Question:
I have Lower Back Pain....

I have lost approx 88lbs. and I am currently expiriencing lower back pain. My bed is new since Christmas - but this only started with in the last 2-3 weeks. I wake up with terrible lower back pain- like I did when I was heavy. Back then I even changed the way I sleep to accomodate for my weight- using pillows etc. and now when I try to sleep like I did when I was heavier- or even normally flat on my back I just cannot get comfortable- I almost feel that even though I have lost weight- my gut (even though smaller) is still pulling on my lower back. Am I doomed? I am thinking of visiting the Chiropractor and seeing if something is out of whack. It makes no sense- I should be feeling BETTER. Didn't know if anyone else is having these issues.    — Karen R. (posted on February 20, 2001)

February 20, 2001
It's probably the weight of your pannus (gut). I'm going through the same thing at -135 lbs. Medical documentation of this pain will helps for insurance approval of reconstructive plastic surgery. Good luck.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 20, 2001
I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one having this problem! I have some back pain and trouble getting comfortable, but my main problem is walking for extended periods of time. This weekend we went to a renissance festival on Saturday and I could barely make it back to the car after being on my feet for 8 hours. Then on Sunday we went to the outlet mall and shopped for about 4 hours. (It's a good thing I had Monday off to recover!). I don't have this problem when I walk on the treadmill because I'm only doing it for short periods of time. After reading this I'm going to keep track of my pain in hopes of justifying a TT.
   — georgiacarol

February 20, 2001
Karen, I know you were hoping that the surgery would fix the back pain, but even thin folks have back trouble sometimes. Have you lifted anything, or moved in a weird way that might have strained your back? I'd ask the doctor about it, and like you mentioned, maybe even see a chiropractor. Ever had your disks checked? Could be a pinched one or slip from some activity. Good luck.
   — Amy K.

February 20, 2001
Karen, you might want to try using a good sized bolster under your knees when sleeping on your back. Especially when people have weak abdominal muscles (picture yourself in a side view: Is your lower back overly arched, pulled perhaps by abdominal weight?), lying with both legs straight can place extra stress on the lumbar spine. Here's one way to check and see if this works for you: Lay on the floor in front of a sofa or chair with your knees to the ceiling and your entire lower legs resting on the cushion. Feel how this changes the arch of your spine. (This is also one of the positions used in abdominal (core) training exercises to teach control of excessive curvature due to weak muscles.) I find this position so comfortable that it eases the pain of my lumbar arthritis; it's my favored napping position. In bed you can use any bolster that will keep you in a "knees bent" position. You can usually find a leg bolster at speciality "back" stores, but also check to see if you have a nearby furniture upholstry company (look in the yellow pages under "foam") that might be willing to sell you some remnants for a do-it-yourself cushion. You could try regular pillows, but I've always found they are much too soft to give much support. I'm a personal trainer and massage therapist with a bad back of my own, and these tips have given relief to me and many of my clients. Keep in mind that *nothing* substitutes for proper medical advice if you're experiencing unusual and/or increasing pain. Good luck!
   — Char L.

February 21, 2001
Thank you for all your great answers to my post- I think you are ALL correct!!! Technically even though I have lost weight, my gut is still large in porportion to my body (I guess I forget!)but it still pulls. I also have been sleeping wierd trying to find a good position and could use extra support because I have ZERO stomach muscles- so I will look for foam. As for the exercise I need to go and get moving- and see if that makes it bad or good- since I am embarrassed to say I have been sedintary for two months. I really do not want a Tummy Tuck- I have had enough of operations and I think exercise would help me the most... it's my only other alternative, but thank you again!
   — Karen R.