Low back pain

Tik

Tik

New member
Hi all :seeya:

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this. I tried searching for my question/topic and couldn't really find a whole lot- or a direction pointed to where I should post :) So I shall try this forum!

I saw a "too much information" warning on another post, so I feel I should make that disclaimer here :)

For several years I've been battling with endometriosis, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. This battle has resulted in several surgeries and procedures to remove abnormal masses, cells, etc. During the past few years I have dealt with unbearable low back and pelvic pain. I use to be on a lot of medication to help me through the pain. This past year I have been medication and pain free! :hurray:

As I've never really preformed a lot of physical training, I am very unfamiliar with the natural pain/discomfort that comes with pushing your muscles to build and improve.

Because I have a history of lower back pain, which I know can be flared up with certain movements, stress, cycle timing...I become quite "scared" when I'm working out and have pain.

I don't always get pain, however, certain exercises (especially those targeting the lower back) cause me discomfort. Even things like squats and lunges I find (on certain days), can cause me to become quite uncomfortable. How do i know that this is not just my weakened back muscles strengthening, rather than me aggravating my current issues?

I know physical activity will help with the pain longterm by strengthening the muscles, but I was wondering if there are people here that have a similar situation, and when they know the pain is "good" pain, rather than harmful pain! :)
 
I've had experience with lower back pain as well. Losing weight has really helped to eliminate it. Four weeks ago I couldn't walk for long periods of time and even 10 minutes on the treadmill was my limit. I always had a breaking point. I can only handle so much pain and I didn't want to strain myself. My advice now to push yourself too hard. You don't want to aggravate your back to where you can't exercise at all. Make sure you're warming up and stretching before you do anything. Some of the pain could be from working out the day before and it'll feel more like stiffness and a little soreness. The stiffness should go away after 5 or 10 minutes. If it doesn't, don't push it. Stop and try something that doesn't put any strain on your back. Take it slow and gradually work up your lower back muscles. Eventually there won't be any pain. But like I said, take it slow. Try again tomorrow if it's hurting too much.
 
kayleejburgess said:
I've had experience with lower back pain as well. Losing weight has really helped to eliminate it. Four weeks ago I couldn't walk for long periods of time and even 10 minutes on the treadmill was my limit. I always had a breaking point. I can only handle so much pain and I didn't want to strain myself. My advice now to push yourself too hard. You don't want to aggravate your back to where you can't exercise at all. Make sure you're warming up and stretching before you do anything. Some of the pain could be from working out the day before and it'll feel more like stiffness and a little soreness. The stiffness should go away after 5 or 10 minutes. If it doesn't, don't push it. Stop and try something that doesn't put any strain on your back. Take it slow and gradually work up your lower back muscles. Eventually there won't be any pain. But like I said, take it slow. Try again tomorrow if it's hurting too much.
Click to expand...

This is why im an advocate of walking. It is easy for some one who is not used to moving. the reason so many people quit a diet is because its hard and the exercise that goes with it can often be painful. an out of shape person can not go from the couch to running in one day. it must be built up.
also this wasn't meant to be personal to you or Tik. I am just saying in general. most people want to give you the fastest results possible and you will relapse. but is you Slowly take off the weight. its stays off * for longer if you relapse * you didn't gain it in a day you will not lose it in one.
 
Listen to your body. I am suffering from PCOS myself, and know that some exercises can be painful, or cause pain afterwards.

You know your body best, and if you pay close attention, it will be easy to distinguish between the normal feeling of soreness, and more serious things.

There is something that my old PE teacher used to tell me, and which has proven true so far: 'If it hurts, don't do it. It can be difficult and straining, that's all nice and well, but if there is actual pain, stop it. It will do more harm than good.'

You should never be in pain while exercising, so if that happens, I would stop those exercises and concentrate on those that you can do pain free.
 
@ kayleejburgess: Thank you for your suggestions! I think you're exactly right- I certainly shouldn't push myself too hard. If I do, I might end up putting myself in a situation where I have to stop! How is your back pain now? I do agree that losing weight will help, and I think targeting my lower back muscles, and strengthening them will also help :) As you said, stretching is important- I've actually found that doing specific stretches for my back can eliminate a lot of the discomfort...but it's odd, there are just some days that the pain will persist regardless of stretching! I should keep not and make sure that I know which exercises aggravate it! :)

@ Tob : Walking is great, and so is swimming...however, I use to try and walk a lot, and I have found that the repetitive motion can irritate my back. I'm having a hard time figuring out if this is because I've let my muscles in my back become so weak, or if it's pain associated with my health. It's a hard balance to know, because the pain is not like the pain I have in my other muscles...and I certainly didn't take it persona ;) I think you're exactly right about walking - it's a great exercise to maintain weight (lose weight), improve heart and lungs, and is low impact :)

@ San : "You should never be in pain while exercising, so if that happens, I would stop those exercises and concentrate on those that you can do pain free." You're very right. I guess the problem arises because I'm working with a personal trainer- she often asks me if the pain has to do with my health or just regular muscle training, and I never really know! Unfortunately, I know that if I were by myself, I wouldn't do it. I'm lucky that the trainer will try and come up with exercises to help relieve my lower back stress...but I'm still struggling to figure out, 'ok, is this really my endometriosis getting aggravated, or am I just being a wimp?' ... but I think I'm going to be more forceful - like you said, I know my body, if it doesn't feel go, there's no sense in pushing, because exercise shouldn't be painful :) Thank you!
 
Hi Tik, I have similar problems, but in my case I was told to push the exercise and to stay busy. I never was diagnosed, so I don't know what my problem is. But I had an autoimmune disease and they thought it was Lupus or MS, but didn't get enough evidence to diagnose.

I got down in 2005 and didn't have insurance at the time and had to quit working. I had friends who were having similar problems, but not as bad as I was, but they were diagnosed with MS. They now give themselves shots for MS. The autoimmune disease doesn't show up in my blood test anymore. I am walking much better this year, than I have in a long time, but my back still hurts at times. I can't do pushups, I tried to do one this week and I had lower back pain.

Actually I thought I was dying soon, but I am still here, lol. But anyways my back would give out at times and I would have to have a shot to relax the muscles. I would have to be helped to the bathroom and would be down for about two weeks at a time. I would be walking and lose control of my leg, sometimes the left and sometimes the right leg. They said I could have a pinched nerve, but never was diagnosed. I keep pushing the exercise and this seems to help. I am thinking about going back to the doctor who told me to push the exercise and stay busy.

Try light stretches for about 5 minutes to start out. As Top said go slow with exercises, don't rush in to them. What help me I had been used to walking. I lived close to a school and I would go to the track and walk about everyday. I would walk 4 miles in the morning and then in the even I would walk 4 miles. But I built myself up to that many miles.

I would check with the doctor, before doing hard exercises.

Take care!!
 
AnnaGail said:
I would check with the doctor, before doing hard exercises.

Take care!!
Click to expand...

:iagree:
I really agree with this Tik, I'm not sure if you have or have not, but you should definitely check esp with past surgeries.:grouphug:

Annagail I just wanted to say I'm sorry to read about all that you have been through, but I am so happy you fought through it and you're doing so much better now :)
 
Last edited:
Chiropractors are doing well to reduce any kind of back pain. So, I think you should at least once.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top