CoCo
Well-Known Member
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All told I think there is some pretty good advice here but I would add the following.
Learn what you can about your particiualr ailment and don't assume yours is the same as anyone else here posting. My first back incident was late 20's and brought on in part because I kept trying to "stretch-out" the stiffness I couldn't explain. Specifically I was doing the cat-like stretch someone referred to. Those stretches aggravated it for me to where I could barely walk, couldn't bend over etc.
I don't understand all the nuances but I think my now periodic pain is a combination at times of herniated disc and overworked muscles trying to protect it.
Ice is great for reducing the swelling (presumably at the disc) and brings some of the most instantaneous relief.
Heat loosens up the muscles that get incredibly tight trying to compensate and protect.
Weight has never been my issue at 5'11 & 170 lbs max. But a bit of diligence in strengthening the abs has been VERY helpful. At 52 now I have less trouble than in my 40's simply because I know my body better, what works and doesn't.
For me, once it flairs, the best thing is to spend the day flat out (leggs slightly bent or elevated to relieve the pressure) and let it recover instead of sitting all day (desk job) which genrally makes it worse.
That is my advice to you. Learn the particulars of your situation, what helps and doesn't and be patient.
Never been to a chiropractor. I've learned enough preventive and recuperative to manage my damage very nicely now. But it took me quite awhile to do so.
I run about 12 miles a week every week too. So while running becomes a no-no for some, not so for me. I believe it actually helps once I get far enough along in my recuperation. Gets my muscles back in balance.
Learn what you can about your particiualr ailment and don't assume yours is the same as anyone else here posting. My first back incident was late 20's and brought on in part because I kept trying to "stretch-out" the stiffness I couldn't explain. Specifically I was doing the cat-like stretch someone referred to. Those stretches aggravated it for me to where I could barely walk, couldn't bend over etc.
I don't understand all the nuances but I think my now periodic pain is a combination at times of herniated disc and overworked muscles trying to protect it.
Ice is great for reducing the swelling (presumably at the disc) and brings some of the most instantaneous relief.
Heat loosens up the muscles that get incredibly tight trying to compensate and protect.
Weight has never been my issue at 5'11 & 170 lbs max. But a bit of diligence in strengthening the abs has been VERY helpful. At 52 now I have less trouble than in my 40's simply because I know my body better, what works and doesn't.
For me, once it flairs, the best thing is to spend the day flat out (leggs slightly bent or elevated to relieve the pressure) and let it recover instead of sitting all day (desk job) which genrally makes it worse.
That is my advice to you. Learn the particulars of your situation, what helps and doesn't and be patient.
Never been to a chiropractor. I've learned enough preventive and recuperative to manage my damage very nicely now. But it took me quite awhile to do so.
I run about 12 miles a week every week too. So while running becomes a no-no for some, not so for me. I believe it actually helps once I get far enough along in my recuperation. Gets my muscles back in balance.
