What do you do when your back hurts?

[AngryAmish]

I'm getting older and I am getting back into exercising. My low back hurts like crazy right now. No shooting pain, no numbness just good old stiff and sore.

I have great insurance but this is not a doctor thing. What are your "home remedies"?

[Avalux]

1. What type of exercise are you doing?

Do you think it's muscle fatigue from exercising, or maybe strain from improper form? Bear with me - my advice hinges on your answers.

[AngryAmish]

6. eliptical trainer

There is no doubt my core needs work.

[Avalux]

14. You may be arching your back while you are on the elliptical.

Try to keep your back straight and focus on keeping your abdominal muscles pulled in. It may help!

[elleng]

16. Very good suggestion.

'Flat back' posture and exercises helpful.

[elleng]

2. Muscle-relaxer otc med (motrin?)

Flat back exercise/posture, use knees, never bend from back. Keep warm, no physical stress from chilly.
With you.

[LisaL]

3. Bengay cream.

[NightWatcher]

4. Ice, ice baby, 15 minutes then wait 30 then more ice

A muscle relaxer and a beer also works, but only if you know what you're doing.

Plus I like to go to my Woo-ist for a chiropractic adjustment. It gets me back on my feet quicker.

[one_voice]

5. Agree with this...

ice is great.

Core strengthening exercises/stretching is helpful too.

[cyberswede]

11. Yep - ice.

...and beer.

[Squinch]

7. Stretch gently but very, very frequently. Especially when you begin exercising again.

And don't ever stop between now and the end of your days!!!

Other than that, for this muscle soreness from new exercise, the ice and motrin are good. It should be feeling better 3 days after the exercising.

[we can do it]

13. Best answer.

[Raffi Ella]

8. Hot Shower.

really hot.

[trof]

9. Electric heating pad.

Works for me.

[Tom_Foolery]

10. Hang upside down on my inversion table...

It's heaven.

[magical thyme]

12. I sleep with my dog, Jake

I lie on my right side. He lines himself up and collapses against me.

Combined heating pad and lumbar support. Wake up with back like new. You could try getting a dog. Labs work great!

[RebelOne]

15. I get low back pain when I have to walk for a distance.

I just take a couple of Ibuprofen before hand, and that works for me.

[yuiyoshida]

17. I have a shower chair.

I like to sit in the shower and let the hot water do its work. Its nice afterwords.

[MicaelS]

18. Excedrin Migraine

Excedrin Migraine, indicated for OTC migraine relief, contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and Caffeine.

Stores carry a generic version. Buy that. Note the contents, if any give you trouble, don't use. Don't take before bedtime since it has caffeine.

[onestepforward]

19. Stretch your hamstrings before exercising

and add abdominal strengthening to your routine, like sit-ups. Both work great for a better back

[Iggo]

20. Advil.

It's your new friend. Get acquainted.

[patricia92243]

21. I paid $20 at Lowe's for one of those belts that you wear when lifting furniture. It works

INSTANTLY. I have used one for years when I have occasional backaches. I got one for my 80 year old uncle, and he thanked me every time he saw me for the next five years!

[840high]

23. You wear it all day long?

[patricia92243]

24. Usually, no. Very, very occasionally, I have really slept wrong or gardened too much and

my back seriously hurts. On those occasions, I wear it most of the day. As I said, it gives instant relief and usually just an hour or so will actually make the pain go away so completely that you no longer need to wear it.

Best $20 I have ever spent! I have used mine when needed for at least 10 years.

[840high]

25. Thank you - I will

get one today.

[malthaussen]

22. Whine.

I used to have serious back pain, so bad that I had to use a cane just to straighten up.

Bought a new bed, with a very firm mattress and spring, and never had back pain again. Which doesn't actually prove anything, but it was a blessed relief.

-- Mal

[Sanity Claws]

26. Castor oil on sore area

Rub it in; put a towel or cloth over it and then a heating pad so that the oil soaks in.

Aspirin helps too.

[El Supremo]

27. Shower Massager.

Hard bed.
Stretching exercises.
Soak in a hot tub.
Walks.

[AngryAmish]

28. I did a series of core stretching/strengthening exercises this morning, then a long hot shower

It is 95% better. I am sure it will go away as I work in my chair this morning but boy oh boy does it feel good right now.

Thanks for the info, everyone! It was very helpful.

[Boom Sound 416]

29. Drink copious amounts of water

Along with the other remedies