Periodic back issues and related symptoms

[davidp627]

Hello,

I was hoping that by posting here someone could point me in the right direction. About 5 years ago, I started having periodic back issues. The flare-ups occur from time to time and don't seem to have a rhyme or reason (i.e. nothing obvious like picking up somthing heavy). The flare-ups range in intensity from mild annoyance to a lot of pain. The symptoms are fairly common though: dull to moderate pain in lower back, AND tightness and soreness in hips and upper thighs. Occasionally, I feel pulsating jabs of pain into the upper thigh area. During these episodes, my hips become especially tight and sore. I hae noticed that over the past few years my flexibility has decreased dramitically and that my hamstrings are especially tight.

The exception to this happening without rhyme or reason is when I attempt to start running/jogging again. It always causes the symptoms described above.

I am thinking that I probably periodically strain my lower back muscles (mildly to moderately) and suffer the consequences, because they are not flexible or strong enough.

Could it be that I should erabark on a stretching/strengthening regiment?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

David in Maryand

 

[tetonteri66]

Have you run this past any doctors for evaluation? There are a nuraber of things that pop into consideration that could be causing your problems. However, since any issue involving the spine can be tricky to diagnose, any speculation is best left to a professional!

It can be risky to begin any exercise program, such as you suggest, without knowing what is causing your pain to kick up. There are certain, standard stretches and exercises that are routinely prescribed to strengthen the core and back, and, generally speaking, benefit MOST people. There are a couple conditions, such as a spondylolisthesis (a slippage of one vertebra over the top of the adjoining one) where certain exercises can make things worse, and aggravate the pain....For this reason, it is important to have a diagnosis before trying to figure out how to treat the symptoms.

Generally speaking, we are all better off by building strong core and back muscles, and by practicing good body mechanics and "back hygiene." If your pain lessens by dropping running from your activities, maybe you should back off for awhile to see if a break will give your issues time to heal.

My husband is a runner. Many years ago he developed issues where he felt like his hamstrings were very tight. This went on for many months, and then suddenly everything tightened up and he couldn't get out of bed one morning. Turned out he had ruptured a lower lurabar disc. Many people with issues at L4-5 or L5-S1 often complain of hip pain, also thigh pain, and tightness in the surrounding area.

There are a nuraber of things in that general vicinity that can all cause similar symptoms. If you like to do some research online, you can read up on the piriformis muscle or piriformis syndrome, herniated lurabar discs, sciatica.

Your symptoms are so generalized that it sounRAB to me like it could be muscular, or it could be the beginnings of a structural problem with your back. If you go to your PCP or family doctor for evaluation, chances are he will send you to a physical therapist for strengthening exercises. Then you would know you are doing the proper moves for your situation.

Sorry I cannot be of more help. I hope you can get to the bottom of your issues without anything worse developing!