Question 1

is running (preferably long distance) ok with lower back pain/stiffness (not during run, of course) in terms of core strengthening? or should i just stick to alt. back stretching & strengthening which seems like it might (slowly) be helping?

Accepted Answer

: Stretching and core strength are important to a runner. 
Pay special attention to hamstrings.

Low back pain is one of most common ailments we see. If you can not improve it on your own , defiantly seek out your MD.

Question 2

dull chest pain that comes and goes between breasts that radiates to the mid upper back. stretching back feels better. gerd? gas? muscles? posture?

Accepted Answer

Muscular features.: As stretching helps it is likely this is muscular pain.  Mid upper back ache is often posture related.   Heat, stretching and Ibuprofen may be helpful, but if it persists you should see your doctor and get a chest xray.

Question 3

if i stretch everyday, do the cobra stretch other back stretches neck stretch and leg stretches will i grow taller? also taking multivitamins

Accepted Answer

NO, however...: I know of no evidence that stretches increase growth. Most men stop growing around age 18 but some will grow until age 21 or so. Taking measures to increase your production of growth hormone is far more likely to help than stretches. See http://www.Thebodywellusa.Com/blog/dr-mike-carraghers-top-10-ways-to-increase-your-human-growth-hormone-hgh-levels-naturally/ for info on how to ways to do this!

Question 4

what are some different kinds of back stretches?

Accepted Answer

Website: This website lists many simple stretches you can do:

http://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Your-Back

Good luck!

Question 5

i have sudden back pain and have not lifted any heavy items nor have i had any accidents. the pain was evident two mornings ago and still provides great discomfort. iv tried lower back stretches with no resolve. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

: For starters, apply heat to the area and take Ibuprofen. If no relief after a week, follow up. Would need more information to completely evaluate but most likely this is benign and self limited.

Question 6

pulsation feeling in toes and calf pain, back stretches an pt for 9months.excercise an 1hr a day.happens at rest and when active. no real relief help?

Accepted Answer

Consider vascular: Doppler studies are ultrasounds that can check for arterial and venous bloodflow.  The "pulsation feeling" may be an indication that a vascular problem is present.  Ask your pcp about this.  Many facilities will offer free screenings for pad (peripheral arterial disease).  If there is something noted, a vascular specialist may be consulted.

Question 7

can simple stretching and strengthening of the upper back help relieve disk pain?

Accepted Answer

May help or hurt : Stretching and strengthening may help, and best performed as specifically directed by your doctor or therapist who understands your specific situation.

Question 8

while stretching i heard a pop in my lower back. i have no pain. it has happened the last 2 times that i stretched. should i be concerned? i have 2 discs that are bad in my middle back.

Accepted Answer

No real concern: In general if you have no pain or loss of function or sensation you should be fine. Be careful however as sometimes symptoms of injury to the back and  related areas can take weeks to months or even longer to show up.

Question 9

can you thicken the cartilage discs in your spine by stretching it?

Accepted Answer

No: Degenerative disc disease (ddd) is a progressive change of the spine that includes loss of disc water content and disc height.  We all get ddd as we age, and as yet, there is no treatment to prevent it (despite what people will try to sell you).  The best option to maintain spine health is to not smoke, maintain a healthy overall lifestyle which includes a regular exercise program.

Question 10

i have scoliosis and am in my 30s. am i right in saying that just stretching won't do anything to ease the pressure on the discs of my spine (one is squished) but the schroth method might? is there anything else that might help?

Accepted Answer

: Most cases of scoliosis in young adults are managed without surgery. Exercises are commonly prescribed. Active bracing is another method. The   Schroth method appears promising but with a disc issue you must have expert guidance in any exercise program.  I recommend being evaluated in a spine clinic for best care&amp;followup.

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Doctor answers about:

Safe back stretching for collapsed discs

A member asked:

Is running (preferably long distance) ok with lower back pain/stiffness (not during run, of course) in terms of core strengthening? or should i just stick to alt. back stretching & strengthening which seems like it might (slowly) be helping?

A member asked:

Dull chest pain that comes and goes between breasts that radiates to the mid upper back. stretching back feels better. gerd? gas? muscles? posture?

A member asked:

If i stretch everyday, do the cobra stretch other back stretches neck stretch and leg stretches will i grow taller? also taking multivitamins

A member asked:

What are some different kinds of back stretches?

A member asked:

I have sudden back pain and have not lifted any heavy items nor have i had any accidents. the pain was evident two mornings ago and still provides great discomfort. iv tried lower back stretches with no resolve. what should i do?

A member asked:

Pulsation feeling in toes and calf pain, back stretches an pt for 9months.excercise an 1hr a day.happens at rest and when active. no real relief help?

A member asked:

Can simple stretching and strengthening of the upper back help relieve disk pain?

A member asked:

While stretching i heard a pop in my lower back. i have no pain. it has happened the last 2 times that i stretched. should i be concerned? i have 2 discs that are bad in my middle back.

A member asked:

Can you thicken the cartilage discs in your spine by stretching it?

A member asked:

I have scoliosis and am in my 30s. am i right in saying that just stretching won't do anything to ease the pressure on the discs of my spine (one is squished) but the schroth method might? is there anything else that might help?

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