OK so about a week ago, my back went out on me. It feels like its a trapped nerve or something in the base of my spine, and it HURTS. I carried on going to work because they really needed me, but because of it the rest of the muscles in my back went into spasm where I was holding myself strange. I went to my doctor and she prescribed me co-codemol and a low dose of valium to take care of it and it seems to be helping with the pain. However, I can hardly walk, let alone work out, so I'm pretty much just sitting around all day every day. Its like I can FEEL myself getting more and more unfit and bloated but I really don't know what I can do about it at the moment. I know that there isn't really much I can do until my back heals but its so frustrating not being able to exercise or do anything!

I just needed to rant I guess...unless anyone knows of any miracle exercises I can do that mean I don't really have to move my upper body!!!

this may be a stretch, but i recall they used to have 'sit and be fit' programs on tv early in the morning, of course, i was like ten, but maybe you could find some of the vids n youtube? just to tide you over till your feeling better?

If its not getting better, i'd look for a doctor who can give you a plan of improvement (physical therapy for example) vs painpills..

I agree with Shawn. Meds only work for so long. Most of the time they just mask the real problem. See a doc that can get you started with some rehab.

Diet and exercise, if you can't do one, you can focus on the other?

I agree with Shown and Magnum. And if the doc doesn't help, try a chiropractor.

I agree with Emily. If you cut back a couple hundred calories per day that might prevent some damage.

I hope you feel better soon!

Thanks for the advise everyone. It seems to be getting better - I can walk now which is a definate improvement! I still get twinges but its no where near as bad now. Personally I don't like being on the pain pills either, especially since I have heard so many bad things about co-codemol (codein) and valium. I spoke to my doctor and she said that if I keep getting problems to go back and she will refer me straight over to a chiropractor because she thinks I am far too young to be suffering with back problems (I'm only 19!)

I managed to do a little bit on the cross trainer today though so I am feeling a bit more active. I've just got to remember not to push myself too hard I guess!

Glad you are feeling better!

Has she done any x-rays or anything?

No nothing like that at all. The problem here in England is that because everything is done on the NHS, you REALLY have to push to get anything like that done or to see any kind of specialist, as it costs the government 'too much' apparently (never mind the 25% of my wages that gets taxed for all of that!!!). I'm just hoping it will carry on getting better, if not I'm going to have to start making demands lol.