Back Pain *&^^*!!!

[limewave]

I have a lot of problems with lower back pain too. I work really hard at strengthening my core muscles--doing different pilate moves, crunches, squats, using the big rubber ball thingy, and pelvic tilts. If I don't focus on keeping my abs tight and spinning from my core while I'm riding (especially climbing), I can really throw my back out of whack.

[LBTC]

Oh, SC, that sounds awful! Have you ever tried a chiropractor? or an osteopath?

Sending you healing and understanding butterflies so you can feel better and know what you need to do.

Hugs,
~T~

[Duck on Wheels]

Trek420's and my mutual Mom swears by a particular back book. In fact, I think it may actually be called "The Back Book" ... or maybe that's just what Mom calls it. Anyhooo, it's got some back pain curing exercizes that are simple and effective. Trek or I could send her an email and ask for the reference info.


Yep. "The Back Book". Found it on Amazon.

[RoadRaven]

I had chronic back pain last year for just under a month.

It slowly got worse and worse until to breathe sometimes hurt, to sit, to stand - even to lie down to sleep.

I was travelling and didn't want to go to unknown doctors plus I was sure it was a nerve pinch or muscle spasm that had twisted up on itself and wouldn't let go.

I went to a chemist and asked for the strongest non-prescription pain-killer I could have. I had been taking nurofen (ibubrofen) so they gave me the extra-strength one you have to sign for.

Three days later - no back pain.

I do not advocate drugs, and stay away from doctors, but in this case, strong drugs were perfect. If you can take anti-inflammatories, then I recommend a 2-3 day course of those just incase your muscles have formed a knot of some kind and don't want to let go.

[KnottedYet]

Another good back book: Treat Your Own Back by Robin McKenzie.

[maryellen]

When I'm having an acute episode, I ice for 15 minutes every hour. At first even the thought of it made me cringe, but it really does help calm the inflammation for me. Good luck!

[liberty]

That sounds pretty similar to what happened to me a few weeks ago. But mine was brought on by moving furniture. Couldn't walk, sit, drive, stand. If I looked in a mirror, my lower body was pointed to the left and my upper body was pointed to the right. Everything was twisted. I couldnt stand up straight, was bowed over, and leaning heavily to the side. Not a pretty picture. Went to the chiropractor 4 days in a row (not including follow-up visits the following week), iced and heated it for a week or so, back stretches... I am basically pain free now. Still trying to get back to riding. The deal now is that in recovering from the back problems, it stressed out my neck and shoulders. So I'm trying stretch those out now. Fun stuff!

My recommendation: take a few days off. Rest. Go to a chiropractor. Heat and ice. Anti-inflam medicine. Your bike will still be there when you are better.

[alpinerabbit]

And when you're a little better, start yoga. I had back pain in college. Then I did yoga (I'm actually not doing it regularly anymore) and it went away.