Lower back pain when bending and sitting

Hi,


I am writing in regards to recent problems I have had with my lower back. Firstly, a bit of background information:


I am 25 years old, I have had an office job since I was 18 so I am sitting in front of a computer for up to 8 hours a day. For the last 3 or so years I have been going to the gym regularly. It was up until about 6 months to a year ago that I stopped doing deadlifts as I would be in a bit of pain (lower back) for a couple of days afterwards. On top of the gym which I was attending about 4 nights a week, I started playing football. A version of football in Australia referred to as touch football. This involves a lot of running, side stepping, and bending over to "play the ball". I started doing this about 3 times a week for periods of about 45 mins, starting about 1 year ago. In the last few months my lower back would hurt for a few days afterwards. This pain was at its worst when I bent over and when I sat at my desk for long periods of time.


I have been seeing a physio for the last few weeks - I have seen him about 4 times now and he has been working hard on my hamstrings. The flexibility in the hamstrings are getting a lot better but it doesn't seem like my back is improving. I stopped all physical activity and haven't done any for the last 2 weeks. I am able to bend over a little bit easier now but sitting in front of the computer for long periods is still very uncomfortable. I am just wondering, do you think it is my hamstrings that are the cause? Or is it possible that the focus has been on the wrong area?


Regards,
Max

Dear Max,

sounds like your hamstrings are not the complaining part of the body, although having flexible hamstrings does help one with bending. But the weakest link in the chain is most likely to be the lower back itself. Treating that has sereval options, and for myself being a MDT or McKenzie therapist, I favor this method. You write that history of LBP (low back pain) is quit long and is provocated by bending and aggrevated by sitting. Does walking (longer distancdes >30 minutes) and being on the move reduce or completely resolve your LBP? Is your back pain at is worst at the beginning of the day and increases during the end of the working day? Is getting up after sitting bothering you? (makes you feel like a 60 year old?). Are you able to stand up straight or do you need bent forward a little? Do you sometimes feel that you are out of the middle with your upper body? (deviated to left or right?)

If the answer is yes on 2 or more of the above questions you are most likely to have a derangement according to the MDT/McKenzie classification system. It would be a good idea to see a MDT trained PT. But again, that is my state of mind.....so many PT think they have found the ultimate solution to LBP.....But anyway, you should feel improvement within 24-48 hours after your initial intake and doing the appropriate exercises.

Good luck,

Sietze

I would advice seeing an osteopath - Bowen Technique practitioner

Obviously, there are a lot of treatments available since people coming up with back pain issues are more on the rise. A detailed scan can help one to get familiar with his/her problem. If not medicated this can weaken one’s body and stress organ systems. I have heard of this complete physiotherapy treatment at Mississauga which was helpful to many of my close friends and acquaintances. Hope this will be of some help. Take care!

I guess you don't smoke, smokers are especially vulnerable to back pain.

Hi

I guess you need to visit a physiotherapy specialist, he will help you out in relieving your back pain. Your regular 8 hours sitting might have weaken the spinal cord and your wrong sitting posture might have caused you this trouble.
With regular physical therapy and treatment you will feel the change.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am now seeing a soft tissue therapist. He has told me that my hips are really tight and the day after he works on them I feel better. Although it still tends to flare up once I start playing sports again. Any suggestions as to what exercises may help with loosening up that area of my body?

I think you should consult to a professional physiotherapist as soon as possible. The problem is not big but can become serious if not considered.

90% of back pain is not actually caused by any serious underlying injury or disease. Most of it is simply just natural wear and tear. I guess however that I am among the other 10%. I have pretty bad scoliosis and they think my spine is still actually shifting. Cold compresses always help, but what has been best for me (after a couple days of cold) is a back wrap called BFST. My pain bouts used to last a good couple weeks, but now it is only a few days with this wrap. I also try to focus on my posture a lot, I think that makes a huge difference. I have included the info for the wrap I use, and hope you find something that gets you through as well. Back Pain Treatment

Muscle imbalance problem, Think that your back muscle too much work because your daily activity and sport activity for long period. You need to do exercise with PNF (proprioceptif Neuromuscular Facilitation) pattern for your pelvic area. And you need to check your spine to physical therapist, maybe physical therapist will give you postural exercise to correct your spine combine with diathermi or electrical theraphy.

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Originally Posted by fisiofisio

Muscle imbalance problem, Think that your back muscle too much work because your daily activity and sport activity for long period. You need to do exercise with PNF (proprioceptif Neuromuscular Facilitation) pattern for your pelvic area. And you need to check your spine to physical therapist, maybe physical therapist will give you postural exercise to correct your spine combine with diathermi or electrical theraphy.

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Muscle imbalances often occur when one muscle is stronger than its opposing muscle. Say, for example..if you sit all day at a computer, your shoulders are likely pulled forward creating a strength imbalance between the front of your body and the back. This imbalance can become real issue over time, if not treated on time.