Training with Back Pain

[noisms]

Hi all. I've been lurking for a while, but figured it's time to actually post something! I've recently taken up shotokan karate (from April) and am loving getting back into MA after getting to a reasonable level in tae kwon do back in my late teens (I'm now 32).

Anyway, it sounds like something an old man says but when I got out of the shower this morning and was drying myself I felt something twinge in my mid-lower back. Nothing major but it's a little tender and I can feel continual tightness there. Feels like a muscle spasm or minor tear.

First, what do you think about training? I train twice a week and usually go to the gym three times a week as well. Do you think it's best to lay off entirely for a while or to continue training but just go 'light'? In which case which exercises are best and which should I definitely not do?

Second, in general, anybody got any good remedies in general for mid-lower back pain?

Thanks!

[Luther unleashed]

first off welcome to the forum (i actually got to say that hahha)! Second i was out of martial arts for a few years and got back into it a little over a year ago and a few weeks into training i pinched something in my back, it basically made my leg tingle for a few months. Since then my back is more healthy no then prior to starting up training again, I should also add that prior to training i injured my back at work and had pain and stiffness in my back EVERY DAY for a few years. i just took a week or two off after the pinch training and got back to it. My class does a very hard workout prior to beginning training techniques or forms or anything, which made me question if it was too much but it was the best physical therapy!

My main questions for you based on my experience would be... do you do a descent workout in your class like pushups, leg strengthening drills, so on and so forth? Also what is your age if i may ask, it certainly plays a role in how aggressively you should train after injury!

I don't have a general "kill pain" remedy but after all of my injuries i take a short break and strengthen that area, in physical therapy they told me to workout even when in pain, so i always take small amounts of rest and get back to it. Ibuprofen is good for swelling but not great to take for your stomach. I think google will help you discover what works best for you and your particular situation/injury.

[noisms]

first off welcome to the forum (i actually got to say that hahha)! Second i was out of martial arts for a few years and got back into it a little over a year ago and a few weeks into training i pinched something in my back, it basically made my leg tingle for a few months. Since then my back is more healthy no then prior to starting up training again, I should also add that prior to training i injured my back at work and had pain and stiffness in my back EVERY DAY for a few years. i just took a week or two off after the pinch training and got back to it. My class does a very hard workout prior to beginning training techniques or forms or anything, which made me question if it was too much but it was the best physical therapy!

My main questions for you based on my experience would be... do you do a descent workout in your class like pushups, leg strengthening drills, so on and so forth? Also what is your age if i may ask, it certainly plays a role in how aggressively you should train after injury!

I don't have a general "kill pain" remedy but after all of my injuries i take a short break and strengthen that area, in physical therapy they told me to workout even when in pain, so i always take small amounts of rest and get back to it. Ibuprofen is good for swelling but not great to take for your stomach. I think google will help you discover what works best for you and your particular situation/injury.

Thanks very much. Yes, very tough work out in each class with a lot of pushups etc. I've been going to the gym 3-6 times a week for the last 6 years at least but never had a workout like these karate sessions (which is part of the reason I like going). And I'm 32. My natural instinct is just to keep training and fight through it but I'm nervous about exacerbating the problem.

[sensei8]

Yes, as Luther unleashed has said...welcome to KF; glad you're here!!

Visit your doctor and see what he/she has to say; the advise of a doctor professional is a billion times better than anything I could ever advice you on this. The back is too important for me to offer any advice, except that I believe that it would best serve you best if you visit a doctor ASAP. To many people have had their back worsen by listening to well intended family and friends and those in passing.

[Luther unleashed]

Yes, as Luther unleashed has said...welcome to KF; glad you're here!!

Visit your doctor and see what he/she has to say; the advise of a doctor professional is a billion times better than anything I could ever advice you on this. The back is too important for me to offer any advice, except that I believe that it would best serve you best if you visit a doctor ASAP. To many people have had their back worsen by listening to well intended family and friends and those in passing.

great advice, also listen to your body!

[noisms]

Thanks guys. Did a lot of back stretches and it seems okay now - crisis averted.