Question
Hi. During the summer months I really got into using the elliptical machine, about 3 or 4 times a week for forty minutes each time. Then I went about 3 or 4 weeks without using it, because I was dedicating more time towards swimming (half hour, aprox). The second week in September, I went back to the gym, and went back on the elliptical machine after not using it for about 4 weeks. I did a full 40 minute workout.

The next day, I was so sore all over my entire body, including my back. The pain around my legs and such went away after a day, but I began to notice my back was having problems. Sitting on a hard chair (or flat and semi hard) in class for more than 15 or 20 minutes cause my lower back to hurt a little, and especially become stiff when trying to stand. It is still like this today. Even when I try to bend down, I feel it in my lower back in the center. I either swim or use the elliptical about two or three times a week, but in the last two weeks, I stopped using the elliptical thinking that might be prolonging the pain. Any possible idea what it might be? A lumbar sprain/strain or possibly a bulging disc? Thank you in -advanced.

Answer
Dear Marty,

This sounds like nothing more than over conditioning which has resulted in the strain of the low back.  The bottom line is that you took a month off an activity and then resumed it at your previous intensity without any build-up.  This can easily result in a strain of the muscular and fascial system.  Nothing about what you have described would indicate a problem with the disk.

Take some time off the elliptical machine and concentrate on lower stress activities such as stretching, yoga, recumbent bike, etc.. for the next two weeks and then re-introduce the elliptical machine back into your workouts on a gradual basis building back up to your previous level of intensity, and you should be fine.

If the pain continues for more than two more weeks or gets worse, then schedule a visit to a local chiropractic physician and have it examined.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net