Anyone with a bad back?

[Falcman0o7]

Has anyone else here got a stuffed back? Whats you're condition and do you still have a go?
Well mines just getting worse :( It's called spondylolisthesis. It's quite common but far out. Bent over for any longer than 5 mins and I'm done. Put's me in a mood to. But when the pain subsides in an hour I'm back into it. I've yet to fit the head onto the ED but as keen as I am I'm also dredding it.
I'm 37. Sure does suck but I know I'm still well off.

[beardo]

I've had a few issues with mine, started a few years back with pain in my hips and its slowly worked its way up. I wake every night around 3 o clock because it tightens up and I'll have to get up and do some stretches to get back to sleep. Spent a day on the mountain bike about 2 months ago and have had horrendous pain ever since and has slowed me down but having just started a new job I can't take the time off.
Turns out i have a twisted spine.
Been to a number of physios and osteos but am taking a different approach now which is already showing big signs of improvement. We're focusing on training my brain to basically reset my spine. I didn't think it would work but it definitely is, and a lot more so than any chiro, physio or osteo that have had a crack

[1TUFFUTE]

I'm a chippy by trade and never hurt my back once my whole life! I now have a screwed lower back after unsuccessful stab in the dark surgery where they put a new disk and a cage at L5 s1. A disc fusion. The new disc now compresses the lower joints! Regret it every day but at the time I was told it was my only option to solve the horrendous groin pains I get!

Also...mechanical chiro is a dying method! Continuous cracking of spinal joints just makes them far more likely to pop in and out! These days a good chiro will focus on getting your bodies spinal muscles to support your joints with physio, and only 'cracking if needed'!

[mechanic]

Originally Posted by Falcman0o7

Has anyone else here got a stuffed back? Whats you're condition and do you still have a go?
Well mines just getting worse :( It's called spondylolisthesis. It's quite common but far out. Bent over for any longer than 5 mins and I'm done. Put's me in a mood to. But when the pain subsides in an hour I'm back into it. I've yet to fit the head onto the ED but as keen as I am I'm also dredding it.
I'm 37. Sure does suck but I know I'm still well off.

Have the same issue from the mechanic game. Tried everything, chiro, Bowen therapy and Accupuncture [ which actually worked ]. Was prescribed Paracetamol Osteo, works OK but you can't be taking them forever.
Best thing for me is a consistent weight training program. Don't like it but I do it.
So most days I do 40 mins weights and a bike ride of about an hour.
The logic is that the muscles have to be kept as strong as possible otherwise the spinal problems become exacerbated and once the nerves are getting affected life becomes pretty ordinary.

[Falcman0o7]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

I'm a chippy by trade and never hurt my back once my whole life! I now have a screwed lower back after unsuccessful stab in the dark surgery where they put a new disk and a cage at L5 s1. A disc fusion. The new disc now compresses the lower joints! Regret it every day but at the time I was told it was my only option to solve the horrendous groin pains I get!

Also...mechanical chiro is a dying method! Continuous cracking of spinal joints just makes them far more likely to pop in and out! These days a good chiro will focus on getting your bodies spinal muscles to support your joints with physio, and only 'cracking if needed'!

L5S1, same as mine. But no surgery! yet, And I hope to no never have to.

[Falcman0o7]

Well you blokes are worse off than me.

[Franco Cozzo]

I bulged the discs in my lower back between L4, L5 and S1 and what happens is I get nerve pain down both my legs, some mornings worse than others but I departed the tools as its not worth making it worse.

I used to grab the other apprentices every morning and we'd empty out our 205L drums we'd use as bins, anyways same deal I'd been doing every morning day in day out, we'd help each other lift them up into the skip.

All done, go over to the car I was working on, was looking over the seatbase looking at how I was going to do some wiring, 30 seconds later I stand up straight and BAM there goes the lower back.

I still jump on the tools every now and again but I mostly run the books in my own business, business partner does the tools part.

I hate working on cars, he hates paperwork, so we're the perfect match.

[beardo]

Originally Posted by mechanic

Have the same issue from the mechanic game. Tried everything, chiro, Bowen therapy and Accupuncture [ which actually worked ]. Was prescribed Paracetamol Osteo, works OK but you can't be taking them forever.
Best thing for me is a consistent weight training program. Don't like it but I do it.
So most days I do 40 mins weights and a bike ride of about an hour.
The logic is that the muscles have to be kept as strong as possible otherwise the spinal problems become exacerbated and once the nerves are getting affected life becomes pretty ordinary.

I would like to eventually get back into weights but my back feels very weak at the moment and I don't think i could handle it yet. And i still haven't been near a bike as thats too painful.
I did find that if have a lazy weekend or an easy job, my pain gets much worse. One of the physios did say that some people just have to stay active

[buggerlugs]

One of my customers ( a mechanic ) had a buggered back, tried everything to no avail. Went to a different Doctor. Doc told him to buy a dog and walk it everyday. He's not cured but many times better than before getting the dishlicker. And he lost 10kgs...........

[superyob]

Yes, yes, yes!!! Long story short, get your wheel (feet) alignment checked by a podiatrist and/or remedial back massage...

