this post was submitted on 05 Jul 2025
1113 points (98.6% liked)

Comic Strips

18209 readers
2075 users here now

Comic Strips is a community for those who love comic stories.

The rules are simple:

Web of links

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 
top 50 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] colourlesspony@pawb.social 93 points 2 weeks ago (8 children)

I'm personally convinced that the cause of back problems is sitting way to much.

[–] Plebcouncilman@sh.itjust.works 68 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (10 children)

That’s one aspect of it but the main cause is weakness of the lower back muscles. This is in the case of office workers, if you have a manual job the causes could be many. But all of the causes can be addressed to a certain degree with deadlifts to strengthen to lower back muscles. But people don’t want to lift weights so 🤷🏽‍♂️

[–] logicbomb@lemmy.world 62 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

There are plenty of body weight exercises like squats and lunges that can strengthen the back. I think more than weights, people simply don't like to do targeted exercises.

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 15 points 2 weeks ago

I very much want to

[–] abbadon420@sh.itjust.works 9 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

Running also strengthens the back

[–] prettybunnys@sh.itjust.works 8 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Truth.

I do what I call the morning dump before runs now, squats + good mornings and then a 5k, my sore back is because I made it sore and it’s a good sore.

[–] Trainguyrom@reddthat.com 7 points 2 weeks ago

Dude, I picked up biking last season and on Monday I biked a new personal best of 12 very hilly miles without a rest. I decided literally the night before to join a local 4th of July 5k without any training (literally said "I can bike 12 miles, what's running 3? Those are similar enough muscles!" and I've been riding the high since because my leg muscles are still all sore and tight in all of the wonderful "I pushed my limits and achieved something!" kind of ways that make me feel so alive!

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] vikingtons@lemmy.world 10 points 2 weeks ago (6 children)

squat and deadlift are key to success. Really, anything that develops your posterior chain is a healthy bet

load more comments (6 replies)
load more comments (8 replies)
[–] Track_Shovel@slrpnk.net 10 points 2 weeks ago

In my case, it's the combo of way, way to much walking in work boots and then later doing a lot of sitting. gotta shorten up those hip flexor, bae

[–] HubertManne@piefed.social 8 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

My dad and brother had back problems and they were brick layers and then janitors. Only sat at breaktime.

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world 8 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

This is why I never sit down. Not even to poop. I just stand above the toilet, and hope it goes in.

Sometimes it does!

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] Nomecks@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

Adults don't know how to bend and squat properly. Watch people and you'll see that practically everybody bends at their back anytime they're reaching down.

load more comments (3 replies)
load more comments (3 replies)
[–] GissaMittJobb@lemmy.ml 64 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Strength training helps, a lot.

[–] MotoAsh@lemmy.world 15 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

and stretching. Gotta' stretch, especially if you're like me and aren't naturally very flexible. I've probably avoided dozens of injuries just by knowing my limits well and making sure they don't show up pitifully fast.

[–] DragonTypeWyvern@midwest.social 4 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I wouldn't say there aren't people who are naturally more flexible than average but all the people who are VERY flexible worked for it. The processes that improve your ligaments and muscles in that way require repetition and dedication like any other self improvement.

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] prettybunnys@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

100%

The reason that bowflex dude was 42 and in the best shape of his life was because at 42 it was the first time he needed to be.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] ansiz@lemmy.world 44 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

100% encourage anyone past 30 to start working on your core strength, a sore back can frequently be caused by a weak core. I only take started focusing on that when I turned 40 and it's made a huge difference! Just a few minutes a day or every couple of days is all it takes. Get a kettlebell, do 30 swings, then a 1-2 minute plank, then 30 more swings and you're done. It will really help with the back pain, believe me!

[–] BlackPenguins@lemmy.world 11 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

What exactly is a swing? Cause I just imagine spinning in circles letting it go and destroying my TV. I assume back and forth? Or in front of me? Over my head? 90 degrees?

[–] meliaesc@lemmy.world 15 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

If you have 60 spare TVs to break everyday, that works out perfectly. Otherwise, I recommend watching this tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSxHifyI6s8

load more comments (2 replies)
load more comments (1 replies)
[–] Valmond@lemmy.world 8 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I do like 10 kettlebell swings, no plank (because I hate it) and my back has magically just become young again. It feels a little bit cool to swing that bad boy too.

