Lower to mid back pain? This might help... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

GTR-Mark · 09-22-2009, 01:05 PM

My personal trainer had me start doing this "Cobra" stretch and after 3 weeks my back pain is completely gone. I'm doing other back strengthening also, but this has been a critical part.

For starting out, use the 2 pictures on the left ONLY.. Consider the right side more advanced to work toward. They key is to have your back do most of the work lifting you. Do not think of this as a push up and as your back strengthens, use your arms less and less to lift you.

Obvious if this really hurts, discontinue or don't lift as high. Try holding the stretch for 2 seconds before coming down. I do 3 sets of 20 of these every other day.

-Mark

watfam4 · 09-22-2009, 02:03 PM

What kind of back pain does this help you with? (nerve, muscle)

GTR-Mark · 09-22-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watfam4

What kind of back pain does this help you with? (nerve, muscle)

I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on TV, but my problems were definitely muscular.

katzz87 · 09-22-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watfam4

What kind of back pain does this help you with? (nerve, muscle)

I've used it for lower back/leg nerve pain...works awesome!

Laureate · 09-22-2009, 03:24 PM

Mark, thanks!

I have been having lower back pain -- my surgery is still a month out, but I've begun to worry how much worse the pain will get. I'm goping to try this ... or maybe a standing variation for us pre-op types.

Kymel · 09-22-2009, 03:33 PM

thanks Mark! I'll have to start trying it.

After over a year with no back pain - mine is starting to return for some reason in my lower back. I think it stopped when I was about 50 pounds down, and nothing since then until the last couple months. Now there's a bit of a nag there. Could be that I strained it some or that I'm not sitting right at work...could be a multitude of things - but seems like some strengthing exercises could help either way.

Corrine · 09-22-2009, 03:47 PM

I had chronic lower back pain which started around 8-9 months out. Never had the problem before WLS.

I tried an osteopath and a chiropracter. I religiously did the core strengthening exercises given but in the end, time and a Serta Memory Foam 4" mattress topper: Serta Ultimate 4-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper | Overstock.com AND a body pillow to put between my knees to keep my hips aligned in bed, the problem disappeared.

Took a good 6 months though.

Apparently, this is a common problem because of the rapid weight loss we go through.

GTR-Mark · 09-22-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corrine

Apparently, this is a common problem because of the rapid weight loss we go through.

I think there are a number of things in play. First our weight is distributed different as we lose and there is an adjustment needed. Second we are losing some muscle mass including in the back area. Also my trainer says my ab muscles are actually over developed and they tend to pull me forward (goes with my posture issues).. This strains the back.

watfam4 · 09-22-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR-Mark

I think there are a number of things in play. First our weight is distributed different as we lose and there is an adjustment needed. Second we are losing some muscle mass including in the back area. Also my trainer says my ab muscles are actually over developed and they tend to pull me forward (goes with my posture issues).. This strains the back.

I think that this is true. I've been seeing a chiropractor for years for various minor back issues (a few times a year). I noticed that as my weight started to level off around 12 - 18 months that I needed to see him more often. Most of my issues at that time were more upper back and seemed related to my posture (and perhaps related to my weight shifting). I saw the chiropractor regularly for a year or so after that. I have not had an issue with my upper back for a while now (I haven't seen the chiro at all this year).

My problem now is I'm having some issues with sciatica. However, in this case, it's self inflicted from swinging a softball bat.

Kymel · 09-22-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watfam4

However, in this case, it's self inflicted from swinging a softball bat.

GO LONG...!!

Wait...that's football...sorry, silly blonde girl