Your back may feel stiff after a day at a desk, or become painful during exercise. We review how the symptoms began and how your back and pelvis move, then discuss ways to manage everyday activity and exercise.
Review sitting habits and exercise intensity
Consider how long you sit slouched, cross your legs or lean towards a screen. Also review whether you recently increased weights, running distance or workout intensity abruptly, or skipped a warm-up.
Tingling and weakness need assessment
Tingling into the buttock or leg, leg weakness, reduced sensation or pain that wakes you need medical assessment. New difficulty passing urine or stool, or loss of sensation around the buttocks, requires immediate emergency evaluation.
Treatment follows an examination
We examine back and pelvic movement and the location of pain before considering acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, wet cupping, Chuna or herbal medicine. Tell the doctor about bleeding problems or blood-thinning medication. Herbal prescriptions also require a review of current health and medicines.
Build activity gradually
Support your back and feet when sitting and take regular movement breaks. Start exercise lightly, learn the technique and increase intensity gradually. Follow individualized advice for core exercises and stretching, and stop if they cause pain.
Adapted from the clinic director's Korean blog article. This information does not replace individual assessment. Treatment and exercise choices depend on your symptoms and health.
Read the original blog post (Korean)All insights