Top 3

[bogeyman]

I started developing back problems AFTER i stopped running, a point I picked up on as well.

In its acute form, accupuncture works well. I was skeptical, but it really did loosen things up, and speed the healing process.

Long term, exercise is the best, I started jogging again every day and initially my back was extremely stiff and sore, but as I got fitter it went away and I have had nary a hint of a problem since then, as well things that used to knacker my back dont bother it anymore.

I've been worried about doing exercise simply because it hurts my back, and without knowing what the underlying cause it, I think it could make things worse.

[Menelaus]

'occult' <> 'evil'. 'Hidden' is nearer to its meaning which in this context, is pretty good.

Thanks.

Occult in medicoterm = stuff that shouldn't be there under normal circumstances. For example, if you're having a pee and you're busily pissing blood - that'd be occult blood.

[Mich the Tester]

I started developing back problems AFTER i stopped running, a point I picked up on as well.

In its acute form, accupuncture works well. I was skeptical, but it really did loosen things up, and speed the healing process.

Long term, exercise is the best, I started jogging again every day and initially my back was extremely stiff and sore, but as I got fitter it went away and I have had nary a hint of a problem since then, as well things that used to knacker my back dont bother it anymore.

Good for you. If you have one or two hills (not necessarily big mountainlike hills) in your running route it's even better as your legs have to drive back behind your body to push you up the hill.

Having said that, pilates works well as an addition to other exercises as it helps develop balance; I started because I was training in a gym where a number of top judokas and Turkish wrestlers train; one of the wrestlers said it's useful for any contact sportsman and it really works. Those wrestlers have an amazing sense of balance; some of them actually train on a tightrope they've made in the gym, about 30cm above the ground; the sight of a 17 stone wrestler balancing on one leg on a tightrope is quite something. A month or so after I'd started building one pilates session a week into my training I noticed that I could break tackles more easily and in a way use the strength of the tacklers to keep me on my feet.

[PM-Junkie]

I've been worried about doing exercise simply because it hurts my back, and without knowing what the underlying cause it, I think it could make things worse.

I strongly recommend seeing a doc and getting a scan done, preferably private (if you have to pay for it the are about £600, but you'll get it done straight away rather then waiting a few months). But it would tell you exactly what is going on, and the doc would be able to tell you exactly what you can and can't to. Backs are risky things...take the hit and do it right now and you could be sorted for good. Get it wrong and...

[Mich the Tester]

I've been worried about doing exercise simply because it hurts my back, and without knowing what the underlying cause it, I think it could make things worse.

Gentle stretching should be harmless if you don't force it to the pain barrier. Don't bounce when you stretch, but move to the point where you can feel the muscles pulling (not pain) and hold that position for 20 seconds; try to do this 5 times a week.

[BlackenedBiker]

I strongly recommend seeing a doc and getting a scan done, preferably private (if you have to pay for it the are about £600, but you'll get it done straight away rather then waiting a few months). But it would tell you exactly what is going on, and the doc would be able to tell you exactly what you can and can't to. Backs are risky things...take the hit and do it right now and you could be sorted for good. Get it wrong and...

and what, of FFS tell me please!!!!!!!!

[PM-Junkie]

...you might have back problems for the rest of your life. My doc told me a few harrowing tales to get me to behave myself. It's also quite scary when you find out how easy it is to screw a disc (sneezing...putting socks on in the morning!).

I did mine building a shed (I had multiple herniated discs), so at least I had the consolation of doing it while doing something worthwhile! If I had done it putting a pair of socks on I think I would have topped myself!!

[Mich the Tester]

I'm planning three more years of competitive rugby before I stop; will I become a decrepit old man afterwards?

[bogeyman]

Thanks all for the helpful advice.

I got a bit fired up about it, and called the Head of Practice at local clinic and she has fixed an appointment at the John Radcliffe infirmary in Oxford for me to have a scan next week.

Seems you need to shout and complain a lot before you get anything done on the NHS.

[Menelaus]

Interestingly, despite being <40, I'm beginning to pick up a little sciatica.

Something of a concern bending down to put my shoes on in the morning to have pain like someone's shot me