So, who's got back problems?

Krieg

Im not looking for advice, im just curious as to the number and extent of peoples back problems.

Me, I started putting my back out 5 months ago.
First happened when I was reaching for a book and a sharp pain kicked in my spine, I ended up on the floor. I was fine after a few mins, but it was quite a shock though.
Last time it happened was last week while in the gym. Im very careful on the machines that i only use the intended muscles and not put my back into it, which is easily done if your not concentrating. Then when I bent over to pick up my water bottle, back pain kicked in and I nearly crashed into some poor basterd on the treadmill.
I get these every couple months on average and always occur when im not expecting them.

My father on the other hand is quite different. He doesn't "put" his back out, he goes through periods where back pain comes and goes. Each episode usually lasting a week or two.

therewillbe

Wont bore you with my story but Respect your back.Mine went just 5 years ago & had a disc out a year later ,Private may I say and to this day on average 2/3 days a week I dont function.I did the physio therapy etc and the only thing that helped was pain relief injections in my spine.So make sure you look after it .Oh ye bend those knees:)

El Guapo!

I only just done my back in today. Was opening up the gates to work this morning, dropped a pad-lock and when I bent down to pick it up there was a horrible *POP* in my lower back. Never felt pain like it before. Went to the doctor and could barely move, now Im out of work for the next week. Im only 22 and am in ok shape too.
Bottom line: Take care of your back and for Gods sake BEND YOUR KNEES!!!

deise48

Dean09 wrote: »

I only just done my back in today. Was opening up the gates to work this morning, dropped a pad-lock and when I bent down to pick it up there was a horrible *POP* in my lower back. Never felt pain like it before. Went to the doctor and could barely move, now Im out of work for the next week. Im only 22 and am in ok shape too.
Bottom line: Take care of your back and for Gods sake BEND YOUR KNEES!!!

+1 on bending the knees while lifting , makes a huge difference , the thigh muscles take the strain instead of the back.

Red Sleeping Beauty

I think I do but pain/discomfort is intermittent so I've not seen anyone about it. Have an orthapedic matress I think which helps.

I've very bad posture though.

Hello?

Have you thought about seeing a chiropractor? I see one regularly to keep my back in good shape. He also adjusts my knees. The other benefit is that I haven't been sick with colds or flus since I started seeing him. If you decide to look into it, make sure he/she practices "Active Release". And never let anyone adjust your neck.

Red Sleeping Beauty

Nah, it's not debilitating enough to see anyone but it is on the list of things I should probably sort out before they get real bad.

Kashkai

Last January I was reaching to turn the cooker switch on when I got this god awful sharp pain in my lower back and I couldn't move. For the next few days, I was completely immobile. The doctor said it was a muscle spasm but after a week, it still hadn't cleared up so he sent me for an MRI. It turned out that I had 2 discs popped out of my spine in the lumbar region. A visit to a neurosurgeon gave me the option of an operation to remove the discs or to go to physio. I chose the physio route and after 8 sessions, I was fine again.

I get the odd stiffness in my back but I take that as a warning to go easy for a day or so.

Finally, the physio told me that apart from good posture, a good matress is a must and to sleep on your side in the fetal position with a cushion/pillow between your knees which takes the strain off your spine while you're sleeping. If you are in severe pain during the day, try the horizontal "sitting position". This is where you lie on your back on the floor with your lower legs resting on a chair, i.e. a sitting position but you are lying on the floor instead. This also removes a lot of strain from your back.

finbarrk

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

Last January I was reaching to turn the cooker switch on when I got this god awful sharp pain in my lower back and I couldn't move. For the next few days, I was completely immobile. The doctor said it was a muscle spasm but after a week, it still hadn't cleared up so he sent me for an MRI. It turned out that I had 2 discs popped out of my spine in the lumbar region. A visit to a neurosurgeon gave me the option of an operation to remove the discs or to go to physio. I chose the physio route and after 8 sessions, I was fine again.

How long did it take to see the neurosurgeon?
I did an Mri scan in February and it seems I have a chronically damaged lower disc. The physio tells me that because of the nature of it she doesn't think she can make it better.
I got my gp to make an appointment with a back consultant in one of the Galway hospitals but he seems to be awfully busy as I still haven't got a date for an appointment and the request was sent about 3 months ago.

Tallon

My backs been killing me for years.
Really should go get it looked at.
It's starting to affect my knee and ankle joints and im realy finding it hard to bend down. I sound like an old man

old boy

a doc told me using the following words, old boy your back is fcuked. i asked my gp why did that not come up during accessment for injurys, he said thats the way things are done.

Hello?

It's hard to read all these posts without wincing. When you've back problems, life is miserable. GP's give you pain killers or tell you to live with it. I suffered too. Thankfully, a friend kept on at me to see a chiro. I finally gave in and am so glad I did. Believe me, you're not doing yourselves any favors by ignoring the pain. You're only letting the pain rule you. Yeah, I'm passionate about feeling well and being able to do all the outdoor sports I love. Having a bad back can give you headaches, affect your knees and ankles as well as other things. Why wait until the pain becomes debilitating? We'd never treat our bodies that way if we found out we had cancer.

ongarite

Rotoated pelvis & dropped hip from injury as a child.
Cope with it fine TBH but it does act up every so often with terrible lower back pain on one side of my back.

I find gym strengthing work on your back & ab muscles helps greatly and improves your posture & hence less back pain.