If you are tall enough, try bending over at your butt instead of bending your lower back to get down on the shot. In other words, keep your back straight and stick your butt out.
Playing with a bad back
- Thread starter Lazerrus
- Start date
hi man i have had back problems since 1992 orginaly hurt it weight lifting bulged disc between L4 L5. I tried many things that worked for awhile at first chiropractors on a regular basis, most insurance companys cover this now unlike in the past. I also tried medication and physical therapy this would also work. I would generaly re- injure my back twice a year and be layed up for two weeks recovering. This year unfortanetly I have injured it mutiple times, tryed the injections in the spine and traction but no success and due to DDD (basicly the disk is has lost all moister and worn down to almost nothing) unable to scrape out the bad parts of disk in minor surgery. So on dec 16th i go in for fusion surgery of L4 L5. I hope hope to make full recovery and continue playing pool and making cues. Anyways my point is back problems never go away once you have injured your back you need to take care of it even when you feel fine! I would suggest going to see the doc and making sure you get a true diagnosis like was previously said. Make sure to get MRI if possible alot of docs will try to treat and hope it goes aways without really knowing if its a muscle or disc. Good luck and take care J.T.
I can relate to this thread since i've been playing with a bad back for years. Heat doesn't work for me in fact it makes my back pain worse. Ice and advil help a lot and they don't dull the senses like pain killers.
James
I have a bad back due to years being overweight. I since lost the weight to increase the MTBF of my knee prosthesis, but the back still hurts from time to time.
Here's my advice when you play: bend at the knees, not at the back, especially when you're tall. Also, spread your legs some. I'm 6' tall and I look like I'm about to take a dump on a squat toilet when I play, and my back is very vertical. I usually play with my head higher, and I adopt the chin-on-shaft position only to shoot very long straight shots. This really cures back problems, and I can play for hours on end that way. And it also makes it easier to adapt to different heights tables.
On a side note, when I went on a diet, a friend of mine who had lost quite a bit of weight already told me I may get MORE back problems, at least temporarily, if I drop weight fast. In fat people he told me, the back is partly "braced" by the masses of fat, and back muscles are atrophied somewhat. If the fat goes away too fast, the spine is less supported and, despite being lighter, you may get problems and even damage something, until the back muscles take over. His theory may or may not be true, but I did experience an increase in back pains when I lost weight, so if that's what you're doing, I suggest doing back exercises to muscle up. If it doesn't do anything, it can't hurt...
Here's my advice when you play: bend at the knees, not at the back, especially when you're tall. Also, spread your legs some. I'm 6' tall and I look like I'm about to take a dump on a squat toilet when I play, and my back is very vertical. I usually play with my head higher, and I adopt the chin-on-shaft position only to shoot very long straight shots. This really cures back problems, and I can play for hours on end that way. And it also makes it easier to adapt to different heights tables.
On a side note, when I went on a diet, a friend of mine who had lost quite a bit of weight already told me I may get MORE back problems, at least temporarily, if I drop weight fast. In fat people he told me, the back is partly "braced" by the masses of fat, and back muscles are atrophied somewhat. If the fat goes away too fast, the spine is less supported and, despite being lighter, you may get problems and even damage something, until the back muscles take over. His theory may or may not be true, but I did experience an increase in back pains when I lost weight, so if that's what you're doing, I suggest doing back exercises to muscle up. If it doesn't do anything, it can't hurt...
I agree, it IS best to get the excess weight off. I've had back and knee problems for a few years now and I know that it's mostly due to the weight that I've gained. One thing that has helped me the most, aside from losing 20 lbs of the 60 or so pounds that I gained, was to see a good massage therapist nj. I swear, I wouldn't even be able to stand if it wasn't for her!
I feel for you! That's pretty awful that you injure your back so often! I only had one back injury and I'm finally starting to recover. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without my massage therapist nj though. The therapy has proven to be a real life saver! I agree you want to go to a doctor that won't delay having proper tests done because you definitely want to be on the right course of treatment.
I've had two back surgeries and now I can play for hours without an issue. I used to be just like you, trust me. Get an MRI, see what's wrong, and have them hack-out whatever is messed up. No Chiros, no rehab-waste-of-time... just cut it open and fix it. After 5 years of back agony, it's the only thing that worked for me. I'm livin' proof....BEEFCAKE!
