Back Pain Remedies?

[It's all new 453]

I've lost almost 50 lbs in the past 10 weeks. I've started exercising - walking, Water aerobics, elliptical, and strength training with a personal trainer. I have a lot of back pain during the day, just doing regular activities that were not painful pre-surgery. It does not seem like I'm over-exercising.

I imagine this happens to other people as they lose weight rapidly?

If so, how did you get your back to cooperate with your new life, and how long did it take to get on track again?

[ShannonK 266]

Girl - I am right there with you!! I am constantly stretching my back - I even asked my doc about going to a chiropractor! He said no- go get a massage!! But I remember my back hurting more AFTER delivering my 3 girls....the weight is gone so quick, your body has to readjust......let me know if you find anything else that works!!!

[It's all new 453]

Girl - I am right there with you!! I am constantly stretching my back - I even asked my doc about going to a chiropractor! He said no- go get a massage!! But I remember my back hurting more AFTER delivering my 3 girls....the weight is gone so quick' date=' your body has to readjust......let me know if you find anything else that works!!![/quote']

I will definitely let you know. Good to know I'm not alone in this.

[AbbieRoad 26]

I haven't had my surgery yet but I threw my back out last year, and a chiro taught me some back stretches to do that really help, and he got me re-adjusted.

When it hurts - make sure you ice it, DO NOT USE HEAT! Heat will draw all teh blood to the area and it will feel even worse. Ice is the way to go. Remember RICE! Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (not sure how you'd elevate your back though!)

[KristieAtkinson 589]

I had my back start hurting all day every day after losing so much weight. The doctor said its cause your center of gravity changes. Your body has to adjust to how your core supports your spine. It definitely wasn't over exercising. (I've done that too & know the difference).

Unfortunately I just had to wait it out. I'm sure it's going to come back as my weight changes more but right now it's better. Hope yours gets better soon too!

[melbelinc 33]

Check out sites like Groupon. There are always deals for massages at salons! You will only pay like 1/2 price for them. Massage is the total way to go.

[mylifeinpink 350]

Is anyone else large breasted also? I'm beginning to think its because they are not going away as fast as the rest of me- and I feel better hunched over

SO much pain! Uhg

[KristieAtkinson 589]

Is anyone else large breasted also? I'm beginning to think its because they are not going away as fast as the rest of me- and I feel better hunched over

SO much pain! Uhg

Actually my girls went down a whole cup size. (sigh) I'm a "B" now. :-( I bet bigger ones are making you miserable.

But I agree with no chiropractor. Massage is your better option for feeling better.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

If you can locate a trigger point therapist in your area, they work wonders. Even better than massage, and that's quite an admission coming from me because I am a massage therapist. If anyone lives in the Houston area PM me and I will give you the number of an excellent trigger point therapist.

And BTW, ice is to reduce swelling after injury. If your pain is from something other than trauma heat can definitely help by increasing circulation in the area.

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

What is a trigger point therapist?

I had a gift certificate for a massage but I never went because of my size -__-

But like the other post, the back pain is really bad, might have to force myself to go.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Trigger point treatment usually involves applying pressure to neuromuscular junction to release tense or strained muscles thereby relieving pain. The great thing about trigger point therapists is they understand referred pain better than most doctors and certainly better than the average patient.

Referred pain is usually associated with repetitive use injuries. Referred pain simply means that the point of the pain isn't always the source of the problem nor would addressing that area be the solution. That's why people who self treat for muscle pain with massage and ice packs or heating pads, when the pain is not associated with trauma, sometimes don't get any relief. They are treating the wrong place. The back and neck are 2 of the biggest culprits of referred pain.

For instance neck strains often present as headaches and strain to the glutes usually shows up as low back pain. These are 2 very common examples. Trigger point therapists (and quality massage therapists) are very good at getting to the source of the referred pain.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

BTW...if you're too shy to get a regular massage you can always go for a long chair massage.

Also with trigger point you stay fully dressed as well.

[mylifeinpink 350]

If you can locate a trigger point therapist in your area' date=' they work wonders. Even better than massage, and that's quite an admission coming from me because I am a massage therapist. If anyone lives in the Houston area PM me and I will give you the number of an excellent trigger point therapist.

And BTW, ice is to reduce swelling after injury. If your pain is from something other than trauma heat can definitely help by increasing circulation in the area.[/quote']

My heating pad is my best friend since surgery day- and I have to agree- the heat helps mine at least!

[JMarshall 352]

Ive had a reduction in back pain since surgery , but i have had some increase in back aches and soreness. i have lost almost 190 pounds. my doctor attributes the aches to rapid weight loss and the muscles having to change as my structure changes. i have started physical therapy to strengthen my core and help correct my posture. it has gotten better overall but i still have some general aches. also i have a herniated disk in my back which gives me problems from time to time. i haven't had to use pain meds in a while since i lost all the weight. physical therrapy might help your problems. good luck!

[It's all new 453]

Thanks for all your ideas! It sounds like there are several good options. I am pretty sure a massage would help, but I'm also sure it will hurt (temporarily). My massage therapist is hard core, and I somewhat avoid going just because I know it will hurt! I need to quit being a baby, buck up, and think about the long term improvement instead of the short term pain.