Back Pain - Saint Paul,MN

As someone suffering from a herniated disc, I would recommend getting it looked at. At first I thought I slept funny or just kinked my neck nursing or something, and here I am months later with a condition that requires frequent treatment to avoid surgery. There are lots of options out there ranging from chirpractic to actual physical therapy, or even just good stretching. But it might make you feel better to know that it's nothing that could get worse.

I know you said you are doing ab/core excercises, but have you considered doing pilates? I've always suffered from low back pain, but it became much worse after delivering my daughter 2 years ago. The chiropractor and pilates are what I believed worked best. I just bought a couple of videos and they were easy to follow and I saw results within 2 weeks. Good luck!

A.,
Really watch your posture if nursing, but also watch your posture with all the activites you do in your day. Keeping your spine in neutral is the most comfortable position for your back, and puts the least amount of undue forces on your spine. To find out what daily stretches and core strengthening exercises would be beneficial, I would recommend a visit to a physical therapist. Doing something sooner than later is preferred before this becomes a chronic situation. You should not have to live with daily back pain! Best to you!

chiropractor...simply put

Hi A.,
I would recommend you go see a Chiropractor. If you're looking for a good one, my husband's office is in Bloomington. Here's his webpage: www.Drelijah.com

C.

I say look into all your options. I agree that you should see an orthopedist to make sure there isn't anything serious going on with your discs. talking with a PT and a chiropractor can help tremendously so you know what exercises are best for you and what you should avoid. With that being said, chiropractor, PT, exercise, yoga and core work have not helped me significantly with my postpartum back pain. I recently discovered yoga therapy, which for me made the most sense. A yoga therapists tailors a routine specifically for your injury. They also address the emotional aspect of the injury. If this sounds like something you might be interested in you can find a therapist at iayt.org
Good luck!

A.,
I have been dealing with back pain since I was pregnant with my son who is 6.5 years old. I was told during my pregnancy it was syatica (sp?), so I ignored it. After years of the pain continuing, and getting worse, I talked to another doctor about it, only to find out that I have degenerative disc disease, torn discs, and a buldging disc. Point of the story is.... get it looked at. There are many methods of treatment, and hopefully you can find an alternative to surgery. I myself, am facing surgery now. There is a place called Advanced Pain Management that is located in Greenfield. I have had pretty good experiences there, and I think the doctors are very good. If you are interested in getting more information, let me know.
Just another bit of information... the procedures they do are incredibly costly, so if you don't have insurance, you may want to wait it out. Also, I was told that strengthening your stomach muscles can help with back pain. Doing crunches, ball exercises, can usually help. If you see your regular physician first, you can possibly get a referral to see a physical therapist who might be able to help you, otherwise a possible referral to Advanced Pain Management, or somewhere similar.
Good Luck
K.