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Coventina

(27,121 posts)
Tue Apr 15, 2014, 10:42 AM Apr 2014

Why does my back hurt?

Attention mods: not asking for medical advice, for entertainment purposes only!

A) Stress

B) Fatigue

C) "That time of the month"

D) I'm Old

E) My mattress sucks

F) I'm being smited (smote?) for my sins

G) Life is suffering

23 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Why does my back hurt? (Original Post) Coventina Apr 2014 OP
Your child stepped on a crack? Scruffy Rumbler Apr 2014 #1
Hahaha! Not a mother, but good answer! Coventina Apr 2014 #2
... Scruffy Rumbler Apr 2014 #3
You have "fibromyalgia", and you're trying to score some narcotics. Aristus Apr 2014 #4
There are better things for fibromyalgia than narcotics. In_The_Wind Apr 2014 #5
That's what I tell all of my patients with this complaint. Aristus Apr 2014 #6
Really? Patients straight-up ask you for narcotics? Coventina Apr 2014 #7
Damned if I know but I'm trying to track down this pain in the ass. rug Apr 2014 #8
Another good answer! Coventina Apr 2014 #9
Wallet in your back pocket? haele Apr 2014 #10
I don't know, but I have a hunch. Orrex Apr 2014 #11
LOL! Coventina Apr 2014 #13
Too much time on the bicycle. MicaelS Apr 2014 #12
Can I get another hint? Coventina Apr 2014 #14
Google "women bicycle seat" MicaelS Apr 2014 #17
Wow! Maybe that IS why my back hurts! Coventina Apr 2014 #18
'Cause I can't get down there to massage it? KamaAina Apr 2014 #15
Aw!!! You're the best! Coventina Apr 2014 #16
You forgot H). marzipanni Apr 2014 #19
E? shenmue Apr 2014 #20
mattress type can make a huge difference. lululu Apr 2014 #22
In some states you can get medical weed for any one of those lunatica Apr 2014 #21
C and D cancel each other. Sonicmedusa Apr 2014 #23

Aristus

(66,386 posts)
4. You have "fibromyalgia", and you're trying to score some narcotics.
Tue Apr 15, 2014, 10:56 AM
Apr 2014

That's the refrain I hear frequently...

Coventina

(27,121 posts)
7. Really? Patients straight-up ask you for narcotics?
Tue Apr 15, 2014, 11:31 AM
Apr 2014

After informing you of their own diagnosis?

That seems a little gutsy.

haele

(12,660 posts)
10. Wallet in your back pocket?
Tue Apr 15, 2014, 01:27 PM
Apr 2014

Having a car too low to the ground?

I lost about 50% of sitting/waking back pain back in the day just by switching my wallet to my front pocket and never putting anything in my back pockets if I was going to be sitting down. Sienfeld had it right, you do mess up your back alighment sitting down on a wallet in your back pocket. Back pockets are useful for carrying tools when you're walking or standing.

Having a car low to the ground means you have to be extremely careful adjusting your seat level to offset the angle and movement of your legs when you drive. Otherwise, you stress the hell out of your lower back just driving.
For example, Corvettes are miserable to drive any longer than 10 minutes or so unless your seat is professionally aligned for your body and kept that way. Too many Corvette owners are constantly moving their driver's seat into the position for a comfortable "sit down" or "stand up, then stretch out to start the car and find they have to reset their seat "on the fly". Most 'vette owners are constantly bitching about their backs - especially the ones who are always playing with their seat settings.
Passengers can usually make due, but the driver is almost always hosed unless they get the "automatic seat positioning" package with memory settings.

Haele

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
12. Too much time on the bicycle.
Tue Apr 15, 2014, 02:52 PM
Apr 2014

And you probably need a new seat, too. Preferably not pink or red. (Let's see if you get this one).

marzipanni

(6,011 posts)
19. You forgot H).
Tue Apr 15, 2014, 04:42 PM
Apr 2014

AOTA

I found the best way to keep my back from hurting (I've had a "bulging" disc, occasional lower back muscle spasms, and sciatica, in the past) is:

a)try to work directly facing what you're doing, feet on the floor, no crossed legs.

b)Sit up straight and 'Suck it in'- your gut that is. You don't have to depend on core strengthening exercises (when abdominal muscles are strong, they help support your lower back) if you use them, to support your upper body.
Don't slouch, or even lean against the back of a chair, at least most of the time, such as sitting at a computer. (Doesn't apply if you go to a movie... the person behind you would get mad. or driving, or situations where you have to use the seat back to lean against.)

c) If you lift anything, face it directly and bend your knees (unless you have painful knees) This even applies to reaching into the lower shelves of the refrigerator. Balancing the stress on your lower back while bending forward helps a lot.

If it didn't feel better in a week or two I used to go to a chiropractor. But, doing the above, I have not had any problems for several years.

Good luck, I hope your back feels better!

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