20 years old with back problems!?

Phil_Boggild · 06-11-2006, 06:56 PM

Hey there guys, I'm in a fix and could use some input from all of you who know what you're talking about. About 2.5 weeks ago I pulled something in my lower back while lifting some dumbells during a chest workout. For the rest of the workout I could really feel the strain, particularly on the left side. I took a week off from training, and tried doing another chest workout. It went really well, and I felt totally fine, my back felt pretty good in fact. Then, by the end of that day, it was feeling worse than ever. So, I waited another week and a half, then today tried another chest workout. I stayed lying down for everything - stuck to benching, flyes etc. Felt fine again. Of course, it's been a few hours now, and guess what? My back feels bad again. If I'm sitting up and my posture's good, then it's not so bad, but if I try to bend over or lift my legs, it's really uncomfortable. I've been feeling like shit not being able to work out, and this is really getting me down.

Aside from taking ibuprofen, are there any techniques (stretches etc) that I could be using to help this along? Should I be regularly stretching it and keeping it active, or should I just rest?

I'm only 20, and don't want to do myself any lasting damage, but lifting is a big part of my life, and sitting around has got me pretty depressed...

Diesel · 06-11-2006, 07:08 PM

Take another 2-3 weeks off, throughly stretch for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per week and stay active. Just walk a little everyday to try to loosen it up. If it still doesn't feel 100% then go to the doctor. Lower back problems can take some time to heal but if it's not fine after all this, then it could be a little more than just a pulled muscle.

EDIT: actually, just go to the doctor. Don't waste your time because if it doesn't heal properly, scare tissue isn't as strong and this problem may come back from time to time.

BigBen · 06-11-2006, 07:32 PM

Yes go to a doctor, and find out whats really wrong bro. I wish u the best, and some more advise would be to start doing core exercises once u have healed. also look up when u lift stuff off off the ground and lift woth your legs man, mistakes lifting case more injury.

Hope u heal up and get back to what u love doin bro.
and

Diesel · 06-11-2006, 07:41 PM

once you are 100% be sure to work your hamstrings properly since weak hamstrings can cause lower back problems. Also, make sure to do hyperextensions for lower back safety.

tim290280 · 06-11-2006, 08:23 PM

Also go to a sports doctor, not regular doctor. Don't waste your time with a GP that will give you shit advice aimed at housewives.

Phil_Boggild · 06-22-2006, 10:47 AM

I went to my GP and she thought it was just a strain. I've continued to rest, and things aren't much better to be honest. As a result, I'm going to go and see a chiropractor. The nearby physio said it would be £36 for a 30 minute session, and I just can't afford that, expecially if it was a regular thing.

Thanks for the info though guys, it's all being absorbed.

Also...What are hyperextensions?

M_James · 07-02-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_Boggild

Hey there guys, I'm in a fix and could use some input from all of you who know what you're talking about. About 2.5 weeks ago I pulled something in my lower back while lifting some dumbells during a chest workout. For the rest of the workout I could really feel the strain, particularly on the left side. I took a week off from training, and tried doing another chest workout. It went really well, and I felt totally fine, my back felt pretty good in fact. Then, by the end of that day, it was feeling worse than ever. So, I waited another week and a half, then today tried another chest workout. I stayed lying down for everything - stuck to benching, flyes etc. Felt fine again. Of course, it's been a few hours now, and guess what? My back feels bad again. If I'm sitting up and my posture's good, then it's not so bad, but if I try to bend over or lift my legs, it's really uncomfortable. I've been feeling like shit not being able to work out, and this is really getting me down.

Aside from taking ibuprofen, are there any techniques (stretches etc) that I could be using to help this along? Should I be regularly stretching it and keeping it active, or should I just rest?

I'm only 20, and don't want to do myself any lasting damage, but lifting is a big part of my life, and sitting around has got me pretty depressed...

Do you train your back? Seemed odd you only mentioned problems when working chest.

tim290280 · 07-03-2006, 12:55 AM

Quote:

As a result, I'm going to go and see a chiropractor. The nearby physio said it would be £36 for a 30 minute session, and I just can't afford that, expecially if it was a regular thing.

No offense to chiropractors, but they are the people you see last. The physio is the best port of call here. As for the cost, you obviously have placed a value on your health. You don't see the cheapest service you get the best service.

mvsf1 · 07-03-2006, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim290280

Don't waste your time with a GP that will give you shit advice aimed at housewives.

LOL!