My back problems

Tom Marshall

Tom Marshall

Actor!!!!!!
As quite a few of you know, I've been dealing with back issues for the past 10 - 15 years. It's been worse at times and better at other times, but I've always been in pain, every day. Simple things like picking something up or even walking at times were a real pain... literally.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I sort of figured out why my back was causing me so much trouble. My lower back curves in too much. I was walking one day and then tightened up my abs, just to see if it would make any difference and, surprisingly, it did. It seemed to be easier to walk and with less pain and more range of motion in my hips. What I realized is my pelvis was actually tilting when I did that. So I tried forcing myself to really focus on my posture for the next couple or days and, sure enough, I started to feel better little by little.

So here I am, 2 weeks later. I just finished working out - which I just haven't been able to been able to do for years since any sort of lifting caused my back to simply pop back out and leave me in pain.

I started working out again last week to see if my back would hold up. I went fairly light and nothing really bothered me. So yesterday, I hit some forced negative dips - my bench press was at about 85 pounds for years since I just couldn't lay on a bench without being in pain. I had absolutely no problems with my back today, so I did a back and bicep routine - rows with about 60 pounds for 12 reps and my back actually felt BETTER after 3 sets of that. Then straight leg deadlifts (link) with the same weight - again, my back felt better after having done that. Biceps were next. 50 pounds on the ez-curl bar for 3 sets of 12, 8, and then 6 with 4 forced negatives. Then curls... I'm feeling a little nauseous from all that, but to be able to workout again after so many years of unending pain is a DAMN good feeling...
 
Its always a good feeling when you hit the gym again. My back has some minor problems, but nothing like what you've described. I work out everyday and when I miss a day and go back, even that's a great feeling. Keep it up and hopefully your back problems go away as your back muscles strengthen!

-Kegan
 
Congratulations.

I just recently quit basketball and as a result haven't exercised (literally none) in about 3 weeks... so that must feel incredible.

I'm glad things are getting better.
 
Awesome, Tommy. Last time you said something to me about your back, you were talking about getting surgery... Maybe you should look into getting some kind of back support to help reset your natural posture for a while, until it becomes that way normally? Another thing... My mother goes to a chiropractor often, but not a snap, crackle, pop one as she puts it. Her hips are out of alignment from old injuries, etc. He took all these x-rays to see her alignment, and does this tapping of this thing on her neck (no cracking or tweaking) and she can feel her hips shift. She likes it, and goes when necessary (when she over does herself and puts herself out of whack).... Anyways, perhaps you might look into something like that, if you think your alignment/posture is the culprit.

Later,
Jason
 
Hunter007 said:
Its always a good feeling when you hit the gym again. My back has some minor problems, but nothing like what you've described. I work out everyday and when I miss a day and go back, even that's a great feeling. Keep it up and hopefully your back problems go away as your back muscles strengthen!

-Kegan
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Thanks, Kegan. Yep, it is a great feeling being able to work out again. I'm a completely different person when I work out. I have so much more energy.

bballplaya283 said:
Congratulations.

I just recently quit basketball and as a result haven't exercised (literally none) in about 3 weeks... so that must feel incredible.

I'm glad things are getting better.
Click to expand...

You should go join a gym... or buy some free weights. Nothing feels as good as working out.

Jason Ramsey said:
Awesome, Tommy. Last time you said something to me about your back, you were talking about getting surgery... Maybe you should look into getting some kind of back support to help reset your natural posture for a while, until it becomes that way normally? Another thing... My mother goes to a chiropractor often, but not a snap, crackle, pop one as she puts it. Her hips are out of alignment from old injuries, etc. He took all these x-rays to see her alignment, and does this tapping of this thing on her neck (no cracking or tweaking) and she can feel her hips shift. She likes it, and goes when necessary (when she over does herself and puts herself out of whack).... Anyways, perhaps you might look into something like that, if you think your alignment/posture is the culprit.

Later,
Jason
Click to expand...

Yeah, surgery is no longer even a side thought. I'm glad I never went through with it. My mom has the same issues as me when it comes to back problems. She's had 3 surgeries on her back and said she would never have done that if she had a second chance, so that's the advice that I went with. I've been to the chiropractor probably 1000 times by this point in my live and completely agree that a good chiro can make a huge difference in the way you feel. I'd love to go to one, actually. When I visit my family for Christmas this year, I probably will take a couple of treatments since I know a great chiropractor in Florida.
 
AWESOME TOMMY!!!

This is great news.