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by Falcman0o7

L5S1, same as mine. But no surgery! yet, And I hope to no never have to.

You may allready know this then.....but a big percentage of people are born with no disc in L5 S1. It sees very little movement being so low in your spine, therefore is rarely an issue!

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by mechanic

Have the same issue from the mechanic game. Tried everything, chiro, Bowen therapy and Accupuncture [ which actually worked ]. Was prescribed Paracetamol Osteo, works OK but you can't be taking them forever.
Best thing for me is a consistent weight training program. Don't like it but I do it.
So most days I do 40 mins weights and a bike ride of about an hour.
The logic is that the muscles have to be kept as strong as possible otherwise the spinal problems become exacerbated and once the nerves are getting affected life becomes pretty ordinary.

Your right on the money.....your core muscles are the most important muscles in your body. If your spines not supported by muscles and good core strength.....your basically screwed!

Also the number one thing that I've come across from many phisios....is train, stretch,whatever your doing....do it in a POOL! Takes the weight off your body allowing you to do more far easier.

[Falcman0o7]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

You may allready know this then.....but a big percentage of people are born with no disc in L5 S1. It sees very little movement being so low in your spine, therefore is rarely an issue!

No I didn't mate but that makes me feel a bit better actually

[MercurySilver]

Yeah
I've got **** all core strength
Meant to exercise daily.get a sting in the hip and very tight back, no discs probs I know of
Manual labor for 20 years will do that..

Sometimes I'll do something in the yard and I'm flat on my back for 3 days and hobbling around for another week.

[wackyv8]

its good at the moment , and im thankful for every day it is ! had my first prolapsed disk in my early 20's (,when i was invincible,so i thought) its been a reccuring thing throughout my life ,ever since. last time it really acted up was about 2 years ago . 2 prolapsed discs - L5 S1 . 1 week of minimal only essential movement ,painkillers and anti inflammatories, no sleep for 4 days because of the pain . it then took 10 weeks recovery. im conscious of how i use my back every day, as my employment requires a fair amount of physical activity .
look after your back(and core strenght) and itll look after you .

[sprintman1]

Did for 30 years then found an old Welsh bloke who hand makes orthotics from leather and two weeks later no more pain

[1TUFFUTE]

How many of you guys have ever talked too back surgeons!
They seriously hate touching backs these days as its so hit n miss getting good results! Not many good stories come from back sufferers....before or after surgery!
Preventive measures are underrated BIGTIME with spines.....

[SYZ]

For me it's sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint). Have tried hydrocortisone injections without any relief. Occasionally take Panadol Osteo, also without much relief. I've just learned to live with it, and now subconsciously "guard" my lower back when lifting or bending etc.

[poppa smurf]

Yep!....Sciatica,...... too long in the saddle of trucks, dozers, scrapers, haulpaks and loaders have crushed a couple of vertebrae onto my spinal nerves.

Okay most of the time but every now and then it grabs me and throws me to the ground in a vomiting, tearing foetal position for about half an hour before it releases me.

not all that often but often enough for the top knobs in the big smoke hospitals to make plenty of money out of tearing my back apart every now and then trying to fix it.

Haven't been too successful as yet.

[FPV0137]

I cant get a doctor to look at my back to diagnose any issues.
They just sit behind their prescription pad and tell me I'm too young to have back issues and send me on my way (26).
The chiro at least gives it a crack that makes it feel better for an hour or two...

[jonty]

Hi Guy's n Gals
I'm certainly hearing all of you regarding your aches and pains. I have a back injury that I have had since 1988 in the Military.
I made an appointment with a back and neck specialist at the Royal North Shore Hospital Sydney with a view discussing possible disc replacement surgery, at this stage it was 2004. The specialist said I couldn't have surgery as my discs have to much ware and tear and followed up by saying "If you think you're in pain now if you have an operation you certainly will understand pain then after the procedure ". Well, even though I have a hell of a time with pain still and had to retire early I often think of the discussion with the specialist and thank Christ I didn't have the op.

[Mr Brooksy]

I've had back issues since I was about 15, I'm 6 foot 6 tall and grew to fast for my body. Since then I have to be careful to keep my back muscles strong and be mindful of what I pick up and what sports I play... Obviously that was not high on a teenagers and 20's priority list!

In my mid 20s I popped the base of my spine out of it's seat in the pelvis, yeah painful (it was only just a mm or 2 but man). Doctor suggested serious meds and chiro. I ignored him (never had a good experience with a Chiro) and went straight to an Osteopath on the advice of my mother in law (world leading Occupational Therapist). Realigned everything in 45mins, little to no pain and only needed 2 follow up sessions in the space of 1 month to make sure I was feeling 100%.

Now I don't bother going to anyone other than an Osteopath for anything back and neck related pain. Only need one session to fix it and a 5min lecture on my need to strengthen my back muscles...

But everytime I have to use any kind if public transport my back goes spastic (especially planes) stupid seats. If a good ol shopping centre massage doesn't work then it's a trip to the Osteo and I'm right as rain. Till the next time I don't think about my back and do something stupid.

