My aching back!!! (need advice)

[jc4.0]

I have a progressively bad lower back, it's fine for weeks or months, but then just "flares up" sometimes, the intense pain causing me to stop playing for at least a week. This is basically "sciatica" or pinched nerve in a disk.

Any advice on keeping the back healthy and avoiding these flares? I do weight training, cross-training, lots of stretching and warmup before I play. I do play a lot of tennis when I'm healthy - 4-5 times a week for 2-3 hours. When the back is painful I take naproxen, and after a day or two start walking and stretching and light weights to get it back into shape. I have also tried deep tissue massage which seems to help.

Will yoga or pilates benefit me? Any other suggestions? I'm really at the end of my rope here, and don't want to wind up with more aggressive treatments like surgery. FYI I'm 49 years old.

 

[mark999]

mullein root tincture works wonders for many back problems. google mullein + jim mcdonald. matt wood also has articles on it's use. easy to make and the plant grows everywhere. sister in law (sciatica) and father in law (bulging disc) have both had remarkable recoveries, i would give it a try.

 

[Frank Silbermann]

I had bad sciatica six months ago. After a month or two of physical therapy helped me, I do the following maintenance exercises which so far have worked:

I lay down on my side and prop myself up on my right forearm, keeping my body straight and off the ground (only my right foot and right forearm touch the floor). Hold for 50 seconds.

Do the same on the left side.

Do the same on both forearms, with only forearms and the toes of both feet touching the floor. Then do it with my back towards the floor, my heels on the floor and my hands.

Then I do the one hamstring stretch I've found that doesn't irritate my back.

 

[slewisoh]

I can't help but wonder if you simply need to cut back on the amount of time you spend on the court. Playing 4-5 times per week, in addition to your other fitness activities, seems like an awful lot of wear and tear on the body.

Replacing 1-2 weekly tennis sessions each week with yoga/pilates might keep you playing the game longer, with fewer interruptions from injuries.

 

[Jim Hendricks]

I know not everyone thinks they are useful, but I've found a chiropractor helped me. An adjustment once a month or so works wonders.

 

[kiteboard]

See my thread on chi energy for injury.

 

[mike53]

This is basically "sciatica" or pinched nerve in a disk.

Did a doctor diagnose you or is this self diagnosed?

 

[new_tennis_player]

Visit your doctor.

You'll likely be referred to a physical therapist, which in many cases, is a good idea.

Unfortunately, I encountered a rather sadistic set of PT's last time, which can happen, so evaluate carefully after your first PT session and don't be afraid to ask for a second referral.