Back Pain

[imgone52]

I have had back problems over the years related to an injury in my early 30s.
I went to the MD first but subsequently had better results with the chiropractor. The best advise I got through all of this was - WALK! When I re-injured my back 11 years ago I was getting nowhere. My chiropractor said that I needed to walk just as much as I could. It worked. I started with a 1/2 mile at a time and worked up to 3 miles. After I was better, I tried to keep up a 2 mile a day walk about 4 or 5 times a week. Not only is it great for the body, it is great for the mind as well. (Good time to plan your next project).

 

[dodge man]

Like so many other people, I have also hurt my back in the past, and it has gotten better over time, but can also go downhill in a hurry. I think we are in a similar boat, mine was also muscle strain, and not a problem with your spine or discs. I assume they looked for that kind of problem and you didn't have it.

As far as advice, there is a fine line between building your body up and breaking it down. Too much work, and you break it down. Just the right amount of work, and you build it up. I'd say stacking a cord of wood is not the best thing to do after hurting it. What you are finding is that your back will loosen up over time, but then it will bother you the next day and tighten up. When I hurt my back they gave me muscle relaxers and anti inflammatorys. These helped me a lot and gave an immeditate improvement. Good luck and take it easy.

 

[Lloyd_E]

Thanks all. I will continue to slow down or at least try. When I was at emergency the Dr. did a bunch of physical tests to see if it was a disc and the tests determined it wasn't.

After a month and a half - actually it's been a month since physio started and ended I can tie my shoes, put on my clothes, go up and down stairs without pain. I can twist sideways, stretch or reach without pain. Today is actually a better day. I have not lifted or worked much over the last 3 days. When I do take the anti-inflammatories I do feel better.

I will go back to my MD and get scheduled for an x-ray and other aids to see what is exactly going on. Other than a few bruises, cuts and slight sprains(and my stent) this is the first real injury to date at almost 50. No broken bones etc or major surgery. I have had my share of sore backs/muscles but they usually healed within a few days and I felt as good as new.

The unfortunate thing is that I had a lot of things to accomplish this fall and the weather is unbelievable up here. And a few good opportunities are knocking at my door and all require physical work.

Oh well - I will consider the damage and pain of long term injuries and try to get healed soon.

Thanks all.

PS: to quote my wife; "you are only allowed to do one stupid thing a year and this is it!"

 

[Western]

Lloyd, I would certainly ask about getting your back stretched, if you are in the category for it. I was skeptical, but let me tell you, after the 1st time, I was actually able to go shopping with the wife right after the treatment and I felt like I did when I was 30. Lasted about 5 days, (long enough for me to stress it again)

Like Dan, I went to several MD's and usually got drugs, or the usual "get some rest" The Ortho, had me diagnosed in 15 minutes.

They also sell "home back stretchers" for reasonable prices , but I would have a couple at the Ortho 1st to find a good threshold for you.

That is if you have the need for it.

 

[dmccarty]

The first bone cracker I went too sold me a neck stretcher do hikey. It is horse shoe shaped and fits around the neck. You pump up the do hikey, which expands and stretches your neck.

He told me to do this quite a few times during the day which meant I had to take it to work.

AMAZING how many people saw this thing, asked about it, and then asked if they could help stretch my neck.

But it worked! :thumbsup:

The current bone cracker sold me an exercise ball with my third injury. I use it to stretch out the back and it too works.

Last night I was talking with some guys about back problems. :laughing: We had been standing around for hours in the cold which is fine with me and my back. The others have problems standing that long because of their back issues and they would rather sit. Sitting for me can be a problem if the back is acting up.

Later,
Dan