Being over 6ft I'v always had to be careful with my back but recently I had a relatively painful twinge! The Dr has recommended light exercise and got me onto some pretty powerful painkillers, not a problem at this time of year but I wouldn't want to be restricted to this regime during the busy months.
I always try and use sensible lifting techniques and where possible use ramps, etc rather than just lifting.
Talking to my Osteopath, who I go to every 3 months, to make sure everything is working properly and she suggested I consider using a back support belt, not the type used by weight lifters more of a neoprene lumber support.
I was wondering if anyone uses anything similar and if they could recommend one/a supplier please?
Many thanks,
Bernard
On the plus side I've had a really good Christmas break this year ;)
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Replies
John,
I like the idea of swimming thanks for that tip.
I'm also not sure about the belt as I do want some prevention/support but don't want to weaken existing muscles by doing the job for them.
Many thanks for such a quick and helpful reply,
Bernard
i have also suffered with real bad back problems and have tried all sorts of back supports, the best that i have ever had and still use it now, its what the motorcycle riders use and is quite wide and comfortable, i bought them from lidl, it might sound strange (lidl) but it works for me
Bernard,
Not knowing the ins & outs of your condition but passing on some experience of back trouble.
If the pain is muscular or ligament related then you'd be better off seeing an acupuncturist (avoid chinese) and then taking it easy whilst you have the treatment - light duties only. It does work!
If you have to do heavy lifting then a leather weight lifter's belt is what you need. I carry one on the van just in case.
Going forward, if you wear a belt all day long all this will do is eventually weaken your back muscles. The strength in the body all comes from the stomach so you should build up your abs and exercise these regularly.
Warm down after work by lying on the floor in a crucifix position, bring one leg up and roll it over yourself to the opposite side and hold it. You'll feel your lower back and hip stretching. Repeat on other side.
If your back trouble is spine/disc related then maybe see a specialist but without having the core strength in your stomach you'll always be at risk from back trouble.
I also suffered from occasional debilitating back trouble. Even though we were working full-on carrying out all types of hard and soft landscaping projects and all the heavy work they entail, it would always start with an innocuous procedure eg reaching round a shrub to trim a branch, stooping to knock in a level peg, I would feel a little tweak, which would get worse and overnight I would be unable to move without excruciating pain. This would last 3-4 days and then virtually disappear within a few days.
My physio reckoned I had a disc that would bulge very occasionally, touch a nerve and the the body would smasm, making things worse...............just as John says above.
The strange thing is that from being virtually crippled and unable to walk one weekend, I could be on the cricket pitch the next!
The moral of all this is that it wasn’t heavy lifting that did the damage to me, but ALWAYS bad technique in doing the most mundane of procedures.
Colin, Richard, and the two Johns,
You have all broadly identified my problem especially the bit about the spasm that doesn't know when to stop once it initially started.
Thanks especially for the excercise/stretching/warming up and down tips.
I'll get a belt as piece of kit only to be used when applicable rather than constantly.
Went and walked the dog this morning (yes she REALLY appreciated that in this weather) without any problems and as I've been resting for nearly 6 weeks now I've slowly been reducing the painkillers especially the ones that made me feel sick particlullarly appreciated during Christmas dinner/tea.
Many thanks for taking the time to help me.
Incidentally all my customers have sent texts glad that I'll be working for them again which is a huge relief.
Nothing like a bit of anxiety (with no alcohol since November!) to bunch up those muscles again.
Cheers folks,
Bernard
As it seems to be muscle problems go to a physio when you get your next twinge, check with your local NHS as some hospitals do self referrals to there physio clinic, they will be able to give you specialised exercises for your problem. Strengthening is better than support as support doesn't fix the problem so it will come back.
Boyd,
That's another good suggestion, thank you.
I'm booked in at our local hospital tomorrow for a blood test (to make sure I haven't been in contact with any toxic plants to any great extent) so I'll ask then.
When I started in this profession I got a list of toxic plants from an RHS site and an pretty sure it's mechanical not any substance that is the cause.
Many thanks,
Bernard
Update.
The Physio was great. The excercises resulted in a couple of good "clicks". I've also got a stretching regime. All free from the local hospital. I love the NHS :) the results of the blood test were all without concern.
I've also kept going to the Ostiopath who is working on some associated muscle groups with good effect.
The workmans back support belt is here and I start work again Friday, then 1/2 days for a week to build me back up (sic).
Many thanks to everyone for your suggestions and help,
Bernard