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Advice on back pain based on personal evidence (single data point). - Did squats and deadlifts for the first time at age 33. Did them for 1 year. At age 36, ag

Advice on back pain based on personal evidence (single data point). - Did squats and deadlifts for the first time at age 33. Did them for 1 year. At age 36, again did them for 3 months. (I'll get back into it again once I'm done with my current hectic schedule. Planning on doing at least 3-6 months every year). - Here's how I sleep: No mattress. I create layers out of (bottom to top): - Solid floor, - Carpet or rug, - Gym mat, - Thick korean type blanket (mink blanket?), folded twice or thrice, - a comforter folded twice, - Regular bed sheet This makes a layer soft enough so I can sleep, but still stiff enough that I can feel the floor. In addition, I take two large towels, each twisted into a thick rope, then rolled into something resembling a cinnamon roll. One supports my back, one my tummy/abs area. When I lie upright, they're on my left and right. When I lie on the side, one is next to my back and one in the front next to my abs. Every time I twist or turn while sleeping, I've developed a habit of pulling both in to keep them packed tight next to my body. I'm 39 now. Have been sitting in front of a computer all day for the last 20 years. Never experienced back pain. Disclaimer: try this at your own risk.

hpcjoe 9y ago
One important point about this. I've been lifting for 41 years now. Mostly on, with some off (end of grad school until my daughter was born, and some other intervals). Be careful with on/off/on type modes. Squats and deadlifts will stretch large muscle groups. You can tear these more easily as you get older. I know. I am recovering from hernia surgery 8 weeks ago. I was doing my normal leg press and squat portion of my routine. I didn't feel anything tear. Though I was pushing about 600lbs on the leg press. 2 days later I am in the ER with severe pain. Granted, I am not a spring chicken, but I've found that after I crossed 35, my injuries took longer to heal. And if I took time off from my routines, I had to start building back up. I started that building back up (only 9 weeks off so far, but still, I don't want it to be longer) yesterday and today. Just saying, be careful. I think of myself as a kid. My body thinks other things.
tbrake 9y ago
I sleep on an 'ultra firm' mattress but every now and then I get the urge to spend a night on a hard surface setup similar (though a little thinner with the padding) to yours. No idea if it's good, bad or neutral for my back health overall. Doesn't seem to be hurting and I've no history or experience of back pain, but like you say, single data point here too.

hpcjoe 9y ago

One important point about this. I've been lifting for 41 years now. Mostly on, with some off (end of grad school until my daughter was born, and some other intervals). Be careful with on/off/on type modes. Squats and deadlifts will stretch large muscle groups. You can tear these more easily as you get older. I know. I am recovering from hernia surgery 8 weeks ago. I was doing my normal leg press and squat portion of my routine. I didn't feel anything tear. Though I was pushing about 600lbs on the leg press. 2 days later I am in the ER with severe pain. Granted, I am not a spring chicken, but I've found that after I crossed 35, my injuries took longer to heal. And if I took time off from my routines, I had to start building back up. I started that building back up (only 9 weeks off so far, but still, I don't want it to be longer) yesterday and today. Just saying, be careful. I think of myself as a kid. My body thinks other things.

tbrake 9y ago

I sleep on an 'ultra firm' mattress but every now and then I get the urge to spend a night on a hard surface setup similar (though a little thinner with the padding) to yours. No idea if it's good, bad or neutral for my back health overall. Doesn't seem to be hurting and I've no history or experience of back pain, but like you say, single data point here too.