Do any of you ladies have back problems?

[LuckeeLaydee]

I am getting so frustrated. Have any of you ladies found something that strenghtens the back that you can do?
It seems like so many things irritate my back. I need to find at least a few things I can do to keep my weight in line. I wanted to try to build some muscle too but that may be a lost cause right now.
Any input of your experiences would be appreciated.
Paula

 

[kathryn]

What specific problems are you having? Where is the paiin, and when does it occur?

Plank work, superman exercises and 'birddogs" work the lower back and spinal erectors nicely.

Core work and functional fitness workouts (like the TLT's) work the stabilizing muscles throughout the back.

 

[Winter]

Hi Paula,

I would ask the same questions as Kathryn. I have had low back trouble for probably 8 years now. One surgery and a few real bad flare ups where exercise was not an option.

I bought a roman chair to strenghten my low back. That helped me in physical therapy.


Also because of my back I bought a 3 inch memory foam and also started sleeping with a pillow between my knees and that worked wonders for me. I used to wake up in the morning and I was so stiff that I could not tie my shoes. Not since I bought the memory foam.

I won't go on since I don't know where your back hurts but I know how miserable it is so do what you can to keep it healthy!!

Good luck,
Winter

 

[LuckeeLaydee]

Kathry:
It's in my lower back and I seemed to have it under control after visiting the chiropractor for what seemed like months. I still go every two weeks but now its starting to bother me again. The worst thing is I can't quite put my finger on what I'm doing that irritates or I would stop doing that thing!
Thanks for the advice, but I have a question. I have only been on this forum a couple of months and I have seen people post about TLT but what exactly is that?
Thanks,
Paula

 

[40something]

To add to what Winter has said...for years doctor's were recommending that we should all be sleeping on firm mattresses because our backs needed the support. That thought is changing since people are still suffering with back problems despite sleeping on firm mattresses. What mattress manufacturers are saying now is, you need a well-cushioned mattress because the firmer the mattress, the more pressure points are coming into contact with the mattresses inner coils. This is why the memory foam products are taking off in sales...it is much easier on your back to sleep on a mattress that isn't allowing the inner springs to cause pressure points/distress on your body.

Also why people are more comfortable sleeping on mattresses with pillow tops. Same theory. We need the underlying support but not the extra firmness throughout the whole mattress. You can get bed mattresses that are made with memory foam too.

 

[kathryn]

> I have only
>been on this forum a couple of months and I have seen people
>post about TLT but what exactly is that?
>Thanks,
>Paula


Hi, Paula!
TLT is "Tracie Long Training." There are 4 new DVD's that Tracie Long has created (she leads 2, Jen Carman and Susan Harris lead the other two) using functional fitness concepts as promoted by NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine www.nasm.org). They work the core muscle and stabilizing muscles, and can, IMO, help work out imbalances.