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by jtlienwis 1773 days ago
Have you tried the simple solution of putting an ice pack on your back? Also, stop driving in your car with your wallet in your back pocket. Also, avoid hot tub as this will make it worse. Don't sit for long periods. Get up and walk. You look young and healthy and these are the solutions I had when I was younger when I had back pain.
3 comments

I have chronic back pain due to a disease which went undiagnosed for most of my life.

I understand that this comment is made in good faith and with the best of intents, but I loathe getting this kind of advice. I'm not trying to be a dick, I just want to let you know that this advice is extremely frustrating for a lot of people suffering from back pain. ESPECIALLY "you look young and healthy"...Yea thanks, I'll probably still look young when I'm in a wheelchair.

PS If your back hurts and your doctor doesn't seem to believe you or care, get a new doctor.

Thank you! I appreciate your tips. Yes, I move around a lot, I practice acrobatics at least a few times a week :) I think the original injury may have something to do with doing back bends improperly years ago, or snowboarding.

I recently went to one session with a PT to diagnose it, since it's returned again this year. It's probably chronically strained quadratus lumborum or some other muscle involved in spinal extension. Avoiding upright sitting as much as possible definitely helps. I've recently moved closer to things so that I can bicycle to most things instead of driving, and I think that's helped too.

The PT thinks the solution is to train my movement patterns to use more core / glute stabilization rather than dumping the responsibility on the back muscles. There are various exercises to help train those patterns and strengthen then muscles involved.

Anyone here with back pain please see a doctor if it persists, please. It could be a serious indicator of other issues.

Personally I find a standing position healthiest: for women in particular, it avoids particular long-term hip flexor problems.