[beardo]

Originally Posted by Mr Brooksy

I've had back issues since I was about 15, I'm 6 foot 6 tall and grew to fast for my body. Since then I have to be careful to keep my back muscles strong and be mindful of what I pick up and what sports I play... Obviously that was not high on a teenagers and 20's priority list!

In my mid 20s I popped the base of my spine out of it's seat in the pelvis, yeah painful (it was only just a mm or 2 but man). Doctor suggested serious meds and chiro. I ignored him (never had a good experience with a Chiro) and went straight to an Osteopath on the advice of my mother in law (world leading Occupational Therapist). Realigned everything in 45mins, little to no pain and only needed 2 follow up sessions in the space of 1 month to make sure I was feeling 100%.

Now I don't bother going to anyone other than an Osteopath for anything back and neck related pain. Only need one session to fix it and a 5min lecture on my need to strengthen my back muscles...

But everytime I have to use any kind if public transport my back goes spastic (especially planes) stupid seats. If a good ol shopping centre massage doesn't work then it's a trip to the Osteo and I'm right as rain. Till the next time I don't think about my back and do something stupid.

Thats good that you can semi fix your back. I tried a reputable osteo and at least he was honest and after about 5 or 6 sessions told me not to come back and he didn't want to take any more of my money because he couldn't help me.
At the moment for me its just some easy stretching before bed and I'll eventually activate my gym membership again

[LyleXR8]

Yep, grew up working weekends and school holidays on farms, then became a chippy, apart from normal chippy work we did a lot of glass splashbacks, frameless glass panels/ shower screens and balustrading, a lot of heavy lifting in awkward positions and up and down stairs, in my early to mid 20s I was getting fortnightly- monthly treatment on my back and told I had the back of a man in there late 50s, been in civil and mining for a few years and surprisingly smashing around in a dozer all day keeps me more pain free and loose than ever before, still get treatment 3 or 4 times a year, still do the odd chippy job and walk away fine, some days I mow the lawn and be in pain for days til I get it panel beated, I'm 32 and have scoliosis pretty bad, my back X-ray looks like a snake and one leg is longer than the other!!

[superyob]

Originally Posted by Razorwire

I cant get a doctor to look at my back to diagnose any issues.
They just sit behind their prescription pad and tell me I'm too young to have back issues and send me on my way (26).
The chiro at least gives it a crack that makes it feel better for an hour or two...

I will never go to a chiropractor. I have been informed by many (including a physio therapist) that they can do more harm than good. Is this true?

[Falcman0o7]

Well compared to all you poor buggers I think I'm pretty well off now. I've got to strengthen a few muscles I think. Good luck to you all.

[tranquilized]

An interesting anecdote I heard years back about a politician who was bad with names. Whenever he was out at work functions and what not and people would approach him for whatever reason and he couldn't remember their name but didn't want to let on - he'd just ask them how their back was. So many people have back problems that 9 out of 10 times the question would start a conversation, buying him time to remember the persons name.

I had some back issues when I was younger, had time off work and all. Back then I was doing more an office type job and wasn't very active. Since then I've been more active, either in my work or exercising and haven't had a problem in years. Exercise is key!

[Dalonian]

Not a back issue, but similar I guess. I'm a paramedic by trade, so lots of lifting and manual handling (especially with some of the heavier members of the population) has taken its toll on me. Back in 2014 I hurt my neck on a job, giving me a bulging disc at C6-C7 and facet joint inflammation from C2-C4.

Have had surgery already, burning away nerves at C2-C4 and am due for another to address the disc bulge. Physio and core strengthening hasn't yet helped, and I still get nerve pain down my arm into my pinky finger.

I wouldn't wish back or neck pain on anyone...

[Ross 1]

Originally Posted by superyob

I will never go to a chiropractor. I have been informed by many (including a physio therapist) that they can do more harm than good. Is this true?

Anyone that tries to fix something as complex as the spine can do more damage than good. I have had one of the head surgeons at The Mater in Brisbane advise me never to get spinal surgery unless it is the very last option. Physiotherapists and chiropractors can stuff up, it comes down to researching their training and methods. I had my spine fractured in my late teens, it is always a bit temperamental but a lot better when I am physically active. Been a landscaper for most of my adult life and enjoy contact sports, as I'm getting older and running the business I'm sitting behind a computer more and more doing designs, paperwork etc. This is when my back plays up the most, sciatica pain, most mornings parts of my arms are numb etc. I have been lucky when I lived in Brisbane and now Sydney to track down chiros that have extensive training in the USA and then returned to Oz. American training is almost like a full medical degree compared to the training here. These guys aren't the cheapest and in Sydney I have to drive nearly an hour every fortnight to see him, but they make me functional, relatively pain free and I haven't even need a panadol for a sore back in nearly 10 years.

[TRAU BLAU]

About 2 weeks ago I got a new mattress which was much deeper than my old one.After about 3 nights I woke up with a spasmed back which would not go away.I haven't changed it yet but I'm pretty sure that the deeper foam has slumped my spine into a bad sleeping posture causing pain when even breathing.So it's back to the thinner mattress.