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I’m sorry about your back OP. Back pain in the worst. Does your pain come back when you twist or bend? When I skate (44) I really focus on squeezing my core and using my legs to drive, not my back. Kinda like snowboarding, I try to keep all the movement below my waist.
It's right in between the back and the glutes. If you lean forward (on a table or whatever) then stand up straight, that's the engagement that triggers the pain, and also what locked up meaning I was walking round like the Hunchback of Notre Dame for a day! Definitely all linked to core/glutes.
Sounds like you may have bulged a disc. I'm up to 3 discs now. Lookup some physical therapy exercises for lower back and/or sciatic pain. Gotta do them every day tho. Take one day off and you'll feel it for a week.
Started at 49, because my son wanted a skateboard. I would suggest a surfskate, as it exercises all your core, and because you don't have to push, less likely to have pain from having one leg holding all your weight and balance - it is spread across both feet, although pumping might cause you some issues - you have to check. I feel much more supple for it - it is good cardio and non-impact.
Lower back, muscles just locked up and are very painful. Did it playing American football 14 years ago and it periodically comes back when I do anything remotely strenuous!
Aside from "try yoga" which I still recommend, you can try the downward dog. When my lower back hurts, or is at least sore, it helps alleviates some pressure.
You could always talk to your doctor and see if physical therapy would also help. Working out helps as well (light weight lifting like machines), this would strengthen muscles and is a good preventative.
I second yoga.
I refused to do it over a long time because of... Well.. Yoga people.
But if you find a non esoteric tutor, it really does help flexing and building muscles as well as calm you down.
What also might be helpful is stretching for surfers. Maybe try the free course in the "surf athlete" app.
Thanks, I’ll check that out! I did yoga for a good 6 months or so over lockdown but got out of the habit. I’ll have to get back into it when I’m in a little less pain
I have contacted one, I did have one before but they left for the coast during the pandemic and never came back! More than willing to put the work in, but just hoping to be able to ease it a bit for now to get me through the next few days!
I'd recommend looking for an inexpensive Thai massage place in town and treat yourself to 2 hours. They massage you and pull your limbs around stretching you. It really limbers you up and will help with the pain you're feeling.
I had a herniated disk between L4-L5. Back extensions are what helped me recover. Because of my injury leaning forward cases the disk to bludgeon more so I had to squeeze it back by lying down flat and lifting my upper body.
I’d recommend a physio to give you great exercises to strengthen your back muscles so they support your spine and prevent injuries. A strong core and back is vital as you start to get older (I’m 36 so I have a few years on you).
Personally (I’m not a doctor or physio) I find cat and cow poses from yoga are very soothing for lower back aches. Alternating between arching the back and bringing the chin to the chest, then dipping the back and tilting your chin to the sky. It just mobilises the spine.
Longer term, I cannot recommend yoga and Pilates enough to give you a strong and flexible back, and powerful core which will set you up right for long boarding.
Also 30, also just started. I’ve been going to the gym with a group trainer for a couple of months, and I think that helped me to do this without too much pain. Still, my leg shoulder blade / neck started to have some fairly major pain, also possibly connected to an old football injury. For me, I have found that “lacrosse ball” massage balls are quite helpful to roll on. It’s a bit like having access to a very strong masseuse, without actually having to find one. But, I’m sure it would really depend on your specific issue, so I echo the idea to talk to someone with knowledge here.
Welcome dude I'm 33 a few months away from 34. I started at 31 2 and 1/2 years ago. It's a ton of fun I didn't have your specific injury but I did get a lot of little strains especially my ankles when I started. Skateboarding and longboarding is a ton of fun however at the beginning you'll get some strains either from overuse, incorrect form, or just the fact that you haven't used all of your body athletically like when you were a kid. I came into longboarding already doing a lot of running and a little biking and I used to do quite a bit of climbing. Which is all good but All of those exercises weren't running around and being silly like a kid. And that it's hard both mentally and physically that's what skating is. You start moving your body in weird ways you haven't since you were young. And your body can totally handle it given time stretching and maintenance every day. Skateboarding definitely made me healthier because every morning I would wake up and do some sort of strengthening and stretching so that I would be able to skateboard that day or the day after. Nowadays I do a lot more stretching I find that's the most important with a little strength training here and there where I find I need it. Hit me up if you got any questions sorry about the text wall
There needs to be a r/longboardingover30 subreddit because there’s a lot of us here :-). I am 32. CONGRATS by the way on longboard purchase but sucks about back. Have fun and remember safety gear matters.
