Oh, my aching back....

The older you get, the more problems you will have. My is do the best you can with what you've got and keep at it as long as you can. My plan is to keep building as long as I can and whatever part of the stash is left when I pass will come with me to the Great Workbench in the Sky where I can work with no more pain or problems.  or  depending on who you talk to.  

Jim  

If I sit at the workbench for more than an hour without getting up, I’ll be walking/shuffling at a 45-degree angle for a few minutes until I can stand up straight.   

I have been amazed at what physical therapy can do.  Over twenty years ago a lumbar specialist wanted to fuse two disks in my spin (tow disks had already fused naturally). But PT finally helped when I really paid attention, did my exercises and made the posture changes the therapist urged.  Where is your car seat set? It should be full upright.  Does the car seat have good lumbar support?  If not, put in aftermarket ones.  Put lumbar supports on the chairs you frequently sit in.  I have been appalled to see how poorly commercial furniture is designed, now that I know what it should be like!

I have had to return to therapy several times since for problems as other areas of spine and other joints wear out, but I have always ended up better off.  Latest, a shoulder/neck problem that I could not fix myself yielded to therapy.  Those folks really know their stuff, and likely can help you.  Even my modeling chair now has lumbar support now, and I am thinking of adding a false work surface about a foot higher than the existing surface, to avoid having head tilted forward for too long, the reason the therapist says is the primary cause of my shoulder/neck problems.

Hey Don, thanks for the suggestions.  My work chair is actually pretty good, and the car seat isn't bad.  My posture...not so good, but I am way more conscious of it than I used to be.  I am hopeful that this issue can be resolved.  I do get bench time when I can.  I have an appt. with a physical therapist, so hopefully that will help.  

It just really aggravates me when anything interferes with my limited bench time.

Kalifornia, sorry you had to go through that, but as you said, aches and pains beat the alternative.

Happy building,

D

PT is great and it's a good idea to keep the weight off too.

As a young captain in my early 30s, I had a job visiting various national guard armor units in the Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi region. My back used to scream in pain after hours on the interstate.

By my early 40s, I had a hard time driving more than an hour before my back pain started.

Then during a military appreciation day outside of Fort Knox, I won a free chiropractic exam from a local business about 10 years ago. My main complaint at the time was a sore back when doing yardwork. I went and started getting treatment. I didn't have any back issues any longer when doing yardwork or driving. I think my longest drive was 400 miles and didn't have any issues.

As a side note, I used to be highly allergic to cats. Once when an instructor's cat got loose in the building, I was able to find it by sticking my head into various rooms and when my eyes welled up, I told him the cat was in this room. And it was.

Years after my treatment began, my oldest daughter left her husband and arrived on our doorstep with two cats and three dogs. We told her the pets would have to be re-homed until she got her own place because I was allergic. But for some reason, they did not affect me.

I had heard, but no real evidence, that sometimes when you start to get the spine and nerves healed, that allergies disappear. I also used to have to take antihistamines when doing yardwork or visiting someone's home with a pet. I haven't had to do that in years. We now have 3 dogs and 2 cats of our own. Something that was impossible before I found out about chiropractic care. Seasonal allergies have become a thing of the past.

Also visiting the chiropractor documented a bad back issue so when I retired from the military, the VA rated my back for 10% which upped my overall disability rating to 20%.

I still go once a month just for regular maintenance. I use an in network provider so my Blue Cross covers it from work. My current job often requires me to pick up 50 lb refrigerator doors and carry them up stairs. I've had no issues with that task.

That's some interesting stuff, Rob. Makes me think.

Hey Rob, nice to hear you are doing well.  I have been seeing a chiropractor for about a year now.  The first back issues popped about last July out of nowhere.  Saw the MD, and did a round of Prednisone, which really did not help much.  After three weeks of pain, I went to see a chiropractor, and he had me cleared up within a week.  It was miraculous.  I had 2 or 3 more flare ups after that, and found that if I keep up every two weeks, I am generally good.

This one is not responding to the chiropractor, but the prednisone is making a difference.  Saw a Physical Therapist, and did the recommended stretches for one day, and was in agony the next.  But..I had also stopped the Prednisone a couple days earlier.

MD has me on another round of Prednisone (somewhere along the line I became allergic to NSAIDS, Ibuprofin, aspirin, etc., so they are no longer an option), and as of today, I feel better.  But not good.  I still see the chiropractor, and will be seeing a spine specialist in a couple of weeks.  I am holding off on PT until I feel a little better, but I will be going back (no pun intended).

