anyone else with back probs? please help me!

jolinemariem
jolinemariem Posts: 462 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
so i have an exersize bike and used it religiously for an hour a day for a couple of days until my back started to hurt horribly. i do have back problems and i am wondering about running instead. i have heard its bad for joints and stuff but i dont know if it would hurt my back or not . i have tried walking and do it every day and have for a long time it just doesnt make a difference

Replies

  • katjtoll
    katjtoll Posts: 4 Member
    i have horrible back problems!! i found that heat works better than ice... and go to the chiropractor!! it helps soooo much!!
  • jolinemariem
    jolinemariem Posts: 462 Member
    but with exersize what should i do?i do some stretches that the physical therapist gave me and i walk but its not doing any good
  • skywalker
    skywalker Posts: 1,533
    I have 2 herniated discs, plus bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis (the "triple -itis" :laugh: ) in my left hip. I find that cycling is much less painful than running. I've done a half and a full marathon and my joints are paying for it. Over the summer I rode an average of 125 miles a week and found that if I really paid attention to my posture, it took pressure off my back. Make sure you don't hunch over and that your seat height is properly adjusted.

    I agree with katjtoll about the heat, for the most part, but sometimes I use ice (mostly for the hip). The absolute best thing I do, specifically for my back, is yoga. I feel strongest when I am consistent with yoga. Nothing too challenging, just a 60min beginner dvd that I love. It's by Yoga Zone and the instructor is Alan Finger. You get a great stretch for your whole body, which relieves pressure on your back. It's great!!! :flowerforyou:
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    I have back problems also.

    I agree with seeing a Chiropractor and doing Yoga. Also try Pilates, building core strength will take the stress off your back. Not to mention you can still get a pretty decent workout with Pilates! Running is easier when you have a strong core...actually everything is easier.

    My PT recommended using both heat and ice. 20 min of ice followed by 20 min of heat. The ice will direct bloodflow away removing waste products from the tissues, then adding heat directs new blood to the area bringing oxygen to the tissues. It feels really good too.

    And of course this would be a good reason to treat yourself to a massage. If you see a Chiropractor that may be part of the treatment!
  • jolinemariem
    jolinemariem Posts: 462 Member
    This isn't a new thing, and I have been to a few doctors, 2 dif pt ,and to a chiropractor. It didn't seem to help much. My back doesnt bug be every day like with some people, but when I get on that bike it hurts soooooooo bad:sad:! Which sucks because I like having something I can do at my house.
    With the heat and ice I dont want to have to treat the pain after I cause it every day. Thats not good for your body. I want to find something that wont hurt in the first place. Thats why I asked about running thanks for all the tips. :drinker:
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    I've found that when I work out first thing in the morning my back does not bother me nearly as much (if at all) as when I work out at night... maybe that will help you? Good luck! :flowerforyou:
  • skywalker
    skywalker Posts: 1,533
    but when I get on that bike it hurts soooooooo bad:sad:! Which sucks because I like having something I can do at my house.

    Just restating, make sure your posture is correct and your seat height is correct. If you're not properly set up on the bike, this can cause serious back pain. You'd be surprised at what a difference a few adjustments can make. Believe me, I speak from experience. Another thing people don't always consider is padded bike shorts. They provide some cushioning which helps relieve pressure. I used to ride without them. Now I won't even consider not wearing them. One thing to note : buy women's specific. The padding is shaped differently for men. it does make a difference.

    Good luck :drinker:
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