Obesity and back pain

[axolotlcake]

I weigh 18 stone but after having 2 kids over the past 3 years I feel like my body is giving up.

If I'm still, it's fine, but if I stand up or walk for too long (10/15 minutes) my back feels like it's going to cave in.

I used to be alright at walking even when heavier but since having kids who were born by c section, the pain is just unbearable!

I also seem to have an unsteady gait when I'm walking so not sure if that's related. I've had an mri on my lower back as that's where the pain seems to radiate from but that's come back clear.

While I'm waiting for my next appointment with my gp to ask for more help, what could it be? Or is it likely that my post baby tummy has had enough

Sorry I’ve no idea, if you are able and strong, consider losing so weight, it will help you, I mean that kindly.

Sounds like a weak core.

Aside from referring you for weight loss support, I’m not sure what more the GP could do really, given your MRI was normal.
your back and overall musculoskeletal system is having to carry around an awful lot of additional weight and it’s understandable that may well cause pain.

Do you use a crossbody or shoulder bag? Since I swapped to a backpack my back pain got a lot better. My back used to be so painful that I'd have to stop at benches and bus stops to sit and rest. Sometimes I'd just crouch down and pretend to go through my handbag on the ground to ease the pain.

Weak muscles is the problem. Sure, your weight wont be helping, but you need to build muscle to support your body too. Any time in your life for something like a pilates class? Your GP is unlikely to do anything beyond throwing some painkillers at you and possibly sticking you on a very long physio waiting list.

You need to lose weight and do strength training to fix your core

It will take a lot of effort but a pain free life is worth it

I'm actually having bariatric surgery in a few months so the weight loss should hopefully happen quicker with that!

Does anyone have any recommendations on improving my core strength?

You don't say what your height is but considering you're having bariatric surgery, you must be significantly overweight.

I'd advise you to speak to a professional before doing any of the suggestions on here. You're putting your heart under immense strain just by existing right now so starting weight lifting might do more harm than good.

Think of your extra weight as Tesco shopping bags. I'm a healthy weight and struggle carrying two full heavy bags for the 30 minute walk to my house. You're carrying much more than two bags around with you all day everyday.

Oh I totally agree with this.

When I used a shoulder bag I used to get a lot of pain when walking. I couldn't walk far at all.
Since I changed to a back pack the difference has been tremendous.
It really helps with posture too.

Core strength - start with Pilates. I like Lottie Murphy on YouTube, but I would start with Jessica valante to learn the basics first. Again, YouTube.

I'm 5'7, so my bmi is just under 40 but having my surgery through the nhs!

Surprisingly, I don't have a typical gp who will put all blame onto any issue on my weight but I'm at the point of wishing they would now!

I find it so hard to lose weight, and come from a fat family so hopefully my surgery will help me stop feeling like I creak when I walk! I'm not even bloody 30 yet 😂

plus size lady here (21st) and i'm not an expert, but i have long term spinal problems, and while my MRI did pick up skeletal changes causing most of my pain (my disks are crumbling, and that can't be fixed and isn't caused by my weight), there are always things you can do physically to help support the bone structure around strengthening your muscles in your stomach, hips and back.

You need to talk to your GP about physiotherapy to support your core, there are videos online that can start you off with pelvic exercises, leg lifts.., etc, but having a tailored regime from a physio can make a lot of difference.