Nagging backache
Discussion
Hi there, after a little help...
I've just turned 40 and been a sparky (electrician) since leaving school. I've always tried to look after myself - knee pads, had a foam matress for 10 years, try not to be too much of a hero in lifting things etc (although not always too easy when you're by yourself) but it's a physical job. Being on my feet 8+ hours a day I've never been inclined to work out or exercise, I have recently lost a good deal of weight through low carb.
Recently I've been having a fair bit of backache; particularly after doing awkward strechy-out jobs - hours spent doing lighting working overhead, or over kitchen units fixing sockets. The ache is never agony but will build from needing to stretch and contort to really very uncomfortable and basically wanting to sod off home. Even if I take a rest, start again it'll be back 1 second in. But if I stop work and go home it fades to nowt fairly promptly.
Variation in tasks would probably help I know but isn't always a practical.
I know there's a lot of things people rate from exercises to Pilates or yoga, I'm open to any suggestions.
I've just turned 40 and been a sparky (electrician) since leaving school. I've always tried to look after myself - knee pads, had a foam matress for 10 years, try not to be too much of a hero in lifting things etc (although not always too easy when you're by yourself) but it's a physical job. Being on my feet 8+ hours a day I've never been inclined to work out or exercise, I have recently lost a good deal of weight through low carb.
Recently I've been having a fair bit of backache; particularly after doing awkward strechy-out jobs - hours spent doing lighting working overhead, or over kitchen units fixing sockets. The ache is never agony but will build from needing to stretch and contort to really very uncomfortable and basically wanting to sod off home. Even if I take a rest, start again it'll be back 1 second in. But if I stop work and go home it fades to nowt fairly promptly.
Variation in tasks would probably help I know but isn't always a practical.
I know there's a lot of things people rate from exercises to Pilates or yoga, I'm open to any suggestions.
hey chap, not sure if this will help, it's a little video I did for a friend of a friend to help relive back ache (apologies for the rambling and bad language) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcRmEetBTFk&t=...
Hi Ben, fellow sparky here! Also familier with bad knees and back. Every so often I get a bad back from stooping over too much.. because I don’t want to bend my knackered old knees! I find an old weight lifting belt under my top helps me keep my back straight. Also as said stretching and working out.
So many things it could be.
For me, I was getting a bit of lower back pain because of weaknesses elsewhere, but there's other stuff like tight hips etc.
I would try physio for a few sessions. Get an assessment done and they will try and work out where it's most likely coming from, do some work in to the muscle etc and then give you a few exercises to work on. Something that worked for me was called 'glute release', which was basically elbowing my ass while moving my leg around. Really uncomfortable, but worked well with some lower back massage to loosen stuff up.
Worked surprisingly quick for me with just a few banded exercises and stretches.
For me, I was getting a bit of lower back pain because of weaknesses elsewhere, but there's other stuff like tight hips etc.
I would try physio for a few sessions. Get an assessment done and they will try and work out where it's most likely coming from, do some work in to the muscle etc and then give you a few exercises to work on. Something that worked for me was called 'glute release', which was basically elbowing my ass while moving my leg around. Really uncomfortable, but worked well with some lower back massage to loosen stuff up.
Worked surprisingly quick for me with just a few banded exercises and stretches.
I would suggest going to see a physio in the first instance but would suggest the following as potential ways to stop the pain:
1: Stretching sessions in the morning and evening. Find appropriate ones to do via google or through a physio and make sure you do them in the morning and evening.
2. Core exercises (like planking) can help a great deal. Spend about 20-30 mins every morning on them.
3. Your mattress may need replacing so would certainly look at a new one.
4. Light weight training as your back may be in pain due to weakness in other parts of your body.
1: Stretching sessions in the morning and evening. Find appropriate ones to do via google or through a physio and make sure you do them in the morning and evening.
2. Core exercises (like planking) can help a great deal. Spend about 20-30 mins every morning on them.
3. Your mattress may need replacing so would certainly look at a new one.
4. Light weight training as your back may be in pain due to weakness in other parts of your body.
Thanks for all the advice!
Matress should be fine (?) - it's a warren Evans memory foam and in good condition, often when we've been away hotels etc even top quality beds you get back on it and it feels wonderfully resetting and "right"
Physio looks like good one to try, although someone I know has recommended an osteopath so might give him a go.
Matress should be fine (?) - it's a warren Evans memory foam and in good condition, often when we've been away hotels etc even top quality beds you get back on it and it feels wonderfully resetting and "right"
Physio looks like good one to try, although someone I know has recommended an osteopath so might give him a go.
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