Newly developed lower back pain, not how to fix it.

[GrapeJelly]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any advice or had similar experiences with lower back pain. 

I'm a little over twenty pounds overweight and in my late twenties and in these past two months I started to develop lower back pain, that mostly goes off at work. I work on my feet, have to move around a lot and carry things, so it is kind of a physically demanding job. 

I've been doing cardio (elliptical, running) about six days a week, for an hour, or two each day for almost two years. The weight I'm at now is the lowest I've been in a while and when I was heavier I never had any back pain. 

I went to my doctor and they just said take pain medication and go to a chiropractor if it gets worse. 

It only happens at work, never when I'm exercising or doing other things. I thought it might be my shoes, as they're a year old, but I replaced them and haven’t felt an improvement. 

I don't think it’s related to my age, and I've never had any back injuries and don't know what happened or what I can do about it. If anyone has any advice or had something similar I'd really appreciate the comments. 

Like should I stop doing cardo and switch to something else? Would a back brace help? If I get off work and have back pain is bag or ood to go the gym afterwords? 

And I will probably go to a chiropractor, but there aren't any that are in network with my insurance plan so I'd be paying out of pocket, so I'm kind of stalling that visit. 

[alef]

hello GJ,

the weight doesn't help, you know that but wat can i tell u to motivate ?

was 239 in feb now 207 going to 179. I can feel the difference with tght loss

suggest you warm up and cool down strecth 5 minutes I did so and my back is not acting up.

after 5 month pt rehab actually stretching the last 5 minutes of workout is amazinf for less pain more flex.

find the right strecth for u.

kind regards, alef

[JeanRI]

My suggestion is to start strengthening your back with physical therapy exercises.I can tell you what I do if you want. Anything that strengthens your core is great. It will be far more helpful long term than a chiropracter and is free! Can you get a referral to an in-network physical therapist?

My physical therapist says, "Do more of what feels good and less of what feels bad." My bet is that seated elliptical if your gym has it, would be totally backsafe.

Most important, learn how to pick things up so it doesn't stress your back. Go close to the object, bend your knees and lift with your arms. Carry things close to your body.

[Guthrie]

Doctor gave me a shot, two months have gone by and its fine now.

i was in severe pain...im in recovery so pain pills are out.

                                                                    age 57...be safe.

[pidgeon92]

I wouldn't stop doing cardio, but I'd look into picking up some core strengthening. Core exercises, Pilates, Barre, all of these things will strengthen the core and take pressure off the back.

Also, try using a foam roller on your back. I've been foam rolling regularly for the last several months, and it's really helped my leg and back muscles from getting sore between workouts.

[Raviv]

Check your shoes too, and possibly replace them.  You might even want to look into more cushioning insoles if you're on your feet most of the day.

Also. make sure you're lifting with your legs.  I know it's easy to forget, but eventually it becomes a habit.

ETA: Sorry, missed that you had already replaced them.  Can you get better insoles?  I had to use them for my last job, and they did a world of good.