Probably a lot more than you wanted to know, and I do appreciate the concern and suggestions.  With the Prednisone, I am at least able to get short periods of bench time, and I will take it!!  It has become increasingly obvious to me that my sedentary lifestyle has to change.  As my mother's MD has said to her, "use it or lose it".

D

Tore up lower back in the mid 70's loading a table saw in Mom's truck by myself.  Ever since I can turn over in bed wrong and out it goes.  Usually goes back into place in a couple of days, but almost can't walk, at least upright til it does.

I am 68 years old. I spent 45 years sitting behind a desk as an architect. When I retired my body was a physical mess because a desk job will kill your body. My joints were stiff and my muscles ached. After I retired I joined local park district and started doing TRX suspension classes twice a week. My joints are no longer stiff and my muscles no longer hurt. My back never hurts and I stand straight. I have not felt this good in a long time. No pain meds of any kind. I now walk and move like a young man. TRX is the best!!! You should all give it a try. TRX was designed for the Navy Seals and Army Rangers so that they could exercise without the need of weights and machines. TRX rocks!!

Oh My;

 Ya'll know I am 74 . Well what with age comes all the stuff I thought I had left behind as a youngster . Low back and hip pain , about level 7 . Shots fixed that . Crushed shoulder and upper left two ribs . Surgery and therapy , fixed that , Now Pain level 2 .

 Now at 73 I had an accident . Got T-Boned in my poor hardworking , Paid For van . Now can't continue therapy for Whiplash and damaged vertebra , because one month after the accident , Open chest and fix Heart surgery ! . Repaired breastbone ( cartilage ) precludes any deep bone and muscle chiro in that area . Neck is toast .

 Do you all know what an aneurism is . That's what was fixed on the back wall of the heart . So now post surgical chest pain too . What do I do ? I talk to the Boss and thank Him for one more day . I've had a great life and why ruin it now ? Aches and pains YUP ! It is part and parcel of being and elder person . Not for Sissies right ?

 Leastwise all my friends have ache and pain stories too . The things we did to be kind or helpful or just earn a living are catching up now . I thought office work would be easier on the bod . As  has been said earlier , it isn't either ! Oh well , I'll do like everybody else . Adjust my car seat and my work-table till I can't do it no more , then what I'll do is , make adjustments so I can do it lying down ! Except driving of course !

Not trying to diagnose without seeing you, but back pain is often due to tight hip flexior muscles and/ or poor posture.  Core strenght may help as well as stretching and strenghtening. But I am just guessing a common cause. See a physio.

Cheers...

The only way, IMHO, to improve the health of a person's back, core and joints is to exercise. Meds only treat the pain and do nothing to fix the basic problem. TRX is the best exercise for older adults because it strenghtens the core and stretches the joints. Best thing ever. It got me off the meds for good!

Sorry , I can't resist !

 How many back issues do you have ? Are they modeling related ?  You were told not to put all that P.E. On that little model weren't you ?

 My back issues are all gone thanks to a Seal medic with good aim . Four shots to my back three times and it's been two years now and no pain above level two .

 Broke the dang thing down low . My tail bone and the verterbra above it ( two of them ) On an X-Ray look like an assembled bone puzzle . They can't fix that , so we killed the nerve structure . Only the nerves that relate to the bone structure and nothing else !

 I do feel for ya . T.B.

Tanker - Builder

Sorry , I can't resist !

 How many back issues do you have ? Are they modeling related ?  You were told not to put all that P.E. On that little model weren't you ?

 My back issues are all gone thanks to a Seal medic with good aim . Four shots to my back three times and it's been two years now and no pain above level two .

 Broke the dang thing down low . My tail bone and the verterbra above it ( two of them ) On an X-Ray look like an assembled bone puzzle . They can't fix that , so we killed the nerve structure . Only the nerves that relate to the bone structure and nothing else !

 I do feel for ya . T.B.

 

castelnuovo

Not trying to diagnose without seeing you, but back pain is often due to tight hip flexior muscles and/ or poor posture.  Core strenght may help as well as stretching and strenghtening. But I am just guessing a common cause. See a physio.

Cheers...

 

Not always.  A lot of times it’s subluxation is off. I’ve been going to a chiropractor since 2011. I’ve got degeneration in my spine and neck.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

castelnuovo

Not trying to diagnose without seeing you, but back pain is often due to tight hip flexior muscles and/ or poor posture.  Core strenght may help as well as stretching and strenghtening. But I am just guessing a common cause. See a physio.