I'm glad you are feeling better, just remember "Baby Steps" you don't want to hurt yourself.

Again, that Physical therapist I recommended, deals with injuries from the source. Meaning he takes a look at your posture, and movement. (bio mechanics) and diagnoses what is causing the problem. Might still be a good idea to check him out.

Keep up the good work and feel better.
 
Brilliant news mate! But be VERY careful with straight leg dead lifts. Get really into training abs in a variety of ways. Good luck.
 
Hey tommy, good to hear you are getting better and that you can train again. After a hard workout you always feel so good. Keep it up!
 
Great to hear you're doing better. Having longterm postural imbalances like the one you described can lead to build up of scar tissue (from overuse of the compensating muscles). You may want to find a very good myo-fascial practioner (like an ART guy) to try and clear some of that out. Think of it as kind of a preventive care measure as if there any adhesions there they could be inhibiting mobility and lead to neurological problems. I've had myo-fascial work done many times both to help recover from lifting injuries and after a massive surgery to remove a tumor on my left kidney. It's been a life-saver.

best of luck
davide
 
Having been a fitness instructor for some time, I can tell you the BEST way to rehab almost any injury is to work out with weight resistance as this builds up the muscles surrounding the various joints, thereby tightening and supporting your skeletal structure.

Kudos!
 
That book looks interesting.

Great news Tommy. I can totally relate. I wound up in the emergency room for my back about 14 years ago. While it has never been the same, watching my posture, stretching and working on the core muscles definitley helps. Although I must admit that consistency has never been my strong suit and I've gained about 20 pounds in the last few years.

Lifting things isn't really a problem, since I am religious aboout doing it properly. My back is at its worst when I have to stand for long periods. Shopping is a nightmare.

I once read a book by trainer that said the thing that helped his posture the most was just imagining a string attached to the back of your head, constantly pulling you up. Sounds weird, but it works for me.
 
Getting surgery might be an option, but it is just as likely to mess you up even worse. There is a place called the Bonatti Institute down here, and possibly other locations. It's also not too far from where your family is I think. They don't go in with knives and chisels, like most spinal surgeons. Instead, they do arthoscopic, which is less invasive.... I taped one of their seminars ;) There were many testimonials from people who could barely walk, walking out that day feeling better than ever.
 
Nice going...people don't get how bad back pain really is until they suffer from it themselves.

I remember seeing my father in so much pain he had to lie on the floor and bite a handkerchief...and he was still yelling in agony. I didn't understand how much it could have hurt....

Until 20 years later when I get hit with Sciatica. I never hurt so much in my life...I was in tears. Laid up in bed for 7 weeks...pain killers made it barely bearable. I had it again briefly a year later, but the first time was the worst...both legs.

I'm way out of shape now, but was always scared to work out because it might cause more attacks. I think after reading your post I might give some light work outs a try. Hopefully I'll get some positive results without too much discomfort...heaven knows western medicine has been of almost no help.
 
I can remember the weight of a bed sheet on my toe causing me to cry like a little girl.

I'm a bit inspired myself. I think I'll work out a little...right after a trip to Wendy's
 
Congrats on your recovery. I'm sure you already know, but I'll throw this in anyway... make sure not to overdo it with the weights - it's so easy to go too far when you're feeling good right now. Always err on the side of caution - better do too little, than do too much and injure yourself - work up really slowly to some goal, if it takes you a little longer, that's fine.

The other thing, I second finding a good physical therapist. I find it pretty mind-boggling that you've suffered with this problem for so many years, and NOBODY diagnosed it properly! How is that possible? None of the doctors? How come? I don't get it. In any case, a physical therapist is trained to work on such issues - a visit may be well in order. Good luck!
 
Sounds like good news Tommy. I haven't seen your previous posts about this, so maybe you have already done this; I would strongly recommend making an appointment with a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) that is good with osteopathic manipulative medicine (most DOs should be). Nothing against the chiropractors, but DOs have much more extensive medical training (Same length of training as an MD).

I have had what I would call minor back pain since high school. X-rays and scans always showed that I had slight scoliosis. My wife (being an MD) finally talked me into seeing a DO that she knows at work. All I can say is WOW. I walked out feeling better than I have ever felt before. She knew exactly where all my problem areas were before I even had a chance to tell her. My back pain has sinced vanished, my spine has begun to straighten, and the tendinitis in my elbows from Jiu Jitsu is no more. I'm due to go back in soon and can't wait. I'm telling you, I floated out of that place. Anyway, you should look into seeing a DO in your area.

Keep up the work!
 
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