Hello all!
I began GST January 2017 with Foundation and added the stretch series a couple of weeks later. I feel stronger and more limber than I have in years. I am 31 and run a custom cabinet cabinet shop, which has me lifting and moving 80lb sheets of plywood and other heavy stuff everyday. I have decent practical strength, but not much mobility at all, and as I get older, crouching and bending over have started to feel harder than they used too. That is why I began GST, too prevent myself from hurting myself. I don't have any prior injuries, I just want to work to prevent them in the future.
Last week after I did the thoracic bridge series, my back was super sore. It was like the way it feels when I have to sit at desk for a couple of days, where it is uncomfortable to sit up straight because have been arched forward for a long time. The following day the soreness was much better, but when I arched my spine backwards, in a seal stretch, the was a sharp pain in the middle of my thoracic spine. Like two of the vertebrae where pinching a nerve or something. It was not so painful that I could not stand it, but certainly uncomfortable. I am no doctor, and know very little about physiology or exercising in general, and I also know that an internet forum is not a substitute for seeing a doctor.
I did not do the bridge series this week because the sharp pain when I bend backwards persists. I feel great in every other position. No pain unless I arch my spine backwards, and even then it has to be arched in a specific way to get the pinching pain. It is a little bit tender when I poke at the spot where the pain is. Does this sound like something anyone is familiar with? I think I clearly pushed myself too hard. It may have been doing the band stretches arching back, though I am not sure. Are there any stretches I should do to help recover? How long should I allow the pain to persist before I see a doc? Is there any other advise other have for my situation?
I know I am not going to get a diagnosis from the internet, I am just look for a little guidance and direction.
I appreciate the help in advance!
- Michael Sanders