Lower back pain & gardening

BB78

Does anyone use a back support whilst gardening? I suffer with lower back pain during and after gardening, I’ve been looking online at back support belts but don’t know which one to choose. I looked at the Nailers Back Support but it looked more restrictive than supportive and rather than braces to hold it up I need suspenders to attach to my wellies to hold it down!
I’ve been using a couple of neoprene back supports from Poundland but I have to safety pin one to my trousers to stop it from folding up and then wear another one which constantly rides up around my waist; they also split and rip easily. I’m also not sure if I want/need neoprene, I think the warmth might be helping with the pain but with the average daytime temperature being in the mid to high 70’s recently they are making me too hot and when I come in my t-shirt is literally soaked!

They definitely help lessen the pain but it would be nice to have one that was designed to stay put during activity and as they are quite expensive I’d be interested to hear anyone’s experiences, recommendations or ones to avoid.

rhiwfield

As someone who's suffered more than their fair share of back problems I sympathise with you. Dont know about back supports but doing daily physio routine set by hospital physio has meant over 12 months without back tears and spasms. Priceless

Lotus-eater

Have you been to see a physio? It could really help you.

What mine says, is don't do one thing for very long and every little while, stand with your legs straight and arch your head and back, backwards with your hands on your hips. Basically stretch your back.

But I'd go to see one if I were you.

BB78

Thank you both, I have been to the Doctor's and used to see a private physio every couple of months when the pain got too bad but I can't afford it anymore plus the problem is too many sports injuries, a car & bike accident several years ago and problems with my knee's that have all taken their toll on my back.
There is nothing they can do and I hear what you are saying about little and often but unfortunately I am trying to landscape the garden (getting rid of the grass because cutting it killed my back!) so I've got alot to do and its hard work, digging, breaking up soil, heavy lifting etc. I also do alot of DIY in and around the house and a decent back support would come in handy for that too.

Swampmonster

I had back problems and the doctor refered me to an nhs physio so I didn't have to pay a penny.

Definatley worth mentioning again to your GP.

Good Luck!

BB78

Swampmonster wrote: »

I had back problems and the doctor refered me to an nhs physio so I didn't have to pay a penny.

Definatley worth mentioning again to your GP.

Good Luck!

The problem with my back is that I over do it plus generally over time the pain builds up until I can't stand it anymore & that is when I would normally book an appointment, I was referred to the private physio after a car accident a few years ago & I continued seeing her because she is so good, all I need is a deep massage, some manipulation and sometimes some ultrasound and then I'm good to go for another couple of months but I can't get this on the NHS.

I can live with the fact that my back and joints are screwed but I refuse to let it stop me from getting things done!

I thank everyone for their advice about my back but really I'm just looking for a recommendation on which back support to go for so I don't waste money buying another one that I spend more time adjusting than I do getting whatever job done.

rhiwfield

Good luck BB78, hope you find what you're looking for.

msgnomey

chiropractor might help

mine recommends a neoprene back support

haven't tried it myself tho'

BB78

I've ordered the LP Sacro Lumbar Back Support (LP773)

" Velcro fastening allows for a full range of fastening with two extra straps providing maximum support and stability to the mid and lower back without restricting normal movement, reducing the risk of muscle atrophy. 25cm width depth at the back narrowing to 13cm width depth at the front with two extra straps providing more support and stability.
Made from 75% neoprene foam with a hard wearing stretch nylon exterior lamination. "

Fingers crossed it will do the trick!!

Primrose

I sympathise. Having had back surgery I've suffered back pain for years and now have arthritic knees as well. I use a kneeling stool which helps and find that "little and often" works best, taking regular breaks to lie flat and stretch out my spine for a few moments after doing a stretch of bending down. Doing regular back exercises also helps strengthen the back muscles to provide more spine support. I don't know of any effective back support gadget which really works. I think keeping the back muscles toned up is probably a more effective "inner" support mechanism.