Originally Posted by
Bucknut
I would have your family doctor order an MRI before seeing a Chiropractor. If you have a nerve issue, having a Chiropractor crank on your back before finding out what the problem is can cause the problem to become much worse. Also keep in mind that studies have shown repetitive adjustments can cause arthritis. This is coming from some one that use to see a Chiropractor on a regular basis. I now get a cortisone injection if my back really acts up and try to stay as active as possible which is tough in this business.
Nowhere in my body's owner's manual does it say I need to get my back adjusted every 3,000 miles. Chiropractic technique can apparently be helpful to treat some issues, but probably not a good idea to do it routinely just because. You get one guess why that practice came about
But if your back is healthy, some compressive exercises such as squats are probably good for your back (moderate weight).
Excessive ab workouts are known to degrade dics, your back just wasn't designed to bend 800 times, five days a week. Make sure you do only back-safe ab routines, and only a moderate amount. My abs are just great with once or twice a week.
And root of all evil for backs in the gym...twisting workouts, your back was definitely not designed to bend while twisting hundreds of times per day. Avoid like the plague.
I had some back pain about ten years ago (nothing degenerative), the fix was to get back into the gym with a holistic strength training program. Abs, squats, deadlifts seem to do the trick. Heavy weights not required.