This post is meant to be a place where people with "bad backs" can communicate with others who know what they are going through.

If you want to share stories, ask a question, see if anyone else has worked through a particular challange, or whatever, here is the place.  

Know that you are not alone in your pain, and that support is just a click away.  

Peace,

Roey. 

Hi itsroey, Thank you for your thoughtfulness in beginning a specific thread for those with back problems. As a moderator, I have seen many, many posts from individuals who are suffering with debilitating, and chronic back problems. Best of luck to all of you and continue to encourage and support one another in the quest of health and quality of life! Your friend in fitness, Kelli

Hi Roey,

I think I know you from another thread. So glad you started this, I am having back surgery on May 22nd after 15 yrs. of suffering.  I am scared to death but looking forward to a pain free future (God willing, the surgery works).

I have been unable to exercise so my weight loss has been like a yo-yo. Down a few, up a few, down alot, up alot. Not exercising really hurts when your trying to lose weight. I have been trying on and off now for 4 months, just when I get going something comes up and I gain it back. Very aggrevating and frustrating.

Thanks for starting this.

Lynne

Hi Lynne,

I wish you luck on your surgery and know how frustrating this whole ordeal must be for you.  The good news is, you will likely emerge pain-free and able to do things you weren't for a long time.

My advice in the meantime is to stick as closely to your diet and continue to take the pills as recommended.  Lay off the exercise until after the surgery, and then, you'll want to work out with a physical therapist who will help you to recover and strengthen properly without re-injury.  If you have access to a pool, aquatic exercises are best, because the water provides low-impact resistance and actually can help the back to feel better.  You'll work back up to this soon. 

Hang in there!

Good Luck,

Paul

Hi Lynne!!!!!! :-) 

 Hi Roey, you replied to me back problem question on a different post, thank you!  to answer your question:  No, I did not follow thru the PT's stretches, I do them once in a while when the pain gets real bad, then stop.  I went to see my doctor this week and he prescribed 3 more weeks of PT.  They actually helped me alot, by showing me how to strenghten my core muscle, down below the belly button.  I had 2 csections so those muscles were very week, after several weeks with them, I built those muscles and now I can control my back better.  Now my pain is concentrated on the exact location of the disc bulge and down my buttocks.  In addition to this, my hip is having problems and they don't know if it's related.  I feel like my hip joints grind if I move a certain way.  They've taken xrays but nothing came out, another one was taken at my last visit, so we'll see what they say. 

Thank you for this thread, and thank you for your support.

BTW, you said you had level 3 disc problems?! I did not understand, are you OK?  Have you gone thru surgery?  What are you doing or did you do to go on with your daily life???

If you don't mind, so I understand better!  My last resort is operation but I'll try everything available before I do that.

Good night! 

 Dear Lynne,

It sure is frustrating!  And the double-whammy is that not only can't you exercise when you have a flare-up, but because you are in pain it's harder to stay on track.  Why are we so conditioned to reach for the comfort food?  Maybe we can replace it with some other comfort thing...

Good luck with your surgery on the 22nd.  Do you have your physical therapy in place yet?  I had an insurance company once mess me up because they took too long to approve the P.T.  

Remember it's going to hurt, and take work to get better, but it's great that you are able to take those steps towards better health.

Peace,

Roey. 

Hi Roey, Thanks for the encouraging words and support. That is what this forum is all about. I encourage all of you to continue to communicate about your ups, downs, victories, frustrations, etc. to increase your chances of being successful with your weight-loss goals! You're right that it is about better health, so take it day by day and realize you're doing something positive for yourself and those that care about you! Best in health, Kelli

Thanks kelli.

 Peace,

Roey. 

Does anyone else have an issue with your back like it is sorta-kinda-okay when you are bending down (say you dropped a pin on the floor and are bending looking for it...) but then when you stand back up your back goes bonkers in  pain?  If so, any ideas on how to avoid the pain or make it go away faster?

Peace,

Roey. 

Hi Roey,

There are multiple reasons that can be contributing to the pain, especially for chronic back sufferers.  One recommendation I have especially for you is never to bend down from your back - even just to pick up something light.  The bend places an extreme amount of strain on your back.  Be sure to bend from the knees (almost like you do to squat) and don't bend over.  Using your legs for leverage will save you a lot of pain and risk of further injury.

I hope you're doing well.

Good Luck,

Paul