Healing a lower back injury

[Dyzerio]

Hi fellow rowers,

I am a junior rower who recently has had a tough time erging. I believe the pain is in the muscle in my lower left back but my hamstrings could also be the problem. I enrolled in a weight training class where we have we maxing out. As soon as I start to apply pressure on the erg my back starts to hurt more. I'd appreciate if you kind folks could give me some stretches or something I could do to fix the problem. The intensity and frequency of my workouts has also caused external muscle exhaustion.

[jamesg]

On the erg, sit up straight, relax and use low drag. Try some kayak, it twists the back a bit more. No heavy weights, rowing is not weight lifting.

[heroesfitness]

The first thing I would suggest is to go and see a registered Physiotherapist as your back problem could be something that needs to be addressed. When you have done this you can then get the correct information you require for any exercise you wish to commence with.

Hope this helps

Spencer

[Dyzerio]

Thank you for the advice

[Cyclingman1]

I enrolled in a weight training class where we have we maxing out.

That makes me cringe just reading it. Unless you are a very experienced weight lifter and undestand and can practice almost perfect technique, you have no busniess trying to max out. That is how people get hurt. And I fault your coaches if you have one. They should know that. But then if they were all that smart, they probably would not be weightlifting coaches.

[bernd57]

Agreed with cyclingman. Max weights don't just require the muscles, they require the ligaments and tendons and even the bones to be up to par too. And, first and foremost, perfect form. No physician will give you advice on what to do now that you have injured yourself without a proper diagnostic work up....
If it's just a minor muscle sprain, it will resolve relatively quickly... Badly torn muscles, Torn Tendons, ligaments, disks, etc, another story. Lesson... Don't go too hard too fast. It almost always ends up hurting you in the long run.
The physical therapy suggestion is reasonable. A good physical therapist will know when to call in bigger guns....
I know it's not helpful, but...

[Bob S.]

The physical therapy suggestion is reasonable. A good physical therapist will know when to call in bigger guns....

The laws on physical therapy vary from state to state. In California, just making an appointment to see a physical therapist requires a referral from a "bigger gun."

Bob S.