How do you deal with your back?

C

clawhammer

New member
I really enjoy detailing cars, but my back is killing me. I come from a family where we have a history of back problems, and I'm only 19, and after spending 8 hours on a car yesterday, my back hurts really bad. I think I'm going to have to seriously limit the number of cars I do because of my back. Anyone have any tips on how to avoid an aching back?
 
I have always been against Chiropractors but after seeing one for the past few months for a pinched nerve I swear by them. I feel better all over since going to one.
 
One thing you can do is to get a rolling stool/chair with a height adjustment so you don't have to bend over so much, and try to plan things and think about things so you don't do so much bending. If you are just talking about muscle stiffness, that's normal, you want to be careful about other kinds of strains.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
One thing you can do is to get a rolling stool/chair with a height adjustment so you don't have to bend over so much, and try to plan things and think about things so you don't do so much bending. If you are just talking about muscle stiffness, that's normal, you want to be careful about other kinds of strains.
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That's a good idea, however my S2000 is my only car, and as it is already I have a hard time putting all my supplies in the trunk.



Why would I get knee pads? My knees don't bother me, it's my back from being bent over the hood, etc.
 
I just got used to it.





I agree though, that my back was hurting when I started doing a lot of cars. Now, it's second nature.





You might want to try some ab routines which will strengthen up your back, too.
 
I've also had lower back problems, and working the "core" definitely helps. As does good stretching, and making sure your hamstrings aren't too tight--they can cause pressure if they are, which leads to back pain.
 
Yeah, strengthening your abs and spinal erectors is, IMO, the best idea. The older you get the more important it is to be in shape, even if you're not athletically inclined.



The idea behind knee pads is that you can kneel comfortably and work at the same height that you'd access by bending over.
 
are your shoes comfortable? i've heard that uncomfortable shoes can lead or make back pain worse. maybe you can check out those dr scholls (sp?) gel inserts.
 
I can speak from experience when it comes to back pain.



I had two surgeries my senior year of high school (w/in 2 months) for a ruptured disc (same disc). Fast forward 8 years later. I just had my 3rd surgery on July 12th for a ruptured disc (different disc this time). As of right now, I'm working from home while I recover from the surgery (I work in IT full-time). I have two degerative discs. Some day I'll need to have a 4th surgery which will either be a spinal fusion or a new artificial disc replacement surgery. I don't want to have a fusion since it limits mobility and causes added stress on your other healthy discs. I'm really hoping I can have the disc replacement surgery when it becomes time. The only drawback right now for me is that I need a two-level disc replacement and the FDA only approves of a single-level replacement. This new technology has only been in the US since fall of 2004 but they've been doing it in Europe since the '80's. I'm hoping the FDA will approve a two-level disc replacement here in the next few years. Even though my ruptured disc is cleaned up, I still tend to have a lot of low back pain b/c of the degernative discs.



Either way, I always have to be aware of my back when detailing. It's important to bend with your knees. Once my recovery is over, I plan on trying to get my abs in as good as shape as possible to take some stress off my back. As somebody else mentioned, shoes are also important; at least they are for me. If I'm not wearing good shoes, my feet hurt and the pain affects the rest of my lower body (knees, hips, back). The other thing I tend to rely on are some OTC pain killers. This helps to ease the pain. And it's important to take them during the detailing process so you aren't in pain waiting for them to kick in.



Bottom line, it's just important to keep your abs in good shape and always be conscious of your posture.
 
I would suggest two things that help my 60+ year old back.



1. Exercise. (I don't know the exact muscles you need to work on, and won't suggest an exercise regimine, but given your line of work, you should consult a specialist. Most decent gyms have such trainers. Highly recommended. If you are having trouble at your age, you need to do this; strentgh in the appropriate places will help a lot.)



2. The rolling chair. I could not do the sides or rear end of my SC430 without this. You may not need the fancy ones, but get something sturdy with good wheels and at least a little bit of a back on it -- don't get the rolling stool. SUVs are a little easier because so litle of the car is close to the ground, but you know from working on your own S2000 that zippy little cars are fun to drive but hell on your back to polish.
 
Accumulator said:
The idea behind knee pads is that you can kneel comfortably and work at the same height that you'd access by bending over.
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Exactly. For the hood it won't help but for the lower portions and wheels it's great :hifive:
 
advil, workouts, and technique!!!!.....I almost never bend over anymore....I would rather sit on the floor with my legs straight out under the car rather than bend over....the pain is about 1/10th of what it used to be now!
 
Aleve works very well for easing pain and reducing tension. I run 5k and swim 20-30 laps nearly every day. This has strengthened my back considerably. When detailing, it is best to keep moving. Don't keep your back bent for long periods at a time.



Another thing that works wonders is a deep-tissue massage every few weeks. This is far better for my back than a chiropractor.
 
Im also 19 and have back problems. I find coming in and lying back on a step REALLY feels good! Its just one step down into our livnig room, a normal set of step wouldnt work. Also it feels nice to have my girl walk on it. :chuckle:
 
I picked up a sturdy roller with good wheels from sears for less than $30, and it helps.



But sometimes since I am a mobile guy, there is no room where I detail for it, or the ground is bad, I bring a big pad for my knees, it is actually a semi hard floatation device that people use for swimming. It's perfect for doing the chrome pipes and other things low on the car. And even PC work.



Try not bending over, when I did that, my back hurt too. Always stagger your legs, according to Mike Phipps in his video when standing over the car or hood. If you have too, just lay down on the ground and work from there. Your clothes get a little dirty, but detailing is a dirty job. Better to wash your shirt, than have a sore back. Eventually, your muscles will either adjust, or at worst maybe you could find a desk job. But for me, even with my bad bad and shoulder, I like the physical work (for now) as it keeps me limber and in some kind of shape. Better than when I sit inside and just gain weight.



Goodluck, and if anyone else has any ideas let me know. I like the idea of limbering up and doing more ab exercises, makes sense to me. I'm hitting 40 this October, I guess using a rotary now will make my body ache a little more now than the PC.
 
A good weight belt is a good idea and I am on my second roll-around stool in nearly 20 years. I try to stay in shape without going to a gym but that couldn't hurt either. I'll be 60 next month and still wiegh what I weighed when I got back from Vietnam. Good metabolism, I guess.
 
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