Bad backs

[Scarlett]

I have had a really bad back for years. I have slipped discs, and can't really walk or stand. It has been very bad, got better, and is now very bad again. When I first had the problem I was normal weight, and now I am heavier than I should be. My back specialist has not once mentioned weight to me as a cause. He accepts that my back is b*ggered, and is trying to help me fix it.

However my MOTHER keeps going on about me joining a slimming club etc. It really makes me angry, as she is looking at my weight, and assuming THAT is the reason why I can't walk or stand. I have explained that my back was really bad when I was actually light, and plus I have been heavy and perfectly mobile too.

What can I do??! Has anyone else had experience of back problems- and is it always due to weight??!

[jno]

just about everyone has back problems of some sort - apparently it's because in evolutionary terms we should still be walking on all fours, our backs haven't caught up with us standing up. Weight can aggravate them a bit - making it harder to exercise, for instance. I've always found osteopathy good and chiropractic similar, though I'm not sure if these are available on the NHS.

As for mothers, well, they worry, it's their job. Better a mother who cares than a mother who doesn't, or none at all.

[Cheekyteddy]

Poor you Scarlett. I have a bad back too. I am also overweight. I had a bad back when I was not overweight. I have no more problems with my back now than I did when I was slim.

However, my GP and a physio have both assured me that if I lost weight then my back should improve. I have been given exercises to do to strengthen the muscles in my back and I have strong painkillers neither of which actually seem to help!

I have purchased one of these NASA mattress' and a pillow I will hopefully see some improvement from that.

So in answer to your question, no i don't think overweight means you have a back problem.

[Albert Park]

I've been suffering with Sciatica for 2 years and have recently begun pysiotherapy. This includes sessions in the swimming pool, Swiss Ball work, Core Stability exercises and extension/flexion exercises.

This all sounds rather hi-tech but it's not really. All the info is on t'internet so you could get an idea what I've been going on about.

I'm 'lucky' that because I'm in the RAF I have a Remedial  Instructor overseeing my progress along with an independent physiotherapist.

To be honest progress is slow and it's too early to see if there has been any significant improvement. I suppose the reduction in taking painkillers is an indication.

Back pain can arise in numerous ways -  poor lifting technique, poor posture - even coughing! I have no explanation as to what caused my initial problems.

I have had an MRI scan which showed a bulging disc which the specialist considered not suitable for surgery. This is why I am going aown the physio route.

[Peri]

Hi Scarlett  I have been suffering from joint and back pain since my first child was born.  I went to all the specialists paid big money to no avail.  Sometimes by the evening I was bent double with the pain and my joints would swell up but my blood tests and everything were perfect.  I find acupuncture is great.  And in January this year I went to an Osteopath and found out my pelvis was out of line.  I have had 6 appointments and am on track to leading a healthier life now.  It will take time (time the specialists wont give you) but am getting there.  The weight will come off when you are not in pain and can maybe do some exercises.  It is very difficult when in chronic pain to do this.   People who have not experience this cannot possibly understand and you do get people asking and thinking is it all in her head.  Pain is real and you have to find your own way to conquer it with whatever - acupuncture, osteopathy, reflexology, reiki there is so much out there you have to find what works for you.  When the pain goes the rest will follow.  Good luck. 

[enilorac]

Don't be angry at your mother - she only wants the best for you. I am probably saying that because I am going to tell you the same thing. I had a bad back for a long time and was overweight - then I lost 5 and half stone and along with it my back problems. I started going to aqua aerobics, did ball work and joined the pilates class and I feel so much better.  Give it go for a few weeks and see if there is any improvement.