Back pain / posture

[smithyithy]

Hi all. For a while now (but especially recently) I've been having back pain and discomfort that I think is brought on by bad posture.

Basically my back just feels weak, I tend to have to slouch whenever I'm sitting and it just feels very uncomfortable in general.

Probably a broad question but what can I do about this? Are there any methods or exercises that can alleviate these sort of problems? It's not something I've looked into before so don't know where to start..

I'm 25, 6'0", slim/average build. I don't do any real exercise, aside from walking / running the dog a few times a week, few other somewhat active things, but no gym.

I've been considering getting a good back massage, I don't if that would help at all?

Any advice welcome.

[FBP1]

Pilates is great for this. I thought it was all magic pebble type stuff on the grounds that my other half and loads of other women locally do it, but when I had a bad back and sciatica I started doing it and it made a massive difference . No more back pain, no more sciatica

[AlRaven]

Definitely the core stability exercises that you get in Pilates. I'm seeing the physio for this at present and it's all about your core.

Visit to an Osteopath better than the massage.

[smithyithy]

I'd forgot to reply to this, thanks guys!

I'll look into pilates, seems like that could be helpful

[Tonsko]

Pilates, as mentioned, is great for core strength. It strengthens the muscles around your middle, and helps to hold your spine in a 'good' shape - that is, the way it is supposed to be.

I also found sitting on a large exercise ball quite helpful at my computer, as you're constantly adjusting your position to stay on top of it. Now moved onto one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Variable-Original-Kneeling...

Got lucky on the bay and found one for 80 quid.

[MC Bodge]

Try to avoid excessive curving your lumbar region and avoid tilting your pelvis forward.

Regularly do Yoga or Pilates.

Core strength exercises like planks, pressups etc. and swings and the like with a kettle bell are also good.

I have Sitfit cushion that is like a small, flat Swiss ball (looks like a big whoopie cushion) that goes on my desk chair. I sit on it for quite a lot of the time nowadays. It's excellent.

I can now ride on the drop bars on my bike with a flat back for extended periods in comfort.

Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 28th July 20:05

[ChasW]

Osteopath is worth a try. I had terrible back problems in my mid 20s. Sorted in two visits.