DAE get crazy back aches from troweling all day?

Man, my back is shot after finishing that patio yesterday. I was bent over for hours getting the finish just right, and now I can barely stand up straight. Tried some stretches my buddy showed me, but it only helps a little. I'm only 35 and I feel like I'm 60 sometimes. Does anyone have tips for preventing this, or is it just part of the job? Seriously thinking about seeing a chiropractor, but idk if it's worth the cost.

3 comments

3 Comments

vals383mo ago

Ugh, I feel your pain, literally! My lower back is always screaming after a long day of finish work. I kinda agree with mason_knight that rest and ibuprofen can help a lot for basic muscle stuff, but when it keeps happening, it's a sign to change something. Have you tried adjusting your stance or how you hold the trowel? Sometimes bending my knees a tiny bit more, even though it feels weird, takes a ton of pressure off my spine. That and doing those stretches before I start work, not just after, made a real difference for me.

bettykim3mo ago

My uncle did concrete for thirty years and his back was totally wrecked by age fifty. He swore by these ice packs he'd strap on right after work, said it helped way more than just popping pills like mason_knight mentioned. He also got one of those kneeling pads with handles to take some strain off his spine. Never went to a chiropractor himself, said it was a waste of cash for him.

mason_knight3mo ago

At 35, your body should bounce back pretty quick from a day's work. I've had similar pains after long projects, but they usually fade after a couple days of rest. Chiropractors can be expensive, and sometimes it's just muscle strain that needs time to heal. Try some ibuprofen and see how you feel in a week before spending money on a specialist.