Cheers...

 

 

 

 

 

Not always.  A lot of times it’s subluxation is off. I’ve been going to a chiropractor since 2011. I’ve got degeneration in my spine and neck.

 

Sorry to hear about your spine and neck.  Hope your chiro has it under control.

gobobbie

Last month I injured my lower left back. I was put for three weeks. My doctor gave me muscle relaxers and some serious pain meds. It is amazing what you need your lower back for; things like blinking and sneezing. The doctor said time is the the great healer, and my neighbor who is an iron man competitor said keep moving and it will help with the swelling. Everyday I went to the county rec center and would sit in the hot tub with a hot water jet right on the spot for 20 minutes. Then i would use the walking lane of pool for 25 minutes and then back to the hot tub. What is the real agony is trying to find that position where you are in the least amount of pain and hobbling to where you stored your meds. I started a core program and a some yoga to increase flexibility. I am also going to get a better chair for the bench. Bob Gregory Ruining one kit at a time

 

Get to urgent care, and after waiting an hour in the waiting room, and another 45 minutes in the exam room, the PA walks in, and I am not feeling that bad.  Back finally loosened up.  Got another prednisone script.  Get home, and my wife says, "did you know you have a refill on the prednisone script your doctor gave you?"  Well, obviously not, or I wouldn't have spent 2 hours at urgent care.  Man, did I feel like a dumb*ss.

ManCityFan

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

castelnuovo

Not trying to diagnose without seeing you, but back pain is often due to tight hip flexior muscles and/ or poor posture.  Core strenght may help as well as stretching and strenghtening. But I am just guessing a common cause. See a physio.

Cheers...

 

 

 

 

 

Not always.  A lot of times it’s subluxation is off. I’ve been going to a chiropractor since 2011. I’ve got degeneration in my spine and neck.

 

 

 

 

Yup, the chiropractor has been a life saver.  This is my fourth back issue, and the chiro was able to fix me up within a week or two every other time.

 

Sorry to hear about your spine and neck.  Hope your chiro has it under control.

 

Oh yeah, he's a god send. I have been going every 2 weeks for maintenance.

ManCityFan

 

gobobbie

Last month I injured my lower left back. I was put for three weeks. My doctor gave me muscle relaxers and some serious pain meds. It is amazing what you need your lower back for; things like blinking and sneezing. The doctor said time is the the great healer, and my neighbor who is an iron man competitor said keep moving and it will help with the swelling. Everyday I went to the county rec center and would sit in the hot tub with a hot water jet right on the spot for 20 minutes. Then i would use the walking lane of pool for 25 minutes and then back to the hot tub. What is the real agony is trying to find that position where you are in the least amount of pain and hobbling to where you stored your meds. I started a core program and a some yoga to increase flexibility. I am also going to get a better chair for the bench. Bob Gregory Ruining one kit at a time

 

 

 

 

  Woke up at 4 am Sunday, and the pain was at a level I couldn't get back to sleep.  Then it got worst.  Usually walking helps, but no matter what I did it got worse.  Couldn't stand, sit, lie down or anything else without a high level of discomfort.  Counted the minutes until I could get to urgent care.  Stopped the Prednisone on Saturday.

 

Get to urgent care, and after waiting an hour in the waiting room, and another 45 minutes in the exam room, the PA walks in, and I am not feeling that bad.  Back finally loosened up.  Got another prednisone script.  Get home, and my wife says, "did you know you have a refill on the prednisone script your doctor gave you?"  Well, obviously not, or I wouldn't have spent 2 hours at urgent care.  Man, did I feel like a dumb*ss.

 

Meds won't help but mask the pain temporarily. It's not going to cure your back pain altogether either.  My advice? Go to a chiropractor.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

ManCityFan

 

gobobbie

Last month I injured my lower left back. I was put for three weeks. My doctor gave me muscle relaxers and some serious pain meds. It is amazing what you need your lower back for; things like blinking and sneezing. The doctor said time is the the great healer, and my neighbor who is an iron man competitor said keep moving and it will help with the swelling. Everyday I went to the county rec center and would sit in the hot tub with a hot water jet right on the spot for 20 minutes. Then i would use the walking lane of pool for 25 minutes and then back to the hot tub. What is the real agony is trying to find that position where you are in the least amount of pain and hobbling to where you stored your meds. I started a core program and a some yoga to increase flexibility. I am also going to get a better chair for the bench. Bob Gregory Ruining one kit at a time

 

 

 

 

  Woke up at 4 am Sunday, and the pain was at a level I couldn't get back to sleep.  Then it got worst.  Usually walking helps, but no matter what I did it got worse.  Couldn't stand, sit, lie down or anything else without a high level of discomfort.  Counted the minutes until I could get to urgent care.  Stopped the Prednisone on Saturday.

