Constant back spasms

[Deleted User]

I have just started going to the gym to get fitter and am really enjoying it except one problem, I have always suffered from lower back/ pelvic pain which my physio says is down to muscle spasms.

Because I have primarily used the treadmill and cross trainer I don't think I'm using anything that makes me twist or bend awkwardly .The pain can be debilitating and I wondered if anyone else struggles with this and how do you care for your back.

Really hoping for some experienced as I don't want to have to give up the gym.

meritaten

not experienced in the gym - very experienced with back spasms though! Please do not take the word of the physio - get your back checked out by a doctor. there can be other causes of exersize induced spasms which are not muscular.
Pain is your body telling you not to do something, I would suggest a less rigourous workout (swimming perhaps?) while your back heals and you get the cause properly investigated.
we aren't allowed to diagnose or give medical advice on here - so I cant mention the condition I have which started with back spasms and I had to give up Tae Kwon Do.


Do get it checked out - and be gentle with your back!

[Deleted User]

Thankyou very much, I have had problems for years tbh chiropractor said I had a twisted pelvis, physio says muscle spasms.

Someone has suggested perhaps I did too much too soon and to stick to swimming and Pilates neither of which I enjoy though.

meritaten

BBH - neither a chiropractor or a physio has Xray eyes. it took just one Xray (and a private consultant) to diagnose the condition I have. after years of back pain and being told its muscular/Siatica - I did a lot of damage by continuing my martial arts. will pm you ok?

meritaten

well, I tried to pm you - but the forum wont let me!
just be very very careful not to put strain on your back. no heavy lifting or stretching or twisting.
and get it CHECKED out by a real doctor!

[Deleted User]

Thanks M

I have never had a Dr who had been interested in helping me, I have arrived unable to stand before and I've been sent away with tramadol and stretching exercises.

meritaten

that is why I paid privately for a consultation. yet other people have had excellent service.
hmmmm - if you are unable to stand, then perhaps a visit to A&E would be called for?
jeez - wish I could pm. will try again.

meritaten

I think that pm got sent!

BenWASD

I'd try and find an exercise you enjoy that doesn't aggravate the issue. Then try and slowly build up on the other exercises but only to the point that they aren't painful

pooandwee

As someone who's had back surgery (lower 3 vertebrae fused) I consider myself a (self appointed*) 'expert' in dealing with back pain.

I was told to go swimming and avoid lifting anything heavy.....so I did......and things never improved, in fact they got worse.

Swimming is a terrible exercise for someone with a bad lower back. It's just assumption based.

You're in water so no impact = Good

With no consideration to the actual mechanics of swimming. btw I got really good at swimming but the more I improved the worse my back got.

The three main things that have enabled me to pretty much completely recover my back have been:

1. Diet - if you're carrying excess weight, get rid of it
2. Walking - your body is great at walking long distance.
3. Strength Training

Basically by making myself lighter and stronger I have massively changed my life.

I avoid any longer period steady state cardio as it often results in back injuries.

Today I deadlifted 160kgs in the gym (25 stone). Until I started lifting weight I had difficulty just bending down to tie my shoelaces. I'm still hugely conscious of my back and warm up before lifting. I walk to gym (30mins) and then lift light.

Obviously a lot of people are going to disagree with me and dismiss it as anecdotal evidence but it's well documented that strength training can be hugely beneficial. However get yourself checked out by a proper expert/doctor and discuss things with them.

Quite happy to ramble on if anyone has any questions

pooandwee

p.s. Tramadol is great (if you like the 'feeling of general wellbeing' it gives you)

not everyone can metabolise it, so results vary