So, long story short, I’ve been dealing with an arthritic back since I was like 19. I got it officially ‘diagnosed’ sometime early last year. Before that, my doctor had sent me to get X-Rays two different times and they didn’t see shit. Then I went to an MRI on my own and they found that I have no cartilage between my L4-5 and L5-S1 (lower back) sections.
I’ve been drinking this stuff called “Joint Advantage Gold” which my dad recommended since it helped his back issues, but so far the results have been negligble.
I can’t play basketball for more than 20 minutes, I can’t lift heavy things for more than a couple of minutes, etc. The back just tightens up and hurts like a mofo.
My question to you fitness gurus is…what can I do at home to strengthen the muscles in my lower back in an attempt to take some of the pressure off my back and support the spine better.
The best advice I could give you is to go out and get a gym membership. They have everything you need to do your workouts safetly and effectively.
Working out just your lower back won’t do much for you unless you are building strength in the rest of your body as well. Overall body strength will help you much more than just working out your back.
Well, I do do a lot of similar work in the summer. My dad is always building something. Last summer was mixing cement/pouring the foundation of the new addition to the house. In the fall/spring it is/was doing the roof (joists, etc.). This summer will be doing all the plywood/sheetrock/stucco, etc.
Problem is, I can’t help for more than 20 minutes or so before my back flares up and I become useless.
Well, I’m not exactly a little guy. I’m not huge by any means, but my upper body is fine where it is. I don’t want to be ripped, etc. I just need to do something for my lower back to try and take some of the pressure off my spine. I’m not looking to gain muscle for the usual reasons people look to gain muscle/strength.
So nothing I can do at home? I never worked out and have tried a couple of times and don’t enjoy it one bit. I just want to help my back. This is the only reason why I’m doing anything at all. I’d rather not pay a gym membership (which are ridiculously priced in my opinion - ~$50/month) if I don’t have to.
I have. My doctor didn’t even think of doing an MRI and the only reason why I went to an MRI is because some of my female friends who are in nursing school recommended it. My doctor was going to keep sending me to X-Rays all day long. Dudes an idiot.
The doctor who did the MRI wants to fuse my back or do Kenalog injections (which don’t last anyway). FUCK. NO.
Where do you go? I looked at the Bethlehem Y (closest to me) and they want $50 for a membership for one person over 18.
I’m sure I can find on google how to properly stretch my hamstrings but what are goodmornings? How do you do those?
And my legs do hurt when my back starts to hurt. I think the doctor said this has to do with nerves, etc. Pinched nerve or something.
And +1 on doctors. My mom has helped herself with her heart problems doing herbal teas and stuff and when she takes their ‘pills’ she gets all sorts of crazy side effects. Fixes one problem, but makes another.
I feel like the new health care plan should force everyone to get a gym membership. I don’t mind paying for those of you who can’t afford it. It’s for the greater good. really.
Deadlifts. Deadlifts got rid of all my lower back pain. Make um heavy, I hate seeing guys at the gym repping 135lbs 20 times. I personally was on a 5x5 routine when I started deadlifts. Worked great.
EDIT: Go to like Sport’s Authority and get an Olypmic barbell set for cheap. Usually have 300lbs with the bar. Throw it outside or in a basement or something, and proceed to workout at home. Go on craigslist for a bench/powercage if you have room.