I do sincerely recommend.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] SupraMario@lemmy.world 42 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

I mean this in all positivity. Move around and lose weight if you're sporting it. I'm over 40 and I'm in better shape than I was in my 20s because I move around a lot (owning a farm helps) but it's no excuse to not move if you don't. Stop being sedentary. Move and eat less. You will be surprised how little it takes to feel good again.

[–] turtlesareneat@discuss.online 13 points 2 weeks ago

Also quit smoking, vaping, anything with nicotine, which causes your discs to degrade faster.

I have degenerative disc disease at 42, I'm looking at multiple fusions.

[–] Unbecredible@sh.itjust.works 10 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

OK well my counter story is that I move a lot for work too and I'm only slightly overweight but my upper back feels like it's going to break in half when I wake up in the mornings, and my lower back tingles like a 9 volt battery to the tongue just always. 32 yo.

I guess just do whatever and maybe your back will feel fine and maybe it won't. Just like all health advice.

[–] altasshet@lemmy.ca 11 points 2 weeks ago

You might need a better mattress if that's how you wake up like that. Especially if it gets better during the day.

load more comments (1 replies)
load more comments (1 replies)
[–] technomad@slrpnk.net 21 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)
load more comments (3 replies)
[–] bent@feddit.dk 17 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I started doing pilates a few tears ago. I hate it, but really, 15 minutes a week make a huge difference for my back. All it takes is a yoga mat and some pilates instructor lady on YouTube. Curtains is recommended since even if you get good at it you're gonna look ridiculous.

[–] moriquende@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago

I hope the tears stop eventually ✊

[–] RBWells@lemmy.world 17 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Yoga & lifting but mostly yoga. I got in a pretty bad car accident 10 years ago and did not get hurt, I mean got banged up but my back did not get hurt at all. Everyone told me "just wait" but that shoe never dropped, and I'm sure it's the yoga. Fell on my ass the other day (enthusiastic dog knocked my feet out from under me on a slippery surface) and didn't get hurt, and I'm old enough one of the questions the doctor asks is "any falls lately"

Move it in every direction, strengthen all those little muscles and yes, core but not just abs, every side of your core. Bodies are use it or lose it systems.

[–] Zink@programming.dev 7 points 2 weeks ago

I feel you there. I’m in my 40s and have never been super healthy, but I have at least tried to take care of my joints.

Now, this year, my hobbies have had me doing manual labor like construction and landscaping in my yard. This is the strongest I’ve felt in a long time, and when slipping in a muddy yard or tripping over a toy or dog I seem to have the reflexes and supporting muscles to always catch myself without getting hurt. It’s been excellent for my mental health too.

In my 20s and 30s I mostly just wanted to be my recluse nerd gamer self (with my partner who I met at 19 by sheer dumb luck) but now after actively working for years to figure out wtf is wrong with me and how to get better results out of this body and brain I’ve been given… yeah it’s no surprise but things like fresh air and other people and petting an animal are all good shit!

[–] bricklove@midwest.social 17 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Other comments mentioned squats and deadlifts but the upper back is important too. Pullups and especially dead hangs are great for countering the effects of sitting at a desk.

Once you get your grip strength up you can hang and just let your spine decompress. It feels great. You can also do the opposite and keep your core engaged (AKA hollow hold) to build strength.

I played sports growing up but never had a strong core until I did this in my 30s. It was kind of shocking because I could suddenly do things like V ups with ease which used to make me shake uncontrollably.

[–] thermal_shock@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago

I like the shaking aspect, usually a sign you pushed far beyond your limits and your body is going "wtf".

[–] wavebeam@lemmy.world 14 points 2 weeks ago (6 children)

I’ve been suffering from severe sciatica for 6 months now. I am 33. I am in shape, exercise every day including running, yoga, and lifting. Gunna get steroid shots to hopefully help me break the cycle.

load more comments (6 replies)
[–] pastermil@sh.itjust.works 13 points 2 weeks ago

I used to think this, until I started going to the gym.

[–] Hackworth@sh.itjust.works 13 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

The arches of our feet stretch unevenly as we age. For some people, this causes one foot to pronate more than the other, which leads to a functional leg length discrepancy, which causes a knee to turn in, the hips to tilt, the spine to develop a functional scoliosis, one shoulder to drop, causing neck pain, etc. It's called the kinetic chain, and unfortunately it's been hovered up as a chiropractic talking point. But it can often be corrected with custom shoe inserts that can also help with balance. On the flip side, you then become reliant on those things and your back is weaker without em. So ya know, nothing's simple, I guess.

