.
I am 50 and I've always tried to be active. As a kid I was in sports so I've had my share of injuries. Nothing as serious as your back, but I really agree with the fact that we need to strengthen our bodies no matter what. It might seem minor, but I had very weak wrists. Once I started building the strength in them, the pain and weakness went away. My back has always given me problems but once I learned how to strengthen my core my back is so much better! Yes, I still have pain most days but I've learned that when I am idle it just gets tighter so when I get up and move around it loosens up and feels better. I also found that stretching really helps. I used to think that when my back hurt, I should just stretch my back. Now I've learned that I should stretch other areas near my back (like my hips) and my back starts to feel better. I never gave much thought to how everything is all connected together. When I have pain in my elbow, it helps to rub my shoulder muscles. Things like that. It's all connected. I hope you find what works for you! I know we are all different. I hope, in time, you figure out just what works for you!0 -
Try to get a referral to a Sports Medicine specialist. I am so glad I did. Have had neck stiffness for years, but finally got a referral for an MRI for the first time. At least now I know the true severity of my problem, and realize I might need surgery at some point in the future.0
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I agree about getting it properly diagnosed and with any referrals you need, then doing appropriate exercises that focus on strength and flexibility.
My anecdotal experience
I have mild scoliosis, which leads to various fun and games, and on-again-off-again trips to the chiro over the last decade. I screwed my lower back up moving house last year this time last year, and after 6 weeks (including some days on double-strength ibuprofen + cocodamol, which I'd been prescribed before) I took myself to the doctor, who referred me to a physio, who basically told me to do some stretches each day. I'd started couch to 5k and noticed my back was better the days after I ran, so movement is good for me.
I ran all through the summer, working up to 8 miles at a time with periodic back pain continuing and another stint of chiro visits in Sep. I started Strong Lifts in Dec and have had far fewer problems than at any other point in my life. I did have to go back to the chiro last month when it started hurting more regularly, but it was less debilitating than before, and that was just a consequence of the scoliosis rearing its head again: it's a chronic condition, after all. I've just added yoga & pilates back into my routine for flexibility.
Strong core + strong back + moving back = healthy back.0 -
I have a herniated disc (L5-S1); I noticed the pain returning when I would life higher weights. I experimented with cutting out different exercises; for me, the leg press was causing the most pain. Since then I lightened up the weight (I had been doing 180, now I do 100) and it's been much, MUCH better. I generally do high weight, low reps, but for the leg press, low weight high reps (like 3 sets of 20) works better for me.
Also properly stretching before and after has made a big difference.
For cardio, I find that running on the treadmill--especially at an incline!!!!!--aggravates my back, but spin class has been just fine.
Good luck!0 -
Not putting down your accomplishments at all.
I'm saying if you have serious back problems seek medical help until its sorted out.
You apparently have no idea to what extent the injury is.
Find out.
Fix it.
Lift.
Telling me I'm making excuses and not putting the effort in is doing just that.
I have already established that the first step is to see a different doctor. If you read through my posts you can see that I did have repeated appointments after my injury where I asked for further investigation and a physio, and was refused.
I applaud you -- you've taken an initial issue (your back), decided to make a healthier life for yourself from there, made lots of progress, tried lifting, and as soon as there was pain, went to your doc to ask all the right questions before you injured something, or did more permanent damage.
Heck, a lot of people would have said "OH, woe is me. My back is bad, the doc says don't do anything, so I'm not." How many of us know people that do this with all kinds of things in their life?!? You took control, made changes, and are questioning how to keep moving forward EFFECTIVELY. :flowerforyou: KUDOS. :flowerforyou:
I do believe lifting is healthy -- I spent 5 months at my local CrossFit box, and the overall strength and fitness I achieved there was amazing, better than anything else I've tried (running, biking, circuit training, etc.) HOWEVER, I have three bulging discs in my neck right now, and after seeing a great sports ortho and having PT for 6 weeks (and ongoing PT daily at home on my own), I haven't been able to get back to that level...yet. My goal is to get back to heavy lifting...but at 3 months out, I'm still not cleared for anything close to that. :grumble:
Necks and backs ARE complicated. Like others have said, get a good diagnosis (ortho, physio) and then go SLOW. Even though my ortho says I am doing amazingly well for 3 discs, it is incredibly hard to hold back on things you want to do. But I can tell when I've done too much, and as frustrating as this process is, I'm still trying.
