Dissecting Back Pain

[IMT staff]

Do you have lower back pain? If not, you probably will, and sooner than you think. It’s one of the most common afflictions in the U.S., with roughly 85 percent of the population suffering from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is also the second most common reason for seeing a doctor in the U.S., following coughs and other respiratory infections. These statistics are similar in other countries.

95 percent of back pain cases (such as muscle spasms or a dull ache in the lower back) are what experts call non-specific. That means that the exact cause is usually elusive and cannot be attributable to an identifiable condition (such as infection, tumor, arthritis, or inflammation, which are specific cases, and the minority). With non-specific low back pain (LBP) being so common and so elusive, it has become a big business with Americans spending at least $50 billion each year on potential treatment and prevention strategies.

That can be a problem. Anytime you talk about an amount of money that large, you’re bound to attract experts – both legitimate and those who are, well, full of it – who claim they a) know the exact cause of your lower back pain, and b) have the cure for it.

Dissecting Back Pain - Blog - Testosterone replacement & general men's health articles

 

[Mr P]

I believe in core strenth training it is essential for BodyBuilding

this is what I do everyday

"Superman core training"

This core-strength exercise, called the superman, can help strengthen your lower back:

Lie on your stomach with a rolled towel or a small pillow under your hips to support your back. You might also use a folded towel to support your head. Tighten your abdominal muscles.
Raise your right arm off the floor (A). Hold for three deep breaths. Lower your right arm and repeat with your left arm.
Raise your right leg off the floor (B). Hold for three deep breaths. Lower your right leg and repeat with your left leg.

 

[Mrs P]

Dissecting Back Pain - Blog - Testosterone replacement & general men's health articles

I agree with the article, in many cases back pain could be misdiagnosed and wrongly treated, I think it's more of a problem we have as a society now days, substance dependence and over crowded doctors offices, etc..
I recommend to anyone suffering from back pain to do their own research & be informed, some doctors are fast to find a solution and remember the one this will affect if is the "wrong" solution is you..

I have 2 lumbar herniated disks and I've finally decided to go for micro surgery next month, I don't like taking pain medication and have tried other options, but nothing has worked.. so I'm looking forward to putting and end to this, but I have done my research & feel confident this is the rigtht decision..

good article IMT

 

[shithead]

Curious did you try a chiropractor?

I agree with the article, in many cases back pain could be misdiagnosed and wrongly treated, I think it's more of a problem we have as a society now days, substance dependence and over crowded doctors offices, etc..
I recommend to anyone suffering from back pain to do their own research & be informed, some doctors are fast to find a solution and remember the one this will affect if is the "wrong" solution is you..

I have 2 lumbar herniated disks and I've finally decided to go for micro surgery next month, I don't like taking pain medication and have tried other options, but nothing has worked.. so I'm looking forward to putting and end to this, but I have done my research & feel confident this is the rigtht decision..

good article IMT

 

[Mr P]

Curious did you try a chiropractor?

we both did go to a chiropractor it did help some for her but they can only do so much and in her case she needs micro surgery

 

[ryand]

we both did go to a chiropractor it did help some for her but they can only do so much and in her case she needs micro surgery

Hindsight of course, but chiropractors are the same as any other doctor whether it be medical, ortho, etc...there are GREAT ones and there are complete SHIT ones.

Chiropractic is on a paradigm shift for the most part, the majority of new doctors coming out of school are very well versed in active care and rehab. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, etc.

Like I said, Hindsight, but search for a chiropractor or Doctor of physical therapy that is certified in Mckensie technique (this technique specializes in disc rehab) to help with your rehab after surgery Mrs P. At the very least find a chiropractor that is certified in Active Release Technique (ART) --these docs are typically very well versed in functional rehab.

Mr. P, you should check out Stewart Mcgill's Big 3 for core strength. Stewart Mcgill is one of the most prominent figures in core strength. I'm sure you know about him, but if you don't you will def enjoy his research.