I agree, ice works better for me and heat doesn't help in fact it makes my back hurt worse......
James
There is a great deal of wisdom in this statement. If you are overweight, that means you don't exercise, and that is the root of your problem. Neglect of exercise and nutrition is the #1 cause of problems in our country. It is such a basic thing and our country is failing at it. Americans have a harder time with everything because of lazy habits. Weight control is an issue for over half our population. Prescription drugs is another big problem, so that makes things even more difficult for you.
I would first, get off the pain pills completely. Do whatever it takes to stop the pain pills. They will only compound your problem and make your life worse. The strongest pain med you should be taking is ibuprofen because they have a anti-inflammatory property, and they are not addictive.
Second, I would take the time to focus on your future and come up with a lifestyle change that will introduce better eating habits and a daily exercise routine that involves both strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Doing this will not only save your back, but your overall health, and will even expand your life by up to 30%! As always, my recommendation is to seek a real and experienced Korean TaeKwon-Do Master. A true martial artist can guide you on the right path for your life, then, playing pool, sports, or anything else for that matter will be a breeze.
It takes a great deal of knowledge and strength to do the right thing. Heal the roots, and the tree will survive.
or, you can pay a doctor an arm and a leg for stuff you don't even need and possibly end up with rods in your back, addicted to pain pills, and increase your weight with very little years left to count, not to mention losing the ability to truly enjoy pool.
I would first, get off the pain pills completely. Do whatever it takes to stop the pain pills. They will only compound your problem and make your life worse. The strongest pain med you should be taking is ibuprofen because they have a anti-inflammatory property, and they are not addictive.
Second, I would take the time to focus on your future and come up with a lifestyle change that will introduce better eating habits and a daily exercise routine that involves both strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Doing this will not only save your back, but your overall health, and will even expand your life by up to 30%! As always, my recommendation is to seek a real and experienced Korean TaeKwon-Do Master. A true martial artist can guide you on the right path for your life, then, playing pool, sports, or anything else for that matter will be a breeze.
It takes a great deal of knowledge and strength to do the right thing. Heal the roots, and the tree will survive.
or, you can pay a doctor an arm and a leg for stuff you don't even need and possibly end up with rods in your back, addicted to pain pills, and increase your weight with very little years left to count, not to mention losing the ability to truly enjoy pool.
What back problems did you have? I have been considering getting surgery for the last few years.
I was once the biggest scoffer of chiropractors... until, when in extreme pain and desparation, I reluctantly agreed to try one on a weekend when I could not see a doctor.
I was 90% better in 1 hour. I don't believe all the new age BS they sometimes sell, but when it comes to spinal adjustments, I swear by them.
When I can't get to one, I do simple twists, either standing up or on my bed, that loosen the spine. This helps some, but it doesn't completely mimick what they do when they re-align your spine.
If you haven't tried a chiropractor, try one. They are not expensive. They will X-ray you first to ensure your pain is not driven by a ruptured disc.
I was 90% better in 1 hour. I don't believe all the new age BS they sometimes sell, but when it comes to spinal adjustments, I swear by them.
When I can't get to one, I do simple twists, either standing up or on my bed, that loosen the spine. This helps some, but it doesn't completely mimick what they do when they re-align your spine.
If you haven't tried a chiropractor, try one. They are not expensive. They will X-ray you first to ensure your pain is not driven by a ruptured disc.
Well after have re-occuring back problems since weight lifting in 1992 I have tried chiropractors, medication, physical therapy, injections in spine, traction and actually they all worked in some way. Unfortanately my back problems (bulged disk L4L5 that turned to degenaritive disk disease) got alot worse last year so on december 16 I had fussion surgery (xlif type) and I have made a full recovery feel as good as I did back in 1992 before all my problems. I am playing pool and working on cues again and back to a full time job. I cant stress enough back problems once they start tend to be a lifetime thing for most people and you need to take care of it especialy when your back doesent hurt and you feel fine thats when you do more damage I wish I would have takin my own advice. Hope everyone gets better soon love to see ya on the table.
J.T.
J.T.