And so are YOU. So don't let anybody discourage you. Keep asking questions, keep going, keep moving, stand your ground. I'm proud of you. :flowerforyou:
Thank you for your support, I really appreciate it. :flowerforyou:OP: I completely understand what you're going through. I had lower back problems on and off for a number of years that would leave me completely bed ridden for a few days to over a week and hopped up on over the counter pain killers. I saw my GP about it who simply told me to take Advil. When I told her that I did, she said "take more." Then it went "out" (not sure how else to describe it) the day of my sister's engagement party. It was hosted by her in-laws, and I literally crawled from the bus stop down the street to their house. One of my brother-in-law's friends is a chiropractor. He took a look at me, drove me to his office, and spent an hour doing a physical exam and a number of tests. This was WAY MORE than my GP ever did. I still see him regularly and I go a bit more often when I have the odd flare up just so things don't get out of control, but he literally changed my life. He also gave me exercises to do in order to strengthen my lower back and other muscles.
I now lift heavy twice a week (I'm not super serious about it - I just do it as part of a group power class) and I know that I would not be able to do it without him. He has never once told me not to do something. Instead, when I first started lifting, he helped me with it and showed me proper form, etc. My lower back muscles have gotten to that point where in the past I knew it would go out soon thereafter (where you feel that little twinge in your lower back muscles?), but it has never gotten worse than that since I started going to him. Obviously there are contraindications to chiropractic adjustments, so if you choose this route, be sure to go to one who is reputable and does diagnostic tests. However, if the problem is with weak muscles, then I highly recommend this route. I think someone else mentioned that you should consider a sports chiropractor. He/she should be able to help you with proper form so that you don't injure your back or give you instructions on how to work up to it. My chiropractor has never once told me NOT to do something - instead, he just helps me get there.
That is EXACTLY what happens with my back too. Twinges, and you're right, it just 'goes', I then collapse on the floor and have to crawl everywhere. It's good to know that it is possible to get it better though. Out of curiosity, what did they diagnose you with, if anything?0 -
I have 5 herniated discs in my lower spine, 3 bad discs in my neck area as well a bad hip that likes to dislocate when I lift anything heavy so I can't do any heavy lifting and have to be very careful or else I'm in excruciating pain for weeks.
I do however use bar bells to do bicep curls and use a weight machine. I just have to keep the weights below a certain amount. I've learned the hard way what my limits are.
I went to a physical therapist after I got the results back from all of my CT and MRI scans and he showed me different exercises and ways to lift that wouldn't aggravate my particular injuries.
Swimming is really the best for me. When I was in too much pain to do much of anything I was always able to swim even if it was by holding onto a kick board.
Get to a good doctor. Tests need to be done to see exactly what the problem is and then a physical therapist would be needed to help you prevent further injury as well as help you learn what you can do with the injury you may have.0 -
I would say do body weight exercises, push ups, pull ups, lunges those types of things...
This^. After you have lost some weight and are very proficient at bodyweight exercises you can start adding weights to exercises that do not directly load the spine (weighted push ups, dumbbell rows, chest supported rows, chin ups, dips). After you have developed a significant amount of strength with those lifts then you can slowly start adding weight to exercises that load the spine indirectly (deadlifts, shrugs, barbell rows) and then finally, you may or may not be able to add exercises that directly load the spine (Squats). I would also recommend doing a lot of exercises that decompress the spine like lat pull downs, chin ups and dips.0 -
Not putting down your accomplishments at all.
