My kids are killing my back!

[Anonymous]

I am in pretty good shape - I do some variation of running/biking/elliptical every day. I'm not a huge fan of weight training, because I find that it makes my arms bulk up (even the Tracy Anderson 3 pound weights routine!). However, I've noticed recently an inordinate amount of back pain, no doubt caused by my two toddlers' constant need to be held by mommy (ie - 1 year old wants to be held, and suddenly 3 year old also wants to be held). Combined, my two kids are roughly half my weight. I went for a back massage, and the masseuse said my spine was completely out of line, and recommended that I see a cranio/spinal acupuncturist or a chiropractor. I'm happy to do that (and would welcome recommendations in the DC/Alexandria area), but am also thinking that weight training might help build up my core and back strength. Anyone else go through this??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am in pretty good shape - I do some variation of running/biking/elliptical every day. I'm not a huge fan of weight training, because I find that it makes my arms bulk up (even the Tracy Anderson 3 pound weights routine!). However, I've noticed recently an inordinate amount of back pain, no doubt caused by my two toddlers' constant need to be held by mommy (ie - 1 year old wants to be held, and suddenly 3 year old also wants to be held). Combined, my two kids are roughly half my weight. I went for a back massage, and the masseuse said my spine was completely out of line, and recommended that I see a cranio/spinal acupuncturist or a chiropractor. I'm happy to do that (and would welcome recommendations in the DC/Alexandria area), but am also thinking that weight training might help build up my core and back strength. Anyone else go through this??

I lift weights regularly and have a 3 yr old who I hold sometimes when we go out for outings especially if it requires lot of walking, so the times I do lot of holding I can feel it the next morning in the lower back. If I wear flip flops it's seems worse than tennis shoes, although it's not nearly as bad as your case but I get your drift. I alternate sometimes and put him on my shoulder which helps but not really suggesting it as an option.

Far as exercise, if you do run/bike/elliptical regularly that should provide a base for your core, but not your back and could even aggravate it more with the constant pounding. A good back strengthener exercise is reverse hyperextension, there's a few variation, google it and see which one suits you. 45 degree one is good with proper form. If your back is need of medical attention than I would seek physical therapy or a Chiro (but not sure how legit Chiros are tho). Additionally, stretching will help and yoga.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[Anonymous]

I know this is a month later, but... I've had major back problems with both of my kids, and have been in PT. They've recommended a bunch of exercises to strengthen my core, and it's actually working!

I regularly do: leg lifts (now with weights), crunches, supermans, side planks, planks, reverse crunches, hip adductors/abductors, and more. You might want to see a PT for a few sessions yourself to get the exercises down, or just look on youtube.

[Anonymous]

Nothing but sympathy for you, PP.

This makes me really happy to have a 5th percentiler, though! 2 years old and still easy to carry

Have you tried a sling or ergo?

[Anonymous]

Eh, my first was 5th percentile, and my back was still awful. Not any better than carrying my second, a 95th percentile kid! I was just out of shape!!

[Anonymous]

I was a regular exerciser prior to DS and never had any back problems but he was a late walker and it killed me. I was in bed twice for a week with a thrown out back. Literally I could not move. And he is a skinny little thing, currently at 3%. Yoga helped a lot as did swimming and keeping up my regular work outs which included lifting weights and cardio. What helped most of all: not carrying him any more and using the stroller for any protracted amount of walking.