Back pain and its demise - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Janie · 05-26-2003, 07:47 PM

In the past, I've participated in team sports and cross-trained regularly. I still occasionally take part in some physical activity (skiing, sailing) but definitely not as often as I'd like nor as often as is good for me. As a result, my back muscles have weakened significantly causing plenty of discomfort and even severe pain. This is something I'd like to prevent with some fitness (go me).

1. Does anyone know back-strengthening exercises, especially for the lower back?
2. Are there methods of easing back pain aside from medication, and which do you find work best?

Ratman · 05-27-2003, 06:02 AM

Get a gym ball, one of those vinyl balls, and a video on how to use it. These things are great around the house. A few minutes of exercise with this does wonders for keeping your "core" in shape and streatching as well as strengthening the intrinsic muscles that affect balance. I love mine. Back pain=history.

Mael · 05-27-2003, 02:11 PM

tight hamstrings can also cause lower back pain, because of their pull on the pelvis. try stretching those, it could help.

Loup · 05-27-2003, 03:43 PM

As Ratman had stated, a Swiss Ball can do wonders. If you'ld rather not get one, try Superman's.
Another exercise that I work in occasionally is the woodchop to help strengthen the core (resulting in more back support).

Phaenx · 05-28-2003, 12:06 AM

I'd go with supermans. Also, ab workouts are supposed to help your back out a lot as well.

ratbastid · 05-28-2003, 12:36 PM

A lot of back pain is from poor alignment and spinal issues. I LOVE my chiropractor. Some days, she's the only thing keeping me vertical!

yournamehere · 05-28-2003, 07:55 PM

Without knowing what the problem is with your back - it's difficult to recommend exercises . But <b>Phaenx</b> is right - the abs help support the back. Just make sure you do crunches with your knees bent. Don't ever attempt the straight-legs-somebody-hold-my-ankle type of sit-ups!

And although it works for <b>Ratbastid</b> (and others), I would NOT recommend seeing a chiropractor - if you want help, see a doctor, especially a D.O., as opposed to an M.D. Doctors of Osteopathy specialize in the mechanical functions of the body - and they went to Medical School.

05-26-2003, 07:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Janie Insane Location: Greater Vancouver	Back pain and its demise In the past, I've participated in team sports and cross-trained regularly. I still occasionally take part in some physical activity (skiing, sailing) but definitely not as often as I'd like nor as often as is good for me. As a result, my back muscles have weakened significantly causing plenty of discomfort and even severe pain. This is something I'd like to prevent with some fitness (go me). 1. Does anyone know back-strengthening exercises, especially for the lower back? 2. Are there methods of easing back pain aside from medication, and which do you find work best? __________________ cheers to the motherland

05-27-2003, 06:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ratman Addict Location: Somewhere... Across the sea...	Get a gym ball, one of those vinyl balls, and a video on how to use it. These things are great around the house. A few minutes of exercise with this does wonders for keeping your "core" in shape and streatching as well as strengthening the intrinsic muscles that affect balance. I love mine. Back pain=history. __________________ The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference. "God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

05-27-2003, 03:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
Loup Pup no More Location: Voted the Best	As Ratman had stated, a Swiss Ball can do wonders. If you'ld rather not get one, try Superman's. Another exercise that I work in occasionally is the woodchop to help strengthen the core (resulting in more back support). __________________ "If you cannot lift the load off another's back, do not walk away. Try to lighten it." ~ Frank Tyger

05-28-2003, 12:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
Phaenx The Northern Ward Location: Columbus, Ohio	I'd go with supermans. Also, ab workouts are supposed to help your back out a lot as well. __________________ "I went shopping last night at like 1am. The place was empty and this old woman just making polite conversation said to me, 'where is everyone??' I replied, 'In bed, same place you and I should be!' Took me ten minutes to figure out why she gave me a dirty look." --Some guy

05-28-2003, 07:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
yournamehere Invisible Location: tentative, at best	Without knowing what the problem is with your back - it's difficult to recommend exercises . But <b>Phaenx</b> is right - the abs help support the back. Just make sure you do crunches with your knees bent. Don't ever attempt the straight-legs-somebody-hold-my-ankle type of sit-ups! And although it works for <b>Ratbastid</b> (and others), I would NOT recommend seeing a chiropractor - if you want help, see a doctor, especially a D.O., as opposed to an M.D. Doctors of Osteopathy specialize in the mechanical functions of the body - and they went to Medical School. __________________ If you want to avoid 95% of internet spelling errors: "If your ridiculous pants are too loose, you're definitely going to lose them. Tell your two loser friends over there that they're going to lose theirs, too." It won't hurt your fashion sense, either.

05-27-2003, 02:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mael Banned Location: The Hell I Created.	tight hamstrings can also cause lower back pain, because of their pull on the pelvis. try stretching those, it could help.

05-28-2003, 12:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	A lot of back pain is from poor alignment and spinal issues. I LOVE my chiropractor. Some days, she's the only thing keeping me vertical!