I'm saying if you have serious back problems seek medical help until its sorted out.
You apparently have no idea to what extent the injury is.
Find out.
Fix it.
Lift.
Telling me I'm making excuses and not putting the effort in is doing just that.
I have already established that the first step is to see a different doctor. If you read through my posts you can see that I did have repeated appointments after my injury where I asked for further investigation and a physio, and was refused.
I applaud you -- you've taken an initial issue (your back), decided to make a healthier life for yourself from there, made lots of progress, tried lifting, and as soon as there was pain, went to your doc to ask all the right questions before you injured something, or did more permanent damage.
Heck, a lot of people would have said "OH, woe is me. My back is bad, the doc says don't do anything, so I'm not." How many of us know people that do this with all kinds of things in their life?!? You took control, made changes, and are questioning how to keep moving forward EFFECTIVELY. :flowerforyou: KUDOS. :flowerforyou:
I do believe lifting is healthy -- I spent 5 months at my local CrossFit box, and the overall strength and fitness I achieved there was amazing, better than anything else I've tried (running, biking, circuit training, etc.) HOWEVER, I have three bulging discs in my neck right now, and after seeing a great sports ortho and having PT for 6 weeks (and ongoing PT daily at home on my own), I haven't been able to get back to that level...yet. My goal is to get back to heavy lifting...but at 3 months out, I'm still not cleared for anything close to that. :grumble:
Necks and backs ARE complicated. Like others have said, get a good diagnosis (ortho, physio) and then go SLOW. Even though my ortho says I am doing amazingly well for 3 discs, it is incredibly hard to hold back on things you want to do. But I can tell when I've done too much, and as frustrating as this process is, I'm still trying.
And so are YOU. So don't let anybody discourage you. Keep asking questions, keep going, keep moving, stand your ground. I'm proud of you. :flowerforyou:
Thank you for your support, I really appreciate it. :flowerforyou:OP: I completely understand what you're going through. I had lower back problems on and off for a number of years that would leave me completely bed ridden for a few days to over a week and hopped up on over the counter pain killers. I saw my GP about it who simply told me to take Advil. When I told her that I did, she said "take more." Then it went "out" (not sure how else to describe it) the day of my sister's engagement party. It was hosted by her in-laws, and I literally crawled from the bus stop down the street to their house. One of my brother-in-law's friends is a chiropractor. He took a look at me, drove me to his office, and spent an hour doing a physical exam and a number of tests. This was WAY MORE than my GP ever did. I still see him regularly and I go a bit more often when I have the odd flare up just so things don't get out of control, but he literally changed my life. He also gave me exercises to do in order to strengthen my lower back and other muscles.
I now lift heavy twice a week (I'm not super serious about it - I just do it as part of a group power class) and I know that I would not be able to do it without him. He has never once told me not to do something. Instead, when I first started lifting, he helped me with it and showed me proper form, etc. My lower back muscles have gotten to that point where in the past I knew it would go out soon thereafter (where you feel that little twinge in your lower back muscles?), but it has never gotten worse than that since I started going to him. Obviously there are contraindications to chiropractic adjustments, so if you choose this route, be sure to go to one who is reputable and does diagnostic tests. However, if the problem is with weak muscles, then I highly recommend this route. I think someone else mentioned that you should consider a sports chiropractor. He/she should be able to help you with proper form so that you don't injure your back or give you instructions on how to work up to it. My chiropractor has never once told me NOT to do something - instead, he just helps me get there.
That is EXACTLY what happens with my back too. Twinges, and you're right, it just 'goes', I then collapse on the floor and have to crawl everywhere. It's good to know that it is possible to get it better though. Out of curiosity, what did they diagnose you with, if anything?
