Stiff back causing Shin pain?

[Muztard]

Is my stiff back causing my shin pain?

In March 2009 I stopped going to the gym because I was getting both back pain and a pain in my shin.

The lower back pain was at it's worst first thing in the morning and could make me wince when I got out of bed. The shin ache was at it worst if I stood or walked for long periods.

After a vist to a physiotherapist I was given some stretches (like a push-up but I had to keep my hips/pelvis on the floor) to do first thing in the morning. It helped my back flexibility but when performing the stretch it caused the pain in my shin and made standing or walking even more painful to my shin.

I've stopped the stretching and the shin pain has reduced to a dull ache again when standing /walking for long periods. While the pain in my back has reduced the stiffness remains!

For info at the gym I used the rowing machine, cross-trainer, running machine along with squats (with loose weights), push-ups, chin-ups i.e. general circuit training.

[Heidi]

Hi
Pain that refers like this is usually caused by a nerve. So it may well be that your back problems are causing your shin pain.
If this is the case, then the problem may be too complex for this forum and I would recommend you try another physio or chiropractor etc. Make sure you mention the two pains and how they appear to be linked.

[Muztard]

Thx for your reply Heidi. They do indeed appear linked. To date I've seen an NHS physiotherapist and a private Osteopath and a private Chiropractor with out much success.

[Jonn]

Hi Muztard,

I agree with Heidi, your shin symptoms could certainly be referred from your lower back. I experienced a similar thing a few months ago that was due to a disc bulge in my lower back. My physiotherapist also gave me back arches to do as exercises, although it was stressed that they should be pain free and gentle. Check out the following link which i found very useful at the time:

[URL="http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/8132650/lumbar-disc-bulge-bulging-disc-disc-prolapse-.htm"]Lumbar Disc Bulge[/URL]

Hope that helps and good luck,

Jonn