 

Get to urgent care, and after waiting an hour in the waiting room, and another 45 minutes in the exam room, the PA walks in, and I am not feeling that bad.  Back finally loosened up.  Got another prednisone script.  Get home, and my wife says, "did you know you have a refill on the prednisone script your doctor gave you?"  Well, obviously not, or I wouldn't have spent 2 hours at urgent care.  Man, did I feel like a dumb*ss.

 

 

 

 

 

Meds won't help but mask the pain temporarily. It's not going to cure your back pain altogether either.  My advice? Go to a chiropractor.

 

I'm leary of using pain medications stronger than Alleve. A chiropractor has helped me greatly, but I know if he didn't, I would see a specialist.

I feel for ya, brother. Back in '98 I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. In '09 I had spinal fusion from L4-S1. I still have pain from time to time but nothing like I had before the surgery. 

As far as therapists are concerned, in my experience, good ones can be hard to find. I've been to several where you see a licensed therapist initially, but then your handed off to an assistant, or worse yet, an intern from the local community college! My family doctor finally recommended the one that he went to. There you get a licensed therapist who works with you the entire visit. They have been wonderful to work with.

But anyway, like TB said, getting old ain't for sissies. And MCF, I hope you're feeling better and back to the bench real soon.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Meds won't help but mask the pain temporarily. It's not going to cure your back pain altogether either.  My advice? Go to a chiropractor.

What he said!  I was skepitcal of chiropractors until, years ago, I was doubled over in pain and crying on the floor.  Within a couple of weeks of spinal rice krispies treatment (Snap!  Crackle!  Pop!) , I was right as rain.  I still go every once in a while, even though I might not be experiencing any pain, just for an adjustment.  I also get a massage every two weeks.  My back hasn't felt so good in ages.  On occasion, if I know I'm going to be doing something strenuous or something that may see me sitting for long periods, I will take Robax Platinum - a muscle relaxant + Ibuprofen (you can get it over the counter here in Canada but not sure about elsewhere) - just to loosen thing up.  These are just suggestions but having 'Been there.  Done that.' I really hope you're able to find relief soon.

cwalker3

I feel for ya, brother. Back in '98 I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. In '09 I had spinal fusion from L4-S1. I still have pain from time to time but nothing like I had before the surgery. 

As far as therapists are concerned, in my experience, good ones can be hard to find. I've been to several where you see a licensed therapist initially, but then your handed off to an assistant, or worse yet, an intern from the local community college! My family doctor finally recommended the one that he went to. There you get a licensed therapist who works with you the entire visit. They have been wonderful to work with.

But anyway, like TB said, getting old ain't for sissies. And MCF, I hope you're feeling better and back to the bench real soon.

 

Totally get what BlackSheep is saying about the meds only hiding the pain.  The plan of attack is get the pain manageable so I can do PT in combination with chiro.  Gotta beat this.  It's getting in the way of my new model building obsession.

murph

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Meds won't help but mask the pain temporarily. It's not going to cure your back pain altogether either.  My advice? Go to a chiropractor.

 

 

 

What he said!  I was skepitcal of chiropractors until, years ago, I was doubled over in pain and crying on the floor.  Within a couple of weeks of spinal rice krispies treatment (Snap!  Crackle!  Pop!) , I was right as rain.  I still go every once in a while, even though I might not be experiencing any pain, just for an adjustment.  I also get a massage every two weeks.  My back hasn't felt so good in ages.  On occasion, if I know I'm going to be doing something strenuous or something that may see me sitting for long periods, I will take Robax Platinum - a muscle relaxant + Ibuprofen (you can get it over the counter here in Canada but not sure about elsewhere) - just to loosen thing up.  These are just suggestions but having 'Been there.  Done that.' I really hope you're able to find relief soon.

 

 OK, enough of my whining.  I will beat this.  I am more concerned about GMorrison at the moment.

Have you tried physical therapy? Sometimes the stretching and rotation of joints does wonders.