The problems for me were mostly coming from my neck (I've had chronic migraines since I was a child, which have also gotten better since I started seeing him), which was causing my entire spine to twist, which was in turn caused my pelvis to be crooked. All of that was causing my muscles to spasm in my back. It took about a year, maybe less, for my pelvis to level out. I haven't experienced any twinges in my lower back in about 6 months (I've been seeing him for a year and a half, but my back hasn't gone out since I started seeing him). He does adjust my neck, but he doesn't twist or crack anything. He is a traditional chiropractor, which at the beginning made me uneasy when I realized it, but he is also very knowledgeable, was way more thorough than my GP and has helped me way more than she ever has, and at the beginning did a complete orthopedic and neurological exam and sent me for x-rays and then an MRI just to be sure. If you go this route, be sure to do your research.0 -
I had a mjor issue with my lower back last year. Luckily, there was no permanent damage. My doctor had me see a Physical Therapist for 6 weeks. The PT taught me how to stretch properly and recommended Pilates and Yoga as part of my exercise routine. I'm doing both Pilates and Yoga now and haven't had the back pain return. I'm also doing Stronglifts 5x5. In fact Mehdi just sent out a newsletter today talking about lower back pain. If you experience lower backpain while doing the compound lifts your form is either bad or you're lifting too heavy with poor form.
I was squatting my body weight last night and struggling. One of the serious lifters at my gym who also happens to be a Chiropractor, told me I was leaning forward too far while coming up and risked blowing out my lower back. He suggested I back off the weight and try again. I backed of 40lbs and could really feel the difference in my form. I was pushing back up on my heels and engaging my glutes and quads and felt no issues with my back.
He and a few other guys also told me not to get hung up on the weight. It's better to do the exercise with proper form at a lower weight than to put up bigger numbers with poor form. You get a better workout engaging the proper muscles than stroking your ego and pushing more weight.
As a few people have said, find a good doctor to diagnose your problem, get back to lifting and concentrate on your form!0 -
Backs are tough, I know how you feel. Truth of the matter is, most back pains or issues can be resolved with abdominal and core strengthening. Correct form sit-ups, crunches, and planks can help in the long run, and making sure you sleep on your side or back to prevent anterior pelvic tilt which is very stressful on the low back. Watch your running, which can cause axial loading on the lumbar vertabrae and cause more inflammation of the discs. Slowly you should get better, but definitely do self-body resistance training like push ups, dip ups on a chair, and crunches along with your core workouts. Lean proteins can help but only with muscle repair, otherwise excess protein is just turned to free fatty acids and stored as adipose tissue just like any other macronutrient.
This is about the best thing I have read in a long time. I might just print it out and post it on my fridge.
I am 50 and I've always tried to be active. As a kid I was in sports so I've had my share of injuries. Nothing as serious as your back, but I really agree with the fact that we need to strengthen our bodies no matter what. It might seem minor, but I had very weak wrists. Once I started building the strength in them, the pain and weakness went away. My back has always given me problems but once I learned how to strengthen my core my back is so much better! Yes, I still have pain most days but I've learned that when I am idle it just gets tighter so when I get up and move around it loosens up and feels better. I also found that stretching really helps. I used to think that when my back hurt, I should just stretch my back. Now I've learned that I should stretch other areas near my back (like my hips) and my back starts to feel better. I never gave much thought to how everything is all connected together. When I have pain in my elbow, it helps to rub my shoulder muscles. Things like that. It's all connected. I hope you find what works for you! I know we are all different. I hope, in time, you figure out just what works for you!
Thanks : ) Sorry to be so wordy, it's just how us exercise physiologists are use to talking.0 -
I would highly urge you not to lift when your having a history of back problems.
You'll only make your situation worse and not better.
Stick to cardio and eat clean and you'll be fine.0 -
my doctor has told me not to do over head presses or squats...(probably my 2 best lifts).0
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I used to have neck issues and back issues and started with yoga and pilates. Strengthen the core and everything else will follow. Now I do strength training with a trainer and Bar Method for core and cardio.0
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What is wrong with your lower back?
