I have been suffering from back problems for years, this sitting about lark is definitely not helping! I am a general builder, been self employed 25 plus years and work most days, obviously this sort of work you are likely to get aches and pains, I get that ! , since the lockdown, despite trying to keep active I seem to be struggling more than usual so have decided to purchase an inversion table to try and relieve the pain a bit, I’ve heard good things about them but wanted to put it out there to ask about others personal experiences, good or bad ! Cheers any info would be appreciated. John
I have had one for about 30 years - have a couple of squished disks here and there - which clamps across the ankles and allows one to rotate by moving the balance point (e.g. raise arm above head makes it tilt backwards) - made by Kettler. The previous point about blood pressure is well made. Would also advise having someone on-hand for the first few uses as getting back from upside down requires a technique! It works wonders even if used infrequetly and is also really good for relieving knee and hip aches and pains. And if you have an adventurous missus the uses are limitless...
Seek medical guidance from your doctor. You could be making it worse without a diagnosis of what's actually going on. For me, trying to move about without over exerting works. I have trapped nerves caused by discs not sitting properly due to spine damage. Also can suffer from back spasms.
Very useful cheers, I have allsorts of aches and pains, I’ll ask the missus if she’s interested in helping!
If you got a pull-up bar, hangs are great for your back. Alternatively, roll-up a tea towel and throw it over a door in the house. Grab each end and slowly take the weight off. Really helps let the vertebrae open up a bit. This really helped me with a lower back tweak a while back.
I'd support final's post. Before looking for an answer, find the problem. If it's just muscle then there are plenty of good ideas to detension, if it is skeletal related, you could make it worse
I did years ago have back problems, went to a physio and the back problems weren’t from my back but my hamstrings. He showed me how to stretch them out and also to move my seat whilst driving. All of which have assisted me with being relatively free of back pain. To reiterate previous posters have the problem checked out by a physio at least so you know definitely where the problem lies.
Perfect timing for this thread John, I can relate to the “worse than usual” bit and feel it must be related to being cooped up at home despite going out daily for exercise.
I’ve had constant back problems for over 25 years, after having an op to cut away part of three discs that slipped. For the last 5 years, following an MRI scan they said I had nerve damage from the operation and that I need to manage the pain. They had me on two different tablets, 11 per day for 5 years. Anyway to cut a long story short, last year I fucked my Achilles’ tendon and the doctor I saw said I wasn’t standing properly, because of my flat feet (cheeky git) and since then with orthotic soles in my shoes, hardly any back pain and no tablets for last 6 months.
I’ve had back problems for years, disc out at L4/L5 because of chronic sciatica, have had to be really careful with back over the years since then, tried all sorts, chiropractors, acupuncture etc spent a bloody fortune and the only thing that has worked for me is that last year at the gym one of my mates persuaded me to enroll in the body balance class..... This is a mixture of Tai chi, Pilates and Yoga, but....you have to stick with it for a few months and to be honest,..my back feels the best it’s been for yonks, back problems are linked to your core strength, the better you get that, the better your back will be....give it a go
Hi, thank you for the replies, they are much appreciated, some years ago I had a long haul flight, on landing I was in terrible trouble just trying to stand, I was met by relatives who took me to a chiropractor, who put me on a bench( the best description I have) my hands and feet were lightly strapped and the bench then began to flex in the middle, the only way to describe it was that my feet and hands were lower than the small of my back, top of my bum, this continued in a rocking motion for about 5 mins stretching me out,after a couple of sessions of this I was able to move around pain free. I suppose what I’m saying is that the stretching motion of the bench would be similar to the hanging on an inversion table, what do you think ?
just bought one as a result of reading this, will let you know how i get on. There's a lot of "reading between the lines" with back problems, hope you find some relief.
I now have access to a Teeter inversion table, I have just found out that my brother in law uses one and highly recommends it , he is going to show me how to use it and hopefully how to benefit from it, of course I have my reservations but I will give it a go.
Have suffered from lower back ache for 30 years or so. After many years of various doctors, tests, physio etc etc I was looking at a life on muscle relaxants and pain killers. Recently started yoga classes and I’m now in a situation were I have dropped the pills and the back ache is now negligible or at an acceptable level. All this from 1 session per week. I feel great for about 3 days, ok for the next 2 days, then uncomfortable for the last 2 days. May not be for everyone, but I’d recommend giving it a try ..... after lock down.
Interesting reading & useful ideas guys..as i've a back problem at the minute,it happens one/twice a year now, which is a real pain & inconvenience,anyway i rode the bike yesterday for a hundred odd miles with the pain and couldn't stand straight at the end of the journey,also cocking the leg over was a major effort at the petrol stations. ......this doesn't bode well for the future.
I’ve had an inversion table for years and use it occasionally when my back give me jip Once set right it’ll do you wonders.
