Exercise and back pain...

nikibob
nikibob Posts: 165 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
Just wanted to get some more opinions on this. I have a lot of trouble with lower back pain. Lately I've found it may be linked to my really tight hamstrings but that isn't the point. What I'm wondering is, should I continue an exercise if it causes my back to be sore? My thought were that my back needs to be stronger (it's fairly weak) and if I can push through being sore for a little while I will end up better off in the long run. Mind you it doesn't hurt while I'm exercising, and it usually only starts to get sore after a couple weeks of doing the same workout routine. If I mix up my routine or try another workout its like the countown to the pain starts again. Not sure if that makes any sense whatsoever, but wanted to get some outside opinions on it. Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • denise980
    denise980 Posts: 296
    I broke my back when I was 16. One thing that I find I have to do consistently is take a tylonol before working out. It helps with the pain that I have always...

    If it's hurting you in a bad way, I say stop the exercise. If it is the good type of hurt (i.e. something getting stronger) I say try and do a couple reps more. Just don't over do it. It is very easy to throw your back out and you don't want to have surgery...
  • bfkilduff
    bfkilduff Posts: 11 Member
    I know for me, it is all about my core. I try to spend 10-15 min 5 days a week doing a few exercises that work on my middle. Ab stuff, side stuff, back stuff. If I don't, my back gets sore within a day or two. This is because of the extra weight I am carrying in my belly (beer belly). This site is helping to shrink it!
  • dee2814
    dee2814 Posts: 4 Member
    Make sure to stretch your back after.
  • DonnaLFitz
    DonnaLFitz Posts: 270 Member
    If your back pain is causing mobility issues, you should NOT just tough it out -- it will only get worse.

    You need to do appropriate exercise for your condition.

    I also have lower-back issues, which have been steadily improving as I lose the excess weight and do stretching yoga daily.
    I highly recommend trying the Yoga Journal DVD called Yoga for Energy... The first segment is called the Awakening. That stretching routine is relaxing yet stimulating for your joints (including your back) and done daily can definitely reduce the amount of pain you are suffering.

    I do this routine every morning and after every strenuous workout (even just a super long walk).

    I also have a Total Gym at home (a resistance-based training machine). When I set the resistance level down a notch, I can get aerobic benefit without high impact. It's a nice alternate to my other workouts.

    Good luck.
  • morganadk2_deleted
    morganadk2_deleted Posts: 1,696 Member
    If in any doubt check with a Doctor! please
  • fitnessjch
    fitnessjch Posts: 449 Member
    I have a displaced disc a couple of years ago, and had to have surgery.

    Pilates helped A LOT. Like you wouldnt believe - could barely move before I started doing it, but it built up strength in the muscles surrounding it, and also pelvic muscles.

    If my back is hurting after an exercise, (not bad pain, just sore) I always put on a heat pad for an hour or two - works as effectively as 6 ibuprofen tablets (which you can;t take all at the saem time anyways!)
  • Mayor_West
    Mayor_West Posts: 246 Member
    What kinds of exercises are you doing that would bring on any pain in your lower back? Is the pain sharp or is it soreness?

    I've experienced lower back pain before, although I should clarify that it was muscle soreness, not the sharp pain that people with chronic lower back problems experience. Two things that I did that helped tremendously-

    1. Check your form on each exercise that uses your lower back muscles as a stabilizer. Most back injuries when it comes to exercise are due to bad form. Drop the weight you typically use and work on getting your form correct. An alternative in this regard is to hire a trainer for a couple of sessions to teach you proper form.

    2. Incorporate more movements which target the lower back directly. The two I've found the most success with are the hyperextension and good morning. Another exercise I like is swiss ball crunches- on the negative (lowering) portion of the movement, make sure to go all the way back. This will not only target your lower back muscles, but it will also give the added benefit of adding more tension to your abs.

    If your lower back is sore after a workout, it's because it's a weakness that needs to be brought up. Of course, I'd also strongly advise that you check with your doctor regarding your pain.

    Good luck.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Get thee to a doctor, follow up with a physical therapist! The proper exercises to stretch and strengthen and PROTECT your back will depend on what the problem is.

    For example, if you have any skeletal issues, you need to build up to the hyperextensions mentioned by the previous poster.

    If you are really brave, you could start with a trainer - let them know what issues you are having and have them check your form and recommend strengthening exercises.

    I have hereditary issues - two degenerated disks (ha, the rest of them only have one!). My father, an uncle and several cousins have required surgery, some of them multiple times, but I have so far been able to make it through with proper care and exercise.
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