With the exception of herniated disks, there is no reason to not be lifting weights to strengthen your back.
Strong back = healthy back.
I'd definitely try to get a session with a physical therapist or something to have them assess your issues and come up with exercises you can still do.
To be honest, I am unsure about whether I had either a slipped disc or muscle problems. The doctor I had at the time was very unsympathetic and didn't take me seriously; kept telling me to walk to the surgery for an appointment, and not believing me when I said I could barely walk to the toilet, let alone a surgery. Repeated appointments after where I asked for a physio and for it to be investigated, and they said because the pain was not severe for more than 6 weeks, it is not classed as 'chronic' back pain, so they aren't worried. As a consequence it was never fully looked into.
I may look into a private physio. You are right, lifts are meant to strengthen your back, but mine definitely doesn't like it!
And sometimes the apin is just trying to mess with your head. I lift. While I don't have lower back issues, I do have issues with my shoulders. I still lift. Sometimes I "overdo it". Pain is a part of life. Learn your limits. Also keep in mind that not all pain is necessarily bad. If you are strengthening muscle then it will swell and retain water. This is painful to different degrees depending on how worked the muscles are. Sometimes the pain won't be felt until as much as two days after the workout... if it is severe then obviously dial back on the lifting until the pain has almost completely subsided. I push my limits every single time I work out and if I can't feel it, even ever so slightly, then I didn't lift heavy enough and I increase the weights.
KNOW your body. IT can tell you more about yourself than the doctor. If you know you have a low thresh-hold for pain or discomfort, take that into consideration as well.... "how much of this 'pain' is because I just don't like to feel any soreness anywhere, ever so it seems worse than it is?"
"Pain is fear leaving the body" ~ Jillian Michaels
Edited to add that I was ordered no high impact... no running. I listened, for a while. Then I decided to take it slow and now I can jog over two miles before having to stop. My knees and calves hurt like hellO the first few times but with each time I persisted and the pain becameless and less and I got stronger....0 -
OP are you in the uk? (I was guessing by your car picture!)
I guessed that from the ridiculously shoddy treatment by the doctor, sounds just like what a friend of mine went through (not with her back, but another issue) she ended up in hospital for days because her GP refused to take her seriously....
OP if you are in the UK, and you have the money to go private, then go private. Try the new GP clinic, they may very well be a lot better and get you referred to a physio properly, if not, then seriously go private.
While it's true that exercise can help with many back problems, you absolutely need to get a proper diagnosis of what's going on first. Lifting can make certain specific problems a lot worse. And if your NHS GP said "don't lift" well in all honesty, sounds like he was just giving you the bum's rush. A good physio will be able to tell you if it's safe to carry on lifting, and also give you a proper programme to strengthen your back. If it is one of the problems that means you shouldn't lift, he or she should be able to give you treatment and advice for that. If you get no joy with the NHS, go private.
If you're not in the UK, some of the above may apply nevertheless....0 -
I'd first look into exercises that involve stretching and strength like yoga and pilates. It's not just for girls... a lot of pro lifters spend an extensive amount of time warming up and stretching. Machine weights vs. free weights might be the ultimate compromise. Dead lifts put a lot of pressure on my lower back, but you could also just low t-bar row instead. You can find alternatives to you situation and I would agree go to someone who deals with sports injuries. Going through rehab twice I've found the only way sometimes to get better is to push past the pain whereas sometimes you need to take a break.0
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I went through years of horrible back pain and unsympathetic, unhelpful doctors. UGH!
I finally found a new doctor who insisted I get a spine Xray and referred me to physical therapy and it made a WORLD of difference to me, I got lucky and found a great therapist who was able to teach me lots of exercises to strengthen my whole body to reduce the pain as well as stretches to do when I had a problem. I went for about 3 months and this was long enough to reduce my pain a lot and to teach me some great exercises I continue to do at home. It was well worth the money!! (and the work....those therapists really pushed me, it was an intense workout every time I went!)0
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