[–] mad_lentil@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 weeks ago

Not medical advice, but I got used to wearing shoes indoors after years of office work, but taking off my shoes when indoors and actually using all my muscles to hold myself upright, has lead to a real reduction in discomfort.

If you're used to shoes all the time, it HURTS at first to go without and you have to take frequent sit/stand breaks. This is GOOD and you should listen to your body and continue moving in ways that make you feel better.

Your point just reminded me that if you're capable, that one of the simplest mediations you can do is work with your muscles to keep yourself straight.

[–] itsgroundhogdayagain@lemmy.ml 10 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

If I sit on the couch playing vidya games for 2 hours, my back hurts for 2 days.

[–] naticus@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

The gamer in me says to set a timer and stop playing at 1:59.

[–] moriquende@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

Stop at 1:59 and let stamina quickly recover before continuing. OP obviously not a real gamer.

load more comments (2 replies)
load more comments (3 replies)
[–] Strider@lemmy.world 10 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Lol, at 46 my heart said 'nah man, let's just stop'. 🤷

[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 9 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

If I ever actually have a heart attack, I'm not sure if I would think it's a heart attack or a panic attack simply because the first time I ever had a debilitating panic attack, it felt like the way everyone I've known to have a heart attack described them (hard to breath, intense chest pains, left srm went numb, etc) and called an ambulance just to find out it was anxiety.

[–] chiliedogg@lemmy.world 11 points 2 weeks ago

Same thing happened to me recently. Super fun loop.

  1. Have panic attack
  2. Symptoms mimic heart attack
  3. Panic more
  4. Mimics heart attack harder
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until EKG, X-ray, and blood test come back clear, and doc gives benzos.

At least now I know it's a panic attack so it doesn't feed itself as aggressively.

load more comments (1 replies)
[–] deathgrindfreak@awful.systems 9 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I'm basically 40 and deadlift in the 700s pretty frequently. You can bulletproof your back if you have the will

load more comments (2 replies)
[–] Jiggle_Physics@sh.itjust.works 7 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

I was born with my spine on the outside. I have felt this way my whole life!

load more comments (4 replies)
[–] mad_lentil@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 weeks ago

I'm literally scrolling my phone while side stretching because my back hurts just from a4 hour sitting shift rooofl 💀

[–] exasperation@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 week ago

As this thread shows, back pain isn't caused by just one thing, so each specific person's back pain won't be cured by the same one size fits all approach.

If your back pain is caused by poor posture exacerbated by a weak posterior chain, lifting weights at the gym or doing other strengthening exercises/physical therapy can be helpful. As plenty in this thread can attest, gym time to offset laptop time can go a long way.

If your back pain is caused by repetitive stress from physical labor, adhering to proper form/technique and rest/recovery cycles to the best of your ability can help.

If your back pain is exacerbated by the weight you carry, losing weight (or in certain circumstances, breast reduction surgery) can help.

We're all just trying to get through life. Sometimes other people's tips can help, so it's worth sharing, but we also shouldn't get too tied to a particular solution that worked for us, as a the solution for everyone else.

It's not so much that your spine is old at 30. it's more that our body is not really adjusted to our fucking modern lifestyle. and also it seems to me, a lot of backpain is psychological. i.e., anxiety and stuff leads to lower back pain and such.

[–] CorruptCheesecake@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

I'm 28 and I feel ancient. I wish I could start over in life, but I can't. I wasted my teens/20s and now, right when the long painful shitty grind until death is about to start, I still don't have shit, have accomplished nothing, never traveled or dated or moved out or got a degree or hit any of the typical milestones and am an unlikeable, crazy, unemployable pathetic loser everyone's forgotten about. Being born as this specific idiot person that I am is the worst thing that has ever happened to me.

[–] HoopyFrood@lemmy.zip 7 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I have stuff, a job, kids, a wife, and all that and i’m still a miserable loser. Enjoying life is a thing you have to chose to do in spite of your circumstances, rather than because of them.

For further reference, see Elon Musk: the dude literally has it all and i catch myself genuinely feeling sorry for how pathetic he is from time to time, that man couldn’t enjoy life even if he had literally everything

load more comments (1 replies)
load more comments (1 replies)
load more comments
view more: next ›