Writhing around with back stiffness/discomfort

[honeyytoast]

Literally writhing on my bed groaning. And it’s not pain - not acute or sharp, just an awful twisty ache/stiffness. More mid back than lower back. When it’s bad like this I have a constant urge to crack my back and it’s never satisfied, now matter how much I contort myself. Feels like restless legs but in my spine.

im only 23. Normal bmi. I do work in a lightly physical job involving standing all day and general lifting/labour. I do my best re exercise/stretching and do feel better when I’m doing so regularly, but i struggle to stay consistent and never seem to have enough time tbh.

Anyone else? What helps you? I haven’t seen the GP yet but am sorting that currently

I’ve had lower back problems and sciatica for years, although it’s ok most of the time these days if I look after myself.

It’s important to get a proper diagnosis first, but most will always recommend keeping your back and core strong through stretching exercises, Pilates and/or yoga. Swimming is very good for gentle exercise and strengthening of your back muscles too.

Never bend and twist your spine at the same time either.

Warm/hot bath when feeling really sore before bed. Alternate cold/heat packs every 20 mins.

Stretch your back by lying on your back and bringing your legs up into a foetal position and wrapping your arms around them. Gently rock from side to side to help release your back muscles. You can do similar by reversing the position face down on the floor but also stretching your arms out in front of you as far as you can reach, forehead almost to the floor.

Exercises similar to pp and improving my core, generally with simple yoga/plates stretches. Cat stretch, and laying on back pulling knees to chest very effective. Also lay on back, arms stretched out flat palms to the ceiling, bring knees up and bring heels towards bum feet on the floor. Slowly twist knees and bring both down to one side, you can also lift the arm on that side to rest on your other arm so both knees and arms are opposite direction to add to the stretch.

I find times like Christmas where I sit down on the sofa a lot more than usual my back is worse. So I try keep moving.

How is your mattress?

Do you have an office chair or sofa that pokes into that part of your back?

Watching with interest. I have what you describe which has been worse the past week or so, I'm thinking of starting Pilates/yoga to see if that helps