So sorry to hear about your pain Pipes, you must have really done some damage to your spine.
I have sciatica at the moment, but I've found after a visit to my physio its not too bad. Had been feeling sorry for myself, now realised how lucky I am!
Cant help with advice, can only wish you good luck. .
Hi, I also had a lower back problem caused by spending too many years bending and stretching into vehicle innards, ( mechanic). I was also given same treatment and diagnosis that failed. Then I found out about a device called an "Inverter", no not the electical device, this was a product that is used by the U.S Defence forces for quick repair to spinal disorders. It works by enabling you to lie on a support surface which you then tilt until you are in an upside down position. You gradually build up till you can remain inverted for 10-15 minutes at a time. This position removes all the stress and compression forces from your spinal discs and allows them to repair. Big W used to sell them for about $100 and there are various types available on the net. Beware of paying too much, about $100-$400 should be reasonable. You can use it anytime the pain occurs.
My son is a truck driver, has a back problem and swears by his "inverter" - gives him great relief. Tricky at first to use, but once you get the hang of it, a great invention.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Thanks for the advice. However, I have used an inverter back in 1986.
The body is nearing 73 years, and I doubt that I could use one these days.
I am one of these people that has to keep working, and have been with Blazeaid for over 12 months.
The frame complains, but with a little care and light work, I still manage.
A Gray Nomad told me of acupunture. I seem to have lost that answer.
Could you please tell me again.
Regards. Pipes
Years ago Pipes, I had a pinched nerve in my lower back, it was so bad I was dragging my leg and in great pain. I also had to physically lift my leg up to the next step when climbing stairs.
I went to a "sympathetic" doctor who after moving my body every which way said it was arthritis and at my age it was to be expected and I had to live with it.
One day I lifted a heavy pot plant to move it and got instant relief, apparently the bending down opened my spine disks and released the trapped nerve, as simple as that and never bothered me again.
I was talking to an instructor at a Health Club and he told me about a method for sore lower back which I have used ever since. His theory was that you spinal nerves are like an elastic band which travel the length of your spine, however they are very slow moving (don't spring back like an elastic band) so when you bend over, your spinal disks open up and your spinal nerves stretch but if you straighten too quickly the nerves (think elastic band) do not have time to get out of the way of the closing disks which can trap the nerve, pinching it between the disks.
He showed me a stretch to do if my lower back was in pain, which basically is standing up straight with your arms by your sides, now bend you knees slightly (very important) and lean forward very slowly reaching down with your arms in front of you sliding down your legs as far as you can go, touch your toes if you can, but if not just as far as you can comfortable reach. Breath normally and hold that position and count to 30. Then very slowly come back up to your starting position. Sometimes I do it twice. Works for me every time, the relief is amazing.
Please note the above stretches are assuming you do not have any disk damage etc. I do it sometimes if I have been doing work in the garden which requires bending over etc, or even after a long walk if my back is playing up.
Worth a try.....
-- Edited by Weevil on Tuesday 3rd of March 2015 12:49:40 PM
Meant to say Pipes, when stretching down, don't bounce or jerk, just a slow stretch as far as you comfortably can, even if only as far as your knees. I can touch my toes, but many can't for various reasons.
Make sure you breath normally while holding the stretched position for the count of 30, and then very slowly unwind back up to allow the nerves time to avoid being pinched.
I hope this makes sense, it is easier to show someone but I think you get the picture from what I have said.
It is not the bending over doing work/gardening etc, it is straightening up too quickly that can pinch the nerves between the disks as the nerves don't have time to get out of the way.
-- Edited by Weevil on Wednesday 4th of March 2015 01:51:50 PM
No an ex girlfriend ended up with it. It was pretty heavy, but obviously lifting it opened up the spine to allow the nerves to escape. I dumped the doctor once I knew the real reason for my pain. I think he ordered an xray at the time also and was basing his opinion on that.
Try that stretching method Cloak and see if that makes a difference next time your leg goes numb, I swear by it!
Hi Pipes. I damaged 4 discs in my back in an accident. In bed for 9 months and forced to retire. After many doctors and other specialists and lots of drugs, I sorted it out with the following. Went to the hydrotherapy pool everyday. Warm water softened tight and inflamed muscles and the zero gravity took off the pressure. Then started light strengthening exercises with a good but older physio in the pool. Then graduated to pilates and stretching. Now do a stretching and light exercise every morning before getting out of bed. Also do light resistance training for an hour three times a week and swim 3 times a week. Its a lot of effort but it keeps me off the drugs and has taken away most of the pain. I cant jog or surf or pick up heavy weights and occasionally I end up in bed for a few days when it all goes wrong but it is the only way that I could find to get back to some semblance of a normal life. As they say, use it of lose it. The best of luck to you. Phil
Ps Keep the initial stretching very light. Strenous exercise will only inflame the tissue. You want to allow the muscles to relax away from the pain. So pain relief is important. Soak in the hydro pool. Allow your back tissue to soften. Tight tissue from pain restricts blood flow thus stopping healing. You can live with bulgi g discs if your core is strong. Discs need movement to rehydrate but be gentle at first and build up slowly. A ruptured disc though may need surgery. Good luck.
Hi I have had sciatic problem in lower back for years. It only really played up at night when I tried to sleep. Pain could run down either leg & sometimes both at the same time. Suddenly I am finding relief by a simple measure. I roll a hand towel (or simliar) and put it under the hollow section of my back (when lying on the side). Somehow this seems to stop pressure on the nerve & I am having very FEW bad nights now. Sounds a bit silly but for me it works.
pipes, My wife (75 years), has severe Sciatica problems. Over about 4 years she had 3 operations, and now has 6 screws and 2 plates in her back, and is worse off than when those Doctors with big fancy names and numbers, started getting rich at her expense If an operation is suggested, I recommend you give it a lot of thought and research.
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Hard work never killed anybody but why take the chance.
