[Nathan]

What can someone do to help solve the problem of a bad back? I know that sitting correctly with feet propped up can help, along with a good chair with back support. Chiropactors have definitely helped, and I need to avoid activities that would re-injure it. I also work to strengthen my back with regular reverse-sit-up and reverse bench press exercises. What else?

[Mim23]

I found the thing that helped with my bad back the most was doing Pilates. This is a great exercise program, because it strengthens the entire core of muscles which affect your back. I had back pain since my first pregnancy, and it bothered me my entire second pregnancy. I am six months along, and I have not had a bad back day yet! At my last appointment my doctor commented on the fact that I still have strong stomach muscles at this point. I really think it is because I did Pilates in the year leading up to this pregnancy, and I didn't even do them on a very regular basis. I know that most of the tapes have women, but guys can do them as well.

[sahrens]

What helped me was a great system called Internal Energy Plus. I was in constant pain since I was 10 years old with my knees and then was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 4 discs in my back. I was in terrible condition when I first started and now I have no more discomfort at all. It's worked incredibly for me for my knees, back, stress, and so much more!

[MissyChrissy]

Working out in general...any back strengthening exercises will help with the pain.

[QueenAngie]

I had back surgery.

These are my little bag of non-medicine tricks:

Walk, walk, walk every day/twice a day.

Use good body techniques constantly.

Use a small rolled towel or cushion behind the middle of your back, when you are driving,
or sitting for periods of time.

Standing for periods of time.....like doing the dishes, have one foot up on a stool. Alternate frequently.

Do Not Bend Over. Squat down.

In bed on your back place a pillow under your bent knees.
In bed on your side, place a pillow between your legs.

Start the day with a hot shower to get rid of the aches and pains,
then get on the floor to do your back exercises from the therapist.

Get good shoes.

In the car driving or riding, hold your stomach in over railroad tracks or major bumps.

If a spot on your back or down your leg is really bad....
get a tennis ball or two,
lay on the floor on your back.
Place the tennis ball under the particular part of your body in pain.
Lay in place for 60 seconds.....2 minutes is better.

It will hurt. Yes, it will hurt, but it is a form of accupress that will
stop the pain. Have somebody to roll you over, if you get stuck on your back.

Another good exercise is to lay on the floor, like you are watching tv on your belly.
Prop yourself up on 2 elbows with your head in the air like you are watching tv.
Hold for several minutes.
Again, have somebody to roll you over, if you get stuck on your belly.

Use ice bags (frozen veggies are great, but clearly mark not to eat them).
Use a heating pad or rice pack for heat.

Those are all non-medicine treatments.

Find what works for you and stick with it.

All the best!

[MissRain]

Hi Nathan. I am new here and I suffer from osterarthritis and a few other back issues. I guess what comes to mind is that we find out exactly what is wrong with our backs (you probably already have and then we find something that works for us, regarding what we can do and we try to do so without creating pain, or making things worse.
I like the above advice, and I wish I could add more. I do hope you are feeling better and that you find something that works well for you

MissRain

[hbowne]

I see most of these comments are from over a year ago, but I thought I'd add my two cents. My hubby has a bad back, and one of the things that helped him was our Comfortaire mattress. It's been great! Depending on how his back feels, he can adjust the firmness of the mattress however often he likes.

Also core strengthening exercises help a lot as well. Not just back exercises, but abdominal work, as well as strengthening your hips and upper thighs. I actually just wrote a couple of back-pain related blogs you can read at the online version of Prevention magazine. Just use the Buzz Prevention link in my signature line to find them! The titles are: "I've Got Your Back," and "Back at Ya': Solutions For Back Pain."

[mcmama]

Thanks Holly. Yes, the right mattress does help, and not always the most firm is best. Depends on where you have support.

I am finding that the strengthening is very important, as I lose weight, because now it is not so much the weight dragging on me as it is that the muscles are still weak. Once the muscles do their job and the abs are not weighing you down, there is less pull on the spine.

[sstoh]

Agree with Mim23. I attended a Pilates class once a week and now my back does not tire so easily and I have stopped going for 2 months...

[EvaRose]

I agree with having a good mattress. My back bothered me for years until I finally spent the money on a good mattress. I am much better now.

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