14 replies to this topic

[OEXCHAOS]

Folks, I'm prone to a bit of lower back pain, primarily as a result of an old injury (stepped in a hole with a canoe on my shoulders), and a too-sedentary lifestyle and about 15 extra pounds. I'm working on it using some bastardized yoga, squats, "crunches" (opposite knee to opposite elbow, one leg at a time), and "hindu pushups". It's working for me, but now Holly has some discomfort. Does anyone have some resources for women with back pain? I don't want to simply project something that works OK for a formerly very athletic man on a very differently built woman. And, if there's something better, I want to know about it. Mark

[calmcookie]

Folks,

I'm prone to a bit of lower back pain, primarily as a result of an old injury (stepped in a hole with a canoe on my shoulders), and a too-sedentary lifestyle and about 15 extra pounds. I'm working on it using some bastardized yoga, squats, "crunches" (opposite knee to opposite elbow, one leg at a time), and "hindu pushups". It's working for me, but now Holly has some discomfort.

Does anyone have some resources for women with back pain? I don't want to simply project something that works OK for a formerly very athletic man on a very differently built woman. And, if there's something better, I want to know about it.

Mark

Mark,

You may not want to hear this, and perhaps you already know, but FWIW: Most back pain (from strain injuries) is directly related to the strength of abdominal muscles. People with weak abdominals are more likely to experience back injury and pain. One of the best exercises (former personal trainer told me ... he was too expensive, so gave up ... but what a body ) is doing sit ups by using one of those large exercise balls.

For symptomatic relief of back pain, you might try DMSO ... available on eBay (or other sites).

Best to you, Corinne

[hiker]

Hi Mark,

My personal experience is that the licensed practitioners of acupuncture and shiatsu are knowledgeable about the question you ask, and can provide remedies that would not easily be discovered on your own.

I personally find that prolonged sitting challenges the back more every year I age...the only solution I have discovered is to ride a bike or walking daily to meet the challenge. Unfortunately, fly fishing is not easily available in the winter mos.

You may have already heard that many folks say a frequent cause of lower back pain is insufficient water in the tissues and muscles in the back, which is solved by drinking water...I know from things you have said that you and Holly drink lots of water.

Some links below for info -

http://www.ninds.nih...il_backpain.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk...ions/back_pain/

http://womenshealth....l/aa031203a.htm

Edited by hiker, 07 March 2006 - 05:03 PM.

[OEXCHAOS]

Yup, I just want to make sure that whatever abdominal exercising we do isn't too harsh for a tender back. I'm looking for the best excercises for a bad back now. We'll crack the whip on the exercise more as we get her healed up. M

[maineman]

If you promise you won't laugh: Go get "Abs of Steel 3" on videotape. (Not abs 1 or 2) Cookie is right. A good ab helps, but its chicken/egg. The intro work out on ABs 3 is a perfect lower back training program, is fairly easy to follow and takes about 10 min a day. I GUARANTEE it ! maineman

[bobalou]

I start w/ Chiropractic care,for fast releaf,and he should know were to start w/ a work out progam ,and give you one,and what vitamins to help..then you, add in some over the counter pain stuf..if not move on to the next one..(dr ).ask around who's good..I'm sorry for you ..I know what it is all about.........

[calmcookie]

Mark,

About 8 years ago I had a memorable conversation with an elderly lady who told me about finally finding significant pain relief (after a car accident) from acupuncture. I'll never forget her story. Along the lines of Hiker's advice, I'd say that acupressure can safely be self-administered. Not sure if this link is particularly good, but you might want to have a look. I've used self-acupressure, recently, with good results. Have just started learning about this. A good book is Acupressure techniques by Julian Kenyon M.D. He has a section on back pain.

Surprised to see that people have also used acupressure for weight loss ... this is all new to me ... and fascinating.

http://www.spine-inc...acupressure.htm

Edited by calmcookie, 07 March 2006 - 08:43 PM.

[spielchekr]

Lumbo90: http://www.shamrockm...m/lumbo_90.html
Shamrock Medical homepage: http://www.shamrockmedical.com/

Lower lumbar (lower back/L5) pain? Look into this, and consult with an orthopedic physician if interested.

[calmcookie]

I think this is a better link for acupressure / back pain info, than the one I gave above.

http://www.scienceda...60217092325.htm

Best, C.C.

[teki]

Another good resource for you to check out is www.egoscue.com. I 've found his stuff useful as have some friends.