Well I agree with alot that has been said here.....the most important is the "everyone is different" idea, that not only are the people different(weight, lifestyle, shooting style, etc), but their injuries are probably just as diverse. Compounding that, is the number and types of treatments available to the modern back pain sufferer.....some do more damage than good....
Short version of my sad story, old lady forgot what pedal was the brakes and what was the gas....she hit me so hard that pushed the rear bumper of my van up to the rear wheels, hitting me several times(she kept her foot on the gas, and actually ended up in front of me). I didnt have health insurance, and didnt feel all that bad immediately after the crash, by two oclock in the morning....it was a very different story. Went to ER, had xrays, didnt show squat, had MRI...bulged/herniated discs in both upper and lower back as well as degenerative disc disease(though i never had back problems before). Four maybe five discs total(dr was a moron...if you can get several opinions, i didnt have that option and suffered greatly).
So I get pain meds and physical therapy as he didnt think a "dual" surgery would work. Well the meds didnt help with pain, made me goofy, and not care about the pain, and the PT was useless, and EXTREMELY painful. "Finished" PT and tried that spinal decompression crap....to the tune of about 10k outta pocket(my case didnt go to court for THREE years...and believe it or not, I lost the case....people are morons). I believe that SD did more damage than good, cant prove it, but I for sure wasnt better, and all they wanted was more money....thieves.....anyway....lol.....deep breathes.....hehe....I was bed ridden for about a year, house bound for another year and a half, and finally through trial and error, learned how to move with out hurting myself. Still have to walk with crutches at times. Pool was out of the question, good for three or so shots, and I didnt have that good of a break...lol. In those years of "downtime" I gained about a hundred pounds....hell I could still eat, sometimes that was about all I could do...
Ok, the story wasnt so short(actually there really is alot more to it)......
But yeah, gotta lose the weight, exercise, work on rebuilding those back muscles and relieving the muscles that have been "doing overtime" trying to keep the bad back straight. Pain meds are alright if they are really needed...each case is different. Watch out for ibuprofen....little known fact, that stuff can CAUSE high blood pressure, I was taking 8-10 a day the whole time as "prescribed"...until I saw a different dr......163/126 or something, that was three months ago....quit ibuprofin and take a "mild" script and muscle relaxer now, works better and my BP is down to 120/100...YRMV.
So yeah....I work pool into my exercise everyday, try to do at least an hour. New stance, modified hand bridge, few other specifics....still cant get down on the stick like I really need to....but at least I can bang some balls around. Another trick....get some nice commercial carpet. I have the table on a marble/slate tile "insert". Ironically I got my table after the back injury(after years of waiting), so its kinda a kick in the nuts. Some days I just sit there and admire the old table....practice banks sitting down...lol.....but it does give me some inspiration to get better. I usually can play for a rack(run it OF COURSE....lol) then have to sit down and wait a few, then do it again.
I still might go in for surgery, couldnt afford the spinal injections at the time though(long story). I have health insurance now, so we will see...gonna try to lose the weight first, then I might try the knife....sure hope I dont have to though......
Short version of my sad story, old lady forgot what pedal was the brakes and what was the gas....she hit me so hard that pushed the rear bumper of my van up to the rear wheels, hitting me several times(she kept her foot on the gas, and actually ended up in front of me). I didnt have health insurance, and didnt feel all that bad immediately after the crash, by two oclock in the morning....it was a very different story. Went to ER, had xrays, didnt show squat, had MRI...bulged/herniated discs in both upper and lower back as well as degenerative disc disease(though i never had back problems before). Four maybe five discs total(dr was a moron...if you can get several opinions, i didnt have that option and suffered greatly).
So I get pain meds and physical therapy as he didnt think a "dual" surgery would work. Well the meds didnt help with pain, made me goofy, and not care about the pain, and the PT was useless, and EXTREMELY painful. "Finished" PT and tried that spinal decompression crap....to the tune of about 10k outta pocket(my case didnt go to court for THREE years...and believe it or not, I lost the case....people are morons). I believe that SD did more damage than good, cant prove it, but I for sure wasnt better, and all they wanted was more money....thieves.....anyway....lol.....deep breathes.....hehe....I was bed ridden for about a year, house bound for another year and a half, and finally through trial and error, learned how to move with out hurting myself. Still have to walk with crutches at times. Pool was out of the question, good for three or so shots, and I didnt have that good of a break...lol. In those years of "downtime" I gained about a hundred pounds....hell I could still eat, sometimes that was about all I could do...
