Exercise and Back Injury, Outch!

Sagittarius · 05-04-2009, 10:19 AM

Hi everyone

I've recently joined the Gym and I've been working with a personal trainer once a week for about two months; and I usually go on my own twice a week. I do a mixture of cardio and weight training. I've been also put on accutane two months ago and some of the side effects are fatigue, muscle soreness and joints pains.

Everything went well but I had an injury 10 days ago. Everything was fine at the gym, but I walked a lot the next day then I started to get severe pain in my lower back. And now I can't work or leave my apartment. This has happened to me before.

The problem is, when it comes to working out, I always end up with an injury. Perhaps I got too excited and didn't respect my limitations. I'm 5'2 and I weigh 118 lbs. I'm looking into losing any weight, I just want to be toned and feel fit.

Can you please give me some tips on gradually working myself up when it comes to working out. I'm currently on pain killers

and I'm quitting the gym for a while.

alexandergre · 05-04-2009, 10:25 AM

Dont use pain killers. ahhh
Do you have pain even after training with your personal trainer at the gym?

StretchGee · 05-04-2009, 10:33 AM

Could you PT offer any advice on how to maintain a healthy workout routine that is kind to your lower back? I had a similar issue with my back - injured after a workout. In my case it was a bit more severe as I had shooting pains down my legs (mild disk herniation).

Anyway, I was able to continue to work out, but I was very careful of my back. Even though it has since healed, I am still always aware of my low back and keep away from any extreme stress on that area. And I still get a decent workout.

Also, for back pain most web-sits/doctors recommend some activity. Rest doesn't help as much as you need to strengthen that key area. The trick is to avoid re-injury.

diabolik · 05-04-2009, 10:43 AM

First step is getting over the injury. Check out Treat Your Own Back by Robin McKenzie. Then you'll want to strengthen your back. I don't know anything about accutane, but if joint pain is a side effect, you may want to modify your exercise routine while you're on that med.

Scorpion Fury · 05-04-2009, 10:55 AM

Let your trainer know. You are probably either over doing it, or not using the equipment properly. also, make sure you stretch every single time you work out.

Miss Firecracker · 05-04-2009, 11:38 AM

You should be very careful with your back, or someday you will get a permanent injury. My husband and I BOTH have ruined lower discs, and this is not the life you want. Do all exercise in moderation. And never lift more than you are comfortable with, no matter what the trainer tells you.

I have a friend, age 34, who has been training at her gym with a "professional". She pulled so hard she got a serious hernia a couple of months ago and went to surgery to have it repaired. Her friend who goes with her had to have surgery on her ankle a few weeks ago because they pushed her too far and she tore something.

Do what is comfortable. If someone is pushing too far, do it on your own. Don't trust someone just because they are being paid to instruct you.

05-04-2009, 10:19 AM	#1
Sagittarius Offline Join Date: May 2009 Location: UK Gender: Female Posts: 2	Exercise and Back Injury, Outch! Hi everyone I've recently joined the Gym and I've been working with a personal trainer once a week for about two months; and I usually go on my own twice a week. I do a mixture of cardio and weight training. I've been also put on accutane two months ago and some of the side effects are fatigue, muscle soreness and joints pains. Everything went well but I had an injury 10 days ago. Everything was fine at the gym, but I walked a lot the next day then I started to get severe pain in my lower back. And now I can't work or leave my apartment. This has happened to me before. The problem is, when it comes to working out, I always end up with an injury. Perhaps I got too excited and didn't respect my limitations. I'm 5'2 and I weigh 118 lbs. I'm looking into losing any weight, I just want to be toned and feel fit. Can you please give me some tips on gradually working myself up when it comes to working out. I'm currently on pain killers and I'm quitting the gym for a while.

05-04-2009, 10:55 AM	#5
Scorpion Fury Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The states Gender: Female Age: 26 Posts: 4,527	Let your trainer know. You are probably either over doing it, or not using the equipment properly. also, make sure you stretch every single time you work out. __________________ Your attitude determines your altitude.

05-04-2009, 10:25 AM	#2
alexandergre Offline Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sweden Gender: Male Age: 19 Posts: 28	Dont use pain killers. ahhh Do you have pain even after training with your personal trainer at the gym?

05-04-2009, 10:33 AM	#3
StretchGee Offline Gold Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Gender: Male Age: 44 Posts: 681	Could you PT offer any advice on how to maintain a healthy workout routine that is kind to your lower back? I had a similar issue with my back - injured after a workout. In my case it was a bit more severe as I had shooting pains down my legs (mild disk herniation). Anyway, I was able to continue to work out, but I was very careful of my back. Even though it has since healed, I am still always aware of my low back and keep away from any extreme stress on that area. And I still get a decent workout. Also, for back pain most web-sits/doctors recommend some activity. Rest doesn't help as much as you need to strengthen that key area. The trick is to avoid re-injury.

05-04-2009, 10:43 AM	#4
diabolik Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Gender: Male Age: 36 Posts: 1,635	First step is getting over the injury. Check out Treat Your Own Back by Robin McKenzie. Then you'll want to strengthen your back. I don't know anything about accutane, but if joint pain is a side effect, you may want to modify your exercise routine while you're on that med.

05-04-2009, 11:38 AM	#6
Miss Firecracker Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Gender: Female Posts: 4,144	You should be very careful with your back, or someday you will get a permanent injury. My husband and I BOTH have ruined lower discs, and this is not the life you want. Do all exercise in moderation. And never lift more than you are comfortable with, no matter what the trainer tells you. I have a friend, age 34, who has been training at her gym with a "professional". She pulled so hard she got a serious hernia a couple of months ago and went to surgery to have it repaired. Her friend who goes with her had to have surgery on her ankle a few weeks ago because they pushed her too far and she tore something. Do what is comfortable. If someone is pushing too far, do it on your own. Don't trust someone just because they are being paid to instruct you.