Lower back pain. I can't seem to manage it - any advice would be appreciated.

[Leapoffaith00]

I hurt my back (twisted awkwardly) years and years ago. Now and again it would flare up causing pain so I'd rest it (had no choice as I couldn't move), take pain killers and after a few days the pain disappeared. I have lived like this for 20 years. Been to a chiropractor who helped but it wasn't long term. I have always been conscious so try to be careful in work and my day to day life.
I run for a few years (hurt my knee so never got back into it), went to zumba classes 3 times a week. Stopped it all about 2 years ago (time related, classes stopped). Probably had 2 flare ups since, but they would ease off. As I wasn't doing any exercise I decided to go to hot yoga about 4 months ago. Apparently, this helps with back pain too. I didn't start for that reason, just wanted to start doing something physically for my mental health. Anyway, it gave me migraines. I was so disappointed. The thing is now, my back pain is worse, not the same pain as before. It's more a constant pain. I went to my GP and she referred me to physiotherapy. They have said it's muscular, no damage. I have started walking but it aches so much. Recently started doing Pilates for beginners in the morning, its only 20 minutes long. Walking 30 mins at a reasonable pace but this morning my back hurts again. To the point it makes me walk as if I'm 100 years old and it gets me down so much, limiting what I can and can't do.
I'm really not sure if I should continue with the Pilates but apparently it's good for strengthening core and lower back pain. I wonder if I should stop doing any form of exercise.
Does anyone have any advice please? I would really appreciate it.

Just to say I hear you, my situation is really similar. I live with low level achey pain daily and then about three times a year my back goes into full on agonising spasms lasting for days. The last one I was bed ridden for three days and needed help getting to the loo. I too have tried to do the right thing, strengthening exercises, Pilates etc but found they just made the pain worse. I know I'm too sedentary but am scared of my back going at any moment. It's rubbish!

Oh and my back was also fine until I hurt it badly twisting and lifting about four years ago and has been a nightmare since!

Have you had an MRI done?

I can relate to this. What is your pilates teacher like? You need one who can tailor the exercises to your needs. This is important. Also, doing exercise will make your back hurt initially but it should make the muscles stronger in the long run and improve your pain.
Are you taking any painkillers?

I find pilates really helps my lower back pain, but I'd recommend classes rather than a dvd at home. Sometimes I need modifications because of a shoulder injury a few years ago, so she gives me those. But also even after 5 years, she sometimes needs to reposition me slightly to do the exercise properly. So it might be that you weren't quite in the right position and worked the wrong muscle, or that the exercise you tried isn't suitable with back problems.

I've had lower back pain since last December on and off. Sort of achy and burning at times. Just had an X Ray but still not sure what an X Ray shows. I can feel it most of the time and it flares up at times.

Doctor said lower back pain common in tall, slim women

Meant to add can't believe you've been suffering for so long.

Did the physio not give you specific exercises to do to alleviate the pain/strengthen the correct muscles?

I do all sorts of nonsense with elastic bands and rolling about on the floor on foam tubes

I asked my physio about activities to improve my back (swimming, yoga etc) and he said doing what you enjoy is the main thing. He said try the activities but you may find it doesn't help and there will be some things you just can't do/have to modify so don't force yourself.