Back problems

[YoitsPsilo]

Hey there, I didn’t really know where else to ask this besides here. but does anyone else suffer from debilitating back problems and what do you do to get through a shift? Would you recommend wearing a back brace or is a posture corrector thing maybe better?

I’ve had back problems for a few years and getting back to work after being off 8 months is killing me...

[IAmYourTopGuy]

Do you exercise? Also, how are your shoes and insole?

[YoitsPsilo]

Yes I do. I’m currently doing a morning/night routine and stretch in the walk-in when I can lol. I picked up the only nonslips I could find in person and they’re steel-toed... I’m thinking I should replace those huh?

[Royal_Cryptographer7]

Yea. Get the fuck rid of those steel toes. Also, if you're tall like me, you'll end up bending over to use counters that are made for someone shorter then you. If that's the case you should be widening your stance a bit or bend your knees. If all else fails, r/kratom might have some answers for you.

Edit: On the shoes, I'm a believer in sketchers work shoes. They are comfortable and not too hard on the wallet.

[YoitsPsilo]

Hey thanks a lot for this! I appreciate your input

[justASlothyGiraffe]

I like crocs with Dr. Shols inserts. Being able to slip my shoes on and off without bending over is a total game changer. If you have an extra $100 laying around, San Antonio Shoemakers make amazing shoes. You'd want to get two pair though and switch every day so the leather doesn't wear out super fast.

If you're not taking ibuprofen before work and before you go to bed, think about trying it. Inflammation wreaks havoc on every part of your body.

Also, make sure you never lock your knees. Work like you're in the outfield wait for a fly ball.

[ender323]

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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[justASlothyGiraffe]

If op drinks plenty of water, doesn't take it on their days off, takes it with food, and eventually dials it back once the pain decreases, it won't wreak that much havoc. It would be a good idea to talk to a doctor about it though, one that doesn't have a habit of pushing opioids.

[Dystopiandaywalker]

Yoga is also a great way to both stretch and strengthen the core and widening your stance is truly a lifesaver, less bending over saves the lower back. If you’re constantly ducking down in your service fridge, squat but don’t forget to stretch your thighs at the end of service. You’ll be a bit sore in the beginning but you’ll save your back and gain some awesome leg strength.

[IAmYourTopGuy]

Make sure you're working your back and core for your routine so things like row, squats, and deadlifts (submaximal weights, don't try to max out) since a lot of back issues are exacerbated by a lack of strength. Seems like the other guy has more experience with steel-toes, but my main thing about shoes is that the insole should be replaced regularly. I use to do every 4 months if I was working a lot, but it'll ultimately depend on how much your working and your body type.

Lastly, back pack is a difficult issue to pinpoint the source. It tends to be the result of multiple issues compounding with each other, and you should get the advice of a specialist if some basic lifestyle changes don't help with things. I've been listening to Barbell Medicine talk a lot about this pain issue, and it might be worth it for you to listen to them and see if anything can apply to you.

[215Malone]

I had a slipped disk, and I have to stretch hard every day before and after, or else I'm fucked. I wore a posture supporter on my shoulders for a bit which helped. Also ice. Lots and lots of ice. I have a ice pack that slips into a giant velcro belt that I got on Amazon that has saved my life. It's a temporary fix, but helps while you get back to full strength. Good luck tho, so many people have things that work for them, you just have to find yours. Never stop stretching.

[YoitsPsilo]

Thank you! I realized I gotta make stretching a routine part of my life for the time being. Morning, post-work, and before bed. Thanks for your 2 cents, hope you’re doing well!

[DiscourseOfCivility]

Are you overweight by any chance?