Backache when exercising

vanessaclarkgbr
vanessaclarkgbr Posts: 731 Member
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
I have some problems with my lower back due mostly to posture, no bone damage etc - have recently been to GP and physio. I've had weight loss and exercise recommended, especially yoga or pilates to strengthen my core muscles. The problem is, when I exercise (anything more active than a 30 min brisk walk) my back is going into overdrive, it hurts to move my hips, legs, to sit or lie straight, and getting the shooting nerve pains, it takes a day or so to subside, and of course then I'm due back in the gym! I'm taking ibuprofen 3 times a day as advised, can someone tell me it will get better as I become stronger and/or lighter? I am very motivated (aside from the back aches I don't want diabetes, heart problems etc etc) but I feel like it's not a great plan to be in ibuprofen 3 times a day forever - or is it better than being a couch potato? Welcome any advice, really don't want to lose the momentum but it's not huge fun at the moment!

Replies

  • k121777
    k121777 Posts: 306
    I'm no doctor....but I can tell you that I have (had) extremely painful achilles tendons. VERY PAINFUL to walk, do turbo kick boxing or any other form of exercise. I lost 11 pounds, and now they don't hurt anymore...........Hope that helps
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    Are you stretching your back after every workout? I have severe back issues and the only way I'm walking from the scoliosis, arthritis, and herniated discs is because I make sure and stretch after every workout. I also highly recommend some weight exercises specifically for the back muscles. Yes, that sounds counter-intuitive and will probably cause more pain at first. But that is the best way to actually strengthen the muscles to be able to handle more later. Just progress slowly and don't do anything that causes pain while you are doing it.
  • alohabrie
    alohabrie Posts: 204
    I was there. When I first started walking on the treadmill (or for any length of time) my back hurt and burned and I was miserable. I started sitting on the floor prior to going to walk and just stretching out my back. I pushed through and now I can easily (although I still don't enjoy it) do 30-40 minutes and can even walk at a 8-12% incline for part of that. There was no way I could have done that to begin. Good luck!
  • kylakesgal
    kylakesgal Posts: 952 Member
    Hi....I've had back problems all my life. I just keep at it and the pain usually eases with exercise. I get the muscle spasms which are quite painful at times but exercise seems to help more than just sitting around. On days that you are in a lot of pain, I would just do something light, maybe just a slow paced walk. Also, you might want to do some stretches before and after. That helps too:) Light yoga and pilates are great for helping with the pain too. I recently bought an elliptical and I love it. That machine doesn't put any strain on your legs or back. Have you tried an elliptical before? My back pain is a lot less since i've lost weight and I hope it will help you too. Good luck and don't overdo it:)
  • vanessaclarkgbr
    vanessaclarkgbr Posts: 731 Member
    Thanks everyone, that's what I needed to hear - no I'm not stretching out but I certainly will be now :-)
  • ziggy67
    ziggy67 Posts: 351
    I understand what you are saying here...I used to suffer with back pain (knees & hips as well) I had an MRI scan confirming I had degeneration of my lower lumber discs. I was over 15 stone in weight then and advised by my GP to lose weight. I took up walking, Pilates and water aerobics (not swimming....as this can strain the back) and with a healthier diet I have lost nearly four stone in two years and I am now mostly pain free. Hope this helps.
  • bex879165
    bex879165 Posts: 121 Member
    I suffered with severe back pain after having two children! (There is a history of back trouble in my family though so I probably will suffer!)

    I started my diet back in March and my back used to give me some real stick when I first started working out. I try to do 3-4 miles walking a day and other stuff inbetween - 30DS, Wii fit etc etc. Keeping the exercise regular and losing 28lbs and I hardly get any trouble with it at all.

    The kids are on summer hols so i'm finding it hard squeezing 4 miles walks everyday in and don't I know it!! A week without exericse and i'm in agony :-(

    It'll get better. Good luck. xx
  • backtobasics49
    backtobasics49 Posts: 1
    Hi there Friends,

    I have just signed up to the MFP web site and Blog and was really inspired by your posted blog. I too have multi level disc degeneration ( mine is Chronic and started in the 1970's). My Physio recommended MFP to help me lose weight. Over the past 5 years I my weight has increased due to the medication I took (Gabapentin)- I went from 11stone to 15 stone (which is my present weight. I am 5ft 7inches tall. I have been referred for another MRI scan (my 5th to date) as my present back pain and other symptoms indicate that the disc at L3/4 is now being affected. I have had so much surgery on my spine over the years; including Aware State Minimal Invasive Spinal Laser Surgery so I am reluctant to have further surgery. Today I have began calory counting as my goal is to lose 2 stone. Not very confident at present - probably due to this present Flare Up of pain. For the past 10 years I have been presecribed sustained release morphine medication by my GP, which has helped up until 6 months ago when this new pain began.

    It is helpful to know that here are other folks like myself who have chronic back pain and want to lose weight to help improve the quality of their lives.

    Warmest regards from
    Backtobasics49
  • Teddyaderwich
    Teddyaderwich Posts: 69 Member
    I've been taking gabapentin for nearly two years now - for back pain that refuses to diminish so presume is now categorised as chronic - over this time I have put on around 2 stone - does the medication actually make you put on weight? Also now taking anti-depressants as everything just got too much - been on them now coming up for 9months?

    Since November I have been going to specialist Pilates classes for back pain/injury - and try and do some gentle swimming - backstroke only for me to avoid arching my back. It's all slowly helping - but I remain hopeful that losing the extra weight I've gained will help even more.
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