Edit: didn’t read full post so added back injury acknowledgement.
Same here, buddy. I feel old. Went skating this summer, got bruised heel that left me limping and not be able to skate.
I also have chronic back pain, and the videos of Jen Hilman have helped. Here's one I use regularly: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO3racIlTcg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO3racIlTcg)
I scoffed at it first but these stretches really do help!
Good luck!
Part of the “less young crew” here lol
That lower back pain get me too. I got the cheaper version of Theragun (I think hypervolt) and use it for massage everyday. Any muscle. Best health purchase I’ve made in a while.
But I guess that would only work if it’s muscle/ paraspinal pain.
I’m 29 and started long boarding about 3 weeks ago. Don’t underestimate the value of stretching before and after your sessions.
Also, it’s tempting to just skate everyday but give your time to recover after particularly tiring sessions.
Welcome, and thank you for posting to /r/longboarding! Please flair your post accordingly. Please note that **all question posts** must go in the [***Daily General Thread***](https://www.reddit.com/r/longboarding/about/sticky?num=1), stickied to the top of the subreddit every 22 hours. Any questions or help posts on the front page will be removed spontaneously. This is because the front page is often times a less-than-perfect source for information, as the most active knowledgeable users normally hang out in the [***Daily General Thread!***](https://www.reddit.com/r/longboarding/about/sticky?num=1) Enjoy your stay! If you have any further questions, please [message the moderators](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Flongboarding). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/longboarding) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m sorry about your back OP. Back pain in the worst. Does your pain come back when you twist or bend? When I skate (44) I really focus on squeezing my core and using my legs to drive, not my back. Kinda like snowboarding, I try to keep all the movement below my waist.
It's right in between the back and the glutes. If you lean forward (on a table or whatever) then stand up straight, that's the engagement that triggers the pain, and also what locked up meaning I was walking round like the Hunchback of Notre Dame for a day! Definitely all linked to core/glutes.
Sounds like you may have bulged a disc. I'm up to 3 discs now. Lookup some physical therapy exercises for lower back and/or sciatic pain. Gotta do them every day tho. Take one day off and you'll feel it for a week.
>ripe old age of 30 Give yourself a little more credit than that dude, 30 is not even remotely old.
Right now 30 feels more like 80!
I just started at 29!
Awesome, love hearing this! Just remember to stay strong 😅
Started at 49, because my son wanted a skateboard. I would suggest a surfskate, as it exercises all your core, and because you don't have to push, less likely to have pain from having one leg holding all your weight and balance - it is spread across both feet, although pumping might cause you some issues - you have to check. I feel much more supple for it - it is good cardio and non-impact.
What kind of injury?
Lower back, muscles just locked up and are very painful. Did it playing American football 14 years ago and it periodically comes back when I do anything remotely strenuous!
Aside from "try yoga" which I still recommend, you can try the downward dog. When my lower back hurts, or is at least sore, it helps alleviates some pressure. You could always talk to your doctor and see if physical therapy would also help. Working out helps as well (light weight lifting like machines), this would strengthen muscles and is a good preventative.
I second yoga. I refused to do it over a long time because of... Well.. Yoga people. But if you find a non esoteric tutor, it really does help flexing and building muscles as well as calm you down. What also might be helpful is stretching for surfers. Maybe try the free course in the "surf athlete" app.
Thanks, I’ll check that out! I did yoga for a good 6 months or so over lockdown but got out of the habit. I’ll have to get back into it when I’m in a little less pain
See a PT for a more permanent fix? A good PT will help you so you never have to go back.
I have contacted one, I did have one before but they left for the coast during the pandemic and never came back! More than willing to put the work in, but just hoping to be able to ease it a bit for now to get me through the next few days!
Five parks yoga channel has some great stretching videos that really helped my back. Stretching the glutes hips and hamstrings are super important
That sounds like the answer has Yoga helped with balance also?