I agree with your post above about core strength training mr P, it is so essential for BB it is ridiculous. It's essential for everyday people as well.

Our society suffers from back pain because we have created it. Humans are not meant to sit in chairs, sitting in a chair is the hardest thing on a disc next to loaded lumbar flexion (throwing in rotation makes it worse). Sedentary lifestyles, pro inflammatory diets, alcohol and tobacco, everything destroys our musculoskeletal system directly or indirectly.

 

[ardbeg]

I realize most people won't understand this or maybe even believe it, but the thing that "fixed" my backpain was going heavy with deadlifts and squats, lots more often. Doctors told me I'd never be able to lift anything from below my knees again, and now I live for squats. There's a whole lot to be said for strengthening those muscles. I guess in my case the problem was spinal erectors, not core (back vs front I guess). Everyone's different, but I think doctors are too cautious when they tell people they should restrict their activity. Next thing you know, you're gonna be That Guy in the scooter at Wal-Mart.

 

[Mrs P]

I realize most people won't understand this or maybe even believe it, but the thing that "fixed" my backpain was going heavy with deadlifts and squats, lots more often. Doctors told me I'd never be able to lift anything from below my knees again, and now I live for squats. There's a whole lot to be said for strengthening those muscles. I guess in my case the problem was spinal erectors, not core (back vs front I guess). Everyone's different, but I think doctors are too cautious when they tell people they should restrict their activity. Next thing you know, you're gonna be That Guy in the scooter at Wal-Mart.

Wait, what's wrong with scooters ??? (I hear they come with a hidden Twinkie compartment) How cool is that ??
j/k....I refuse to be that girl on the scooter at walmart !!!!
p.s (I know some that use it have real disabilities, so don't mean to be offensive)

I've been told over and over again to "limit" my activities & training when I have back pain, eventhough I do restrict my training & when it gets really bad I have to pretty much limit most of my activities... I find that just resting in bed & not doing anything makes the pain worst.. Keeping myself active worst better for me...It's all about knowing your body & your limits & finding a happy medium..

I will go back to the chiro after surgery to help with my rahab after surgery, for now I'm doing lot's of core strengthing excercises with my stabily ball...

 

[ryand]

I realize most people won't understand this or maybe even believe it, but the thing that "fixed" my backpain was going heavy with deadlifts and squats, lots more often. Doctors told me I'd never be able to lift anything from below my knees again, and now I live for squats. There's a whole lot to be said for strengthening those muscles. I guess in my case the problem was spinal erectors, not core (back vs front I guess). Everyone's different, but I think doctors are too cautious when they tell people they should restrict their activity. Next thing you know, you're gonna be That Guy in the scooter at Wal-Mart.

The best thing for any type of injury is to return to activity as soon as possible (there are exceptions to everything, of course).

After back surgery's, physicians used to have people bed ridden for 6-8 weeks. Now they have them walking asap.

And you dead on with the squats bro, and it's great to hear that worked out for you. You are an exception that has developed from great form obviously. Squats allow the core to develop and create movement within the hips (most people are extremely restricted with their hip movement, they get most movement from lumbar spine compensation--hence all of the back pain).

Most people think of rectus abdominus when they hear core. Of course most BB's and powerlifters know better, but the core begins in the diaphragm. If a person can't use their diaphragm to drop their breath into the pelvic floor, their entire core and body is thrown off. A lot of back pain can be treated with breathing exercises. (chest breathers always have fucked up bodys and musculoskeletal pain : )

 

[ryand]

Activity should be gauged by pain when dealing with an injury. Healing is a beautiful balance between rest and activity. Same concept as building muscle. If someone lays in bed with a fucked up back, it might eventually get better. It's much more beneficial to stay active to pain tolerance (this includes walking, pools, light activity, etc.) You don't want to jump strait back into squats after a surgery, even if it's body weight.