Lower Back Problem

[fruitsalad]

I had an xray on my lower back about 5 years ago and was told there is slight wear and tear, now when I do any exercise which involves bending and stretching it gives me jip for the rest of the day, for example yesterday I spring cleaned my kitchen cuboards top and bottom, but then when I walk and I walk on average 4 miles a day and at a pretty fast pace, it seems to ease and I dont get hardly any pain, infact walking seems to help.

[Sqad]

Good.

[fruitsalad]

Sorry I forgot my actual question in the explanation, why does bending and stretching cause me more pain?

[gingejbee]

At one time, hospitals used bed rest and enforced immobility to treat some lower back problems. They realised this was not altogether useful...now the same conditions warrant physiotherapy and frequent exercise!

[Sqad]

Bending and stretching are fairly active exercises over a short period of time whereas walking is less strenuous over a long period of time.

Like many things in life........do it gently and make it last;-)

[islasmum]

I've had lower back pain for quite some time, apparently wear and tear and arthritis, and the physio I've been seeing has suggested trying Pilates, I haven't tried it yet, but certainly intend to in the near future - have you considered that, fruitsalad?

[MargoTester]

I find tai chi helpful, very gentle but effective.