QUESTION: Help for lower back problems?
Hi Beth,
I’m hoping you wouldn’t mind answering a hopefully brief call for help. I’m 28 years old and have had on-and-off lower back problems for the last year. I’ve been to physical therapy and chiropractor but the pain always returns. I have almost-2-year-old twins which seem to have coincided with the back pain. Lifting and carrying them hasn’t gotten any easier as their size increases. My only relief from the depressing pain is a good surf. Anyhow, my dad has also experienced chronic lower back pain and suffers from a couple bad lumbar disks. I am no small guy at 6’3″ and 280 pounds, but am very active and have played sports my entire life (football, wrestling,
soccer and now surfing).
First, are there any genetic tendencies for lower back problems? Second question, I have a limited amount of free time each day (15-30 minutes) which I use to stretch and strengthen my core (crunches, leg raises). What can I do during those 15-30 minutes to get the most bang for my buck, so to speak, and avoid this repetitive on-and-off again problem?
I appreciate your time and response!!!
Good surf to you,
Gioni
ANSWER:
Hey Gioni,
I am stoked that you signed up for my first class. A little hands on help with strengthening your abs should help out.Have you been to a doctor yet and gotten a diagnosis on your back problems. Degenerative disc problems, from what I have heard, can be hereditary so you may want to get an x-ray of your spine. PT and Chiropractic work can be quite helpful along with a good stretching and strengthening regime. It would be way helpful for you to know exactly what it is that you have so that you don’t do any further damage to the low back area through exercise and stretching. Some exercises can be way helpful while others can be debilitating.Even if you have limited time per day, a little is better than nothing. If you can figure out the best exercises and stretches specific to you, you should be able to squeeze them in every day. But remember, you may need to allow yourself a bit more time so that you heal your back problems and don’t become an “old man” and are unable to be active with your kids. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you in May!
Hasta, Beth
(posted 4-4-02)
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