Ok, the story wasnt so short(actually there really is alot more to it)......
But yeah, gotta lose the weight, exercise, work on rebuilding those back muscles and relieving the muscles that have been "doing overtime" trying to keep the bad back straight. Pain meds are alright if they are really needed...each case is different. Watch out for ibuprofen....little known fact, that stuff can CAUSE high blood pressure, I was taking 8-10 a day the whole time as "prescribed"...until I saw a different dr......163/126 or something, that was three months ago....quit ibuprofin and take a "mild" script and muscle relaxer now, works better and my BP is down to 120/100...YRMV.
So yeah....I work pool into my exercise everyday, try to do at least an hour. New stance, modified hand bridge, few other specifics....still cant get down on the stick like I really need to....but at least I can bang some balls around. Another trick....get some nice commercial carpet. I have the table on a marble/slate tile "insert". Ironically I got my table after the back injury(after years of waiting), so its kinda a kick in the nuts. Some days I just sit there and admire the old table....practice banks sitting down...lol.....but it does give me some inspiration to get better. I usually can play for a rack(run it OF COURSE....lol) then have to sit down and wait a few, then do it again.
I still might go in for surgery, couldnt afford the spinal injections at the time though(long story). I have health insurance now, so we will see...gonna try to lose the weight first, then I might try the knife....sure hope I dont have to though......
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I have worked with many people that suffered from some sort of back pain. Pain is the indicator that something needs to be addressed. Pain killers can mask the pain but not fix the problem. Anti-inflammatory meds are hard on the kidneys in the doses required for bad back problems. The plank position where you are on your toes and elbows holding with no movement will strengthen without flexion . Though you might want to seek the advice from a professional.
I checked out your site....seems pretty interesting. I might even pony up the cash.
I do agree that pain is an indicator, but there is also referred pain which makes tracing down the culprit that much more difficult.
One of my biggest problems is I have very little faith in the medical community(my favorite line, "Half the doctors out there graduated in the bottom half of their class"). I know there are some good ones, but even then they have conflicting ideas on how to handle issues, especially complex ones such as mine. Thats why I have taken it upon myself, to listen to my own body, and see what works....is that the best route? I dont know, but I will evaluate ANY advice....and go from there...
Thanks for sharing your work.....
I do agree that pain is an indicator, but there is also referred pain which makes tracing down the culprit that much more difficult.
One of my biggest problems is I have very little faith in the medical community(my favorite line, "Half the doctors out there graduated in the bottom half of their class"). I know there are some good ones, but even then they have conflicting ideas on how to handle issues, especially complex ones such as mine. Thats why I have taken it upon myself, to listen to my own body, and see what works....is that the best route? I dont know, but I will evaluate ANY advice....and go from there...
Thanks for sharing your work.....
I've trained several doctors and they have all said the same thing " whatever you do try to stay out of the hospital...it's full of sick people ".
The biggest problem is not so much the doctors but the drug industry. Which has some of the most powerful lobbyist . They are to quick to give meds out before all the data is in. That's why the side affect warnings sound worst than the problem in the first place.
It is your body and ultimately you have to make the choices. Doctors do things by process of elimination..if it's not this ...maybe it's that...start with the simple first...then go from there. Eddie
What a ridiculous blanket statement to make. I have worked as an orthopedic physical therapist for the past 10 yrs, and have seen countless pt's with Low back pain, many due to disk injuries. I can tell you that the research on the topic shows that 80% of all low back injuries are healed with conservative treatment. Certainly there are some people that have blown out their disks to a point that we are unable to heal them, and surgery is necessary. Obviously that was the case in your situation. However, to advise other people to skip the conservative methods just because your case required surgery is irresponsible at best.
X-rays image bone, not soft tissue, so they can't actually show whether or not you have injured a disk. You need an MRI for that. X-rays can only show if the disk space has become smaller, not if it there is an actual bulge or herniation.