How do you deal with your back?

**clawhammer** · 07-31-2006, 07:55 AM

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?

**BobD** · 07-31-2006, 07:58 AM

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.

**Setec Astronomy** · 07-31-2006, 08:07 AM

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.

**wifehatescar** · 07-31-2006, 08:14 AM

2 words: knee pads.

**clawhammer** · 07-31-2006, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

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.

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.

**stilez** · 07-31-2006, 08:24 AM

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.

**topnotchtouch** · 07-31-2006, 08:25 AM

Aside from the other suggestions I would also think about doing something to strengthen your abs as they help to support your back. You may also consider doing some stretching to limber up your back before a long detail session.

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/c.../backex01.html

**seismic** · 07-31-2006, 11:10 AM

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.

**Accumulator** · 07-31-2006, 11:17 AM

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.

**lp2137** · 07-31-2006, 11:23 AM

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.

**Driven Auto Detail** · 07-31-2006, 01:18 PM

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.

**ararock1** · 07-31-2006, 02:27 PM

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.

**wifehatescar** · 07-31-2006, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Accumulator

The idea behind knee pads is that you can kneel comfortably and work at the same height that you`d access by bending over.

Exactly. For the hood it won`t help but for the lower portions and wheels it`s great :hifive:

**Envious Eric** · 07-31-2006, 02:48 PM

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!