I've been getting escalating back pain for the last 4-ish months. I bind every day, between 5 and 16 hours a day. I have a larger chest (D's), and I wear an underworks medium tri-top and a large chest-only tank, which is as tight as I can bind semi-comfortably (not taking back pain into consideration).

I've been getting more and more back pain/stiffness for a while, but this week I've had to only wear a loose binder or only a sports bra and deal with the dysphoria. I've also been getting lots of tension headaches for a couple weeks.

I guess I'm just wondering if any of you have tips? Maybe ways to bind more safely or alleviate back pain for the time being? Is there a better style of binder out there, or am I just kinda screwed? Can I even see a doctor for this, or will they just tell me to stop binding?

Your help would be much appreciated, I'm having a hard time going about my days :/

I'm also worried because I'm an odd-ball and am more or less okay with my chest to the point that I'd like to be able to bind when I want to instead of opting for surgery. Will I have spinal issues by the time I'm 30 if I choose to bind instead of getting top surgery?

I recommend this book to everyone. I love, love, love it. It describes easy ways to change your posture throughout the day to support your back and minimize pain. I use the techniques when I bind, and they really do help.

http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Pain-Free-Back-Solutions-Shoulder/dp/0979303605

Edit: I realized I forgot to add my usual "I am so not a doctor" disclaimer. My sincere apologies. It's always a good idea to get checked out by a real live doctor for pain if possible, and maybe see a physical therapist.

Where is the back pain? When do you feel it?

I've  noticed that I get back pain when I bind too much. Being a naturally tense person who has a family history of tension related migraines doesn't help. In any case, I have an XS 997 Double Front Compression Shirt, so I don't know if my ideas will be that helpful to you, but I've made it a point to do only bind on weekdays and wear a sports bra on the weekends. Since I started doing that as well as only wearing my binder for a maximum of 16 hours at a time with short stretches before and after wearing it, I haven't had trouble with back pain. I can't wear compression bras or short binders, though, because that style/shape gives me back pain.

I'm the same as you, and have been trying to find a way to get rid of the back pain for a while. I find keeping note of posture helps, and try to always stand and sit straight. Do some stretches whenever you get the chance, and take as much time out of it as possible. If I know I'm going to be in all day, I usually avoid the binder, at least for a few hours. It all helps, but I don't think there's a magic solution.

Quote from: Logan Bann on October 11, 2011, 10:11:37 AM
Chiropractor.

Does more damage than good, I would see a Tui Na practitioner instead.

Quote from: Wolfsnake on October 10, 2011, 06:33:27 PM
I recommend this book to everyone. I love, love, love it. It describes easy ways to change your posture throughout the day to support your back and minimize pain. I use the techniques when I bind, and they really do help.

I'll definitely check this out, thanks for the link.

Quote from: Nygeel on October 10, 2011, 07:20:20 PM
Where is the back pain? When do you feel it?

It's worst in my lower back, but also my mid-upper back, shoulders and neck. It hurts when I walk, when I wear a backpack with any real weight, when I sit, and when I lay down flat on a mattress. On bad days, it just hurts incessantly.

Vincent: I've been trying to cut down on binding,but I really need to be more disciplined about it. I just can't get myself to leave the dorm without one :/ Also, I have the short-style binders, is that my problem? Subjectively, it feels like it might be.

Have any of you seen a doctor or other medical practitioner for binding-related problems? I'm nervous that they would just tell me to stop binding and not work with me.

They might suggest you stop binding, they probably will. Thing is, it's not a whole lot worse for you than a tight sports bra I would imagine. Also, any good doctor should listen to their patients concern and come up with an alternative idea if there is one.

Do you have insurance to be able to see a couple different doctors if needed?

Quote from: Epi on October 11, 2011, 06:15:22 PM
Does more damage than good, I would see a Tui Na practitioner instead.

Actually, most Chiropractors are crap - basically just "bone crackers" that do the same thing for every patient and they see about 6 of them an hour. I've been through these types before. However, I've had 3 really amazing chiropractors as well. Ones that took time with me and incorporated other modalities into their chiropractic business. The one I'm seeing now is the best one yet. He usually spends about 30-40 min with every patient and he has a number of techniques he uses. Chiropractors that are into the "whole body" type of treatment where it's not just spinal/bone, but more about how other things in the body can cause things to go "out" I think are by far superior to the bone crackers.

Also, if you can manage it, deep tissue massage works wonders.

And I'd second the proper posture thing. You might research the Alexander method as well.

you should try to improve your posture. seeing a chiropractor might help to.

Quote from: xAndrewx on October 11, 2011, 09:45:44 PMDo you have insurance to be able to see a couple different doctors if needed?

I have ->-bleeped-<-ty student insurance through my university but I'm also covered on my dad's plan. I made an appointment to see a doctor at my university since I won't have a co-pay--they're kinda notorious for being unhelpful, but it's a start. If they don't help me I can go to the other local ->-bleeped-<-ty hospital lol.

Thanks so much for all the advice. I requested that book through my school's library, and I'll look into the Alexander method. And if I do end up needing to see a chiropractor, I'll ask my dad for advice, since it seems not all are created the same (he's seen most in Ohio over the years since his back was broken twice and he has ongoing issues with it).