Lower Back pain

[coribells]

I have had issues with my back for years. Though usually any pain I associate with lifting some thing to heavy. However my recent episode isn't attributable to anything. I have had a week off work and been given a certificate for reduced duties for the next two weeks.
The GP said it is 'mechanical issue' to do with weak core muscles. Ive been prescribed pain killers and been given a sheet of exercises. The pain is worse when walking , indoors is mostly fine but walking around a supermarket for example causes pain. I haven't seen much improvement over the past couple of weeks. What else can I do? I thought about going to the gym and asking for a plan to strengthen core muscles. Any advice appreciated

Swimming is thought of as good exercise as the water buoyancy is helpful. You could ask a gym to work out a regime for you for building core strength but over emphasise the fact you are under a doctor and have exercises - are you actually doing them - so they don't make you do too much too soon, better to do 2 reps of something than 20 and make it worse. If something doesn't feel right don't carry on regardless - listen to your body.

You may need to invest in a pillow wedge for sleeping or place cushions in the small of your back at dinner table and sofa. My DH also had to have funny side wedges put in his shoes as he was tilting slightly and it caused back pain.

I have started to do the exercises , yes. Though im not sure if thought the pain got worse after them , its hard to know how much I should be doing .

If anything hurts stop doing it. I had a back spasm on Monday and still can't do my exercises. In my experience most gyms don't want people with back issues so you might have to try a few. A physio would be a gentler way to improve your core if you can afford it (you'll wait ages for an NHS one)

No, I cant afford a private physiotherapist at the moment. I belong to a local authority gym hopefully they will assist other wise not sure what I can do at the moment