Watch Your Back | Pad Patter 5.11.23

I’ve had lower back/sciatica issues forever and I just try not to overdo any lifting. I try to keep fit and keep my core strong to protect it and I get massages a lot. My hubby ruptured a disk in his lower back a year ago and it has really been debilitating for him. He’s having surgery next month which will hopefully help.

 

I've had lower back issues and neck issues since the 1980's. My parents both went to a chiropractor and suggested I see him as well. He did x-rays and found I was not aligned like I should be. The c-spine x-rays also showed it wasn't aligned correctly. As he explained it... they call it a c-spine and it is shaped like a c, yours is completely straight with no curve at all.

So I've been seeing a chiro ever since, these days as needed. Had to find a new chiro in the middle of one of my treatment periods where it was taking longer to get things to stay in place because my chiro died. I couldn't wait until they found a buyer for the chiro's business. I found another one (husband/wife office) here in town and I've been extremely happy with them, especially in March/April of 2020 when I was having issues. They were there for their patients (others around here were putting patients off until more was known about covid).

I do wear a back brace when I'm doing lots of bending or lifting. The chiro showed me exactly where it needs to be placed to protect my back. I am at the age where more issues start to pop up but with doing what I have done for years I have been able to put off any surgery for either my back/neck or knees. Granted I don't move as quickly as I used to but at least I can still do it on my own!

On a side note, I have a cousin that sees her chiro for everything. She only goes to a medical doctor for extreme illness. Chiros have their place and are a good add-on to a medical doctor. Funny thing is all those years ago when Dad first went to the chiro, it was on the medical doctor's recommendation. That recommendation saved Dad from ever having back surgery.

 

I (like Cheryl) have degenerative disc disease with a lumbar disc collapsing which results in sciatic pain on the right side, and I have already had a disc in my neck replaced back in 2017. After having the neck disc replacement, I am no longer a candidate for chiropractic care. Any "adjusting" of my neck could cause the screws in my vertebrae to shear off or crack. I do use a tens machine at home (like the chiro and my Physical Therapist used) as needed. I also have been doing Pelvic Floor physical therapy and working on my core to help my back issues. I go in every 6-9 months or so for a cortisone injection into the epidural space on the level of the disc in my lower back that is collapsing-- the steroid injection helps a lot with the pain. I am lucky that the injections work for me, they don't work for everyone. I have had about 25 cortisone injections now. I sleep on an adjustable bed, with my knees and head raised up, and that has helped a bunch.

 

The back brace is just one that you can buy in any drug store, nothing special. Wraps around and hooks by velcro.

 

I had constant lower back issues for years until I lost some weight a few years back. I do though use cushions to help support my back when at the computer (I’m so short that my feet don’t touch the ground without additional help of both a foot rest under my feet and a cushion behind my back). I also use a cushion roll behind my back when I’m sleeping to stop me rolling on to my back (that makes my sleep issues worse).

 

Yeah, I have a cushion behind my back when I'm in my computer chair and even the dining room chairs. Also helps to keep the seat of the chair to being right up against my knees. A couple of inches really helps!

 

Like Kim, I have never been to a chiropractor, either. I've been fortunate to have no real back issues. I did have a bout of sciatica probably 25 years ago, but it hasn't bothered me since.
I would love to have a foam roller or Chirp wheel. Every time I watch somebody use one I think how good it must feel!!
I'm getting a massage tomorrow and I'm so excited. It was part of our teacher appreciation week. It's only 15 minutes, but I'll take it!!

 

When I was still working there was a semi-driver that is also a licensed massage therapist. At one point his schedule had him being off the clock about noon. He would bring his massage chair in and give 10 minute massages for $5. Absolute heaven! Really helped me during the high stress times. He also told me when it was time to see the chiro. But his schedule changed and he had to quit doing them. Several of us girls in the office missed them.