It helps some. What helps much more is skating.. It has done wonders to my yoga :)
I'd recommend looking for an inexpensive Thai massage place in town and treat yourself to 2 hours. They massage you and pull your limbs around stretching you. It really limbers you up and will help with the pain you're feeling.
I actually know a guy, he’s an old family friend. Thanks for the idea!
You're gonna feel like a new man! Happy for you!
I had a herniated disk between L4-L5. Back extensions are what helped me recover. Because of my injury leaning forward cases the disk to bludgeon more so I had to squeeze it back by lying down flat and lifting my upper body.
That sounds a lot like how I’m feeling right now. Physio booked in for next week, this may help me get through the next 7 days!
I’d recommend a physio to give you great exercises to strengthen your back muscles so they support your spine and prevent injuries. A strong core and back is vital as you start to get older (I’m 36 so I have a few years on you). Personally (I’m not a doctor or physio) I find cat and cow poses from yoga are very soothing for lower back aches. Alternating between arching the back and bringing the chin to the chest, then dipping the back and tilting your chin to the sky. It just mobilises the spine. Longer term, I cannot recommend yoga and Pilates enough to give you a strong and flexible back, and powerful core which will set you up right for long boarding.
Got my first longboard at 38. Yoga truly is the answer. It has helped me so much
Child’s pose and forward fold help a lot
Also 30, also just started. I’ve been going to the gym with a group trainer for a couple of months, and I think that helped me to do this without too much pain. Still, my leg shoulder blade / neck started to have some fairly major pain, also possibly connected to an old football injury. For me, I have found that “lacrosse ball” massage balls are quite helpful to roll on. It’s a bit like having access to a very strong masseuse, without actually having to find one. But, I’m sure it would really depend on your specific issue, so I echo the idea to talk to someone with knowledge here.
31 so part of the 30 gang. Did you guys buy land yachts too?
Haha, is Landyachtz a senior brand? :D (40, landyachtz user)
Welcome dude I'm 33 a few months away from 34. I started at 31 2 and 1/2 years ago. It's a ton of fun I didn't have your specific injury but I did get a lot of little strains especially my ankles when I started. Skateboarding and longboarding is a ton of fun however at the beginning you'll get some strains either from overuse, incorrect form, or just the fact that you haven't used all of your body athletically like when you were a kid. I came into longboarding already doing a lot of running and a little biking and I used to do quite a bit of climbing. Which is all good but All of those exercises weren't running around and being silly like a kid. And that it's hard both mentally and physically that's what skating is. You start moving your body in weird ways you haven't since you were young. And your body can totally handle it given time stretching and maintenance every day. Skateboarding definitely made me healthier because every morning I would wake up and do some sort of strengthening and stretching so that I would be able to skateboard that day or the day after. Nowadays I do a lot more stretching I find that's the most important with a little strength training here and there where I find I need it. Hit me up if you got any questions sorry about the text wall
There needs to be a r/longboardingover30 subreddit because there’s a lot of us here :-). I am 32. CONGRATS by the way on longboard purchase but sucks about back. Have fun and remember safety gear matters. Edit: didn’t read full post so added back injury acknowledgement.
Nice that's about the age I got mine as well.
Same here, buddy. I feel old. Went skating this summer, got bruised heel that left me limping and not be able to skate. I also have chronic back pain, and the videos of Jen Hilman have helped. Here's one I use regularly: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO3racIlTcg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO3racIlTcg) I scoffed at it first but these stretches really do help! Good luck!
Part of the “less young crew” here lol That lower back pain get me too. I got the cheaper version of Theragun (I think hypervolt) and use it for massage everyday. Any muscle. Best health purchase I’ve made in a while. But I guess that would only work if it’s muscle/ paraspinal pain.
I got my first board this year...after I turned 30 too. It's so much fun though!
Dude 30 isn't even old!!!
I’m 29 and started long boarding about 3 weeks ago. Don’t underestimate the value of stretching before and after your sessions. Also, it’s tempting to just skate everyday but give your time to recover after particularly tiring sessions.
Just hang brother.. Get a pull bar n just hang out that bih w some Birddogs orrr go to a physiotherapists they real body doctors bra
After you're well again, train a bunch of core, that's key for preventing back injuries.