Bad Back

Scruff

A couple of months ago i did a nice bit of damage to a disc in my lower back (the 5th lower lombard if i remember correctly) that had me crippled and in agony for a week. The physio gave me some stretches to do and i did them for a while but the stopped.
Well i've done it again and thisted my back last friday. not as bad as the last time but took it easy over the weekend none the less and made usre i wasnt sitting for long periods. However the pain and discomfort after sitting here in work for the last 1.5 hours is getting worse, i dont know how i'll last the 8 hours but i've important deadlines to meet this week. I'm going to make an appointment for the physio again tomorrow.
Aside from the stretching exercises, are there any other exercises i can do to increase my lower back strength? (obiously will only be doing them when i'm better!)
Also, would i be better of getting those special chairs fo work where you're more kneeling than sitting?

rs

There are several weight lifting exercises that can strengthen the lower back.

Exercises like

Deadlifts
Good Mornings

have a look at

http://www.exrx.net

Obviously, you should be very, very, very careful when attempting any of these and ensure that someone can watch you and make sure you are doing them properly. Your phisio might be the best person to guide you through them.

If done properly, they will strenthen your spinal erector muscles, and hopefully help prevent further injuries.

Best of luck

Beëlzebooze

Scruff,

I would seriously advise you to go and see a doctor before you make an appointment with a physio. A physiotherapist is not qualified to make any diagnosis or prescribe any treatment.

Scruff

i went to the doctor about it when it happened before and he said it was just a twist and a muscle strain. Went to the physio a few days later when there was no improvement and he said the doctor was completely wrong and half of them havent a clue about diagnosing back problems.
Would a chiropractor be the better option?

Beëlzebooze

chiro's are not my fav. subject.... I would stick to the phisio in your case. But just be bloody carefull with your back!

kahlua

My father and sister have very bad backs, they both go to a sports physio and they've said he helps a lot. Also you should take up swimming it builds up the muscles in your back. I really wouldn't recommend doing anything in the gym it puts too much stress on the back.

Scruff

cheers all. after going back for a 2nd session lsat week its much better. he gave me a few pilates excercises to start with. from there its on to the jane fonda work out vids been thinking of taking up swimming again. do they make hairy blokes wear wetsuits these days like the way they make ye wear a swimming cap??