Ok - my back is absolutely killing me!

It spasms when I stand too long just trying to cook dinner. Forget cleaning the house or doing anything else. It hurts when I sit too long on the couch. I'm short so my feet don't touch the ground in any chair in my house. :biggrin:

Even laying on the couch makes it hurt. This sucker hurts all the time!!

What are some good exercises to strengthen my back? I've done some shoulder work, biceps, triceps, a few pushups (my wrists are really weak so this is hard (carpal tunnel and arthritis)).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

wombat

I've had real problems with my back for years also. Sporadically, issues would pop up from time to time. But then about a year ago, I had a terrible episode where I could not move and ended up at the local clinic. In the end I had with an MRI, a whole truck load of meds (pain meds, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories), physical therapy for a couple of months, and a series of epidural injections over about 9 months. So, I know exactly what you're going through!

It sounds like you're in a lot of pain so you might have more going on that a simple muscle pull. You might want to get in with a back specialist or a physical medicine doctor and get a full work up. I really got a lot of relief with going to PT and doing the exercises they gave me. Strengthening the muscles in your back will help alleviate the pain and inflammation you're experiencing.

Back pain's nothing to mess around with and when you're having problems with your back, it affects everything you do. Hope you get in to see someone and you find some relief soon. Good Luck!

Thanks Elismom!

I should probably go in and see a doc. I'm sitting here in misery right now from cooking dinner 2 1/2 hours ago.

I have arthritis and the particular type I have can go into the back - I'm hoping and praying it's not that. I mentioned to my arthritis doc a couple of days ago and she didn't think anything of it so I'm hopeful on this one

wombat

I agree with the previous poster about checking with your doctor. If they give the ok maybe see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist and they could set up an exercise program for you. I used to do hydrotherapy when I had a shoulder injury and it was great for working my muscles but gentle enough not to do further damage.

I have rheumatoid arthritis and suspected anklosing spondylitis (? sp) along with a bulging and herniated disk. So, I can completely relate to the pain aspect of your situation. I've been pretty successful with doing the exercises the PT gave me in conjunction with my medication and such. But, I really think, especially with my condition, it's a combination of all these things that's allowed me to at least maintain. Hopefully you'll be able to find the best combination for your situation with the help of your doctor. Good luck & I wish you the best!