Originally Posted by
Mike Holbrook
Between white water paddling in southeastern rock gardens, having all but one disc in my neck herniated in an auto "accident" (they never xrayed my back), slinging large dogs on a bite sleeve for 30 years, football and wrestling, breaking both first ribs....my back has had more than it's share of abuse. I bought a Nautilus back/sit up machine years ago. When I use it and other machines/weights regularly to work my back and stomach my pain and problems become insignificant in the larger scheme, until I "back" off on the workouts.
I have become a believer in figuring out what muscle groups and ligaments seem to be associated with such issues. Sure a doctor and or a therapist might help, but only you can figure out exactly where it hurts and what you need to stretch and strengthen to improve whatever pain/cramping.. you have. Surgical solutions typically still require rehabilitation of local muscle & ligaments to work. I say learn/know your own body first, no one else has the same "attachment" to it you do.