Back pain
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Chris, what Josh said was right. You need to get some xrays or an MRI so that doctors can actually figure out exactly what's wrong. I had back pain, but now its receded to being shoulder pain (specifically my left shoulder blade). It turned out that a whole slew of things were all related. My weight, not getting a decent night's rest, posture while seated and working on the laptop and so much more. Turns out I got nerve problems as a result of all those. I started to walk to and from work as much as possible (that's a good 5KM away). Tomorrow I start going to the gym to do regular workouts. I got an orthopedic pillow. I used to take Cataflam when the pain got really bad, but now I drink tea made from mint. It lowers your little swimmer count but it does wonders to your nerves. It improving bit by bit, too slow for my taste, but then again, I'm very much overweight and that's hampering things. Get well man, and try to relax.
"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." - Rick Cook "There is no wealth like knowledge, no poverty like ignorance." Ali ibn Abi Talib "Animadvertistine, ubicumque stes, fumum recta in faciem ferri?"
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This sounds very familiar, Im sitting here thinking its only 7am and my back hurts like hell. I've found two things that help, this stuff[^] from the chemist and a Chinese massage woman who does some kind of "acu pressure" technique that involves pressing points on my hands and forearms. She can pretty much relieve the pain straight away and it lasts a few days. Neither of these are long term solutions but they allow me to manage it a bit myself. Seems to me everyone you talk to has a different opionion - pysio, chiro, yoga, massage etc etc. What ever you do I think you should go to a GP, get xrays and find out the exact cause of the pain. In my case its a slight curve in the lower spine caused by long term bad posture which puts some muscles under more load than others. Ill probably go back to the GP again soon as I now get shooting pains down the back of my right leg sometimes
Thanks for the tip, I will buy some of this stuff when I go out today.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Hey Christian, Man, I'm sorry to hear you are still wrestling with this. Back pain sucks, there's nothing like it. I think you know that I've had a fair amount of back pain in the last 4-5 years, and I'm happy to offer what I've learned. First, you need to know what you're dealing with. I think I recommended you get an MRI sometime, what you'll get from that is an understanding of what's going on. Bad news is that there is probably nothing immediate you can do to change the situation. I tried most things and investigated surgery, and in the end came to terms with the fact that this is a pretty unavoidable part of aging. Troy made the observation that everyone in our office 6 ft and taller has this (and a few people who are not that all as well), but there definitely seems to be an engineering problem at work ;) Too much leverage on the lower back I guess. So, for me: I lost 25 pounds and that has been the only consistent controllable thing I've been able to do to minimize my back pain. If I'm over 200lbs I have an episode about every 3 months, if I'm below it's about every 18-24 months. An episode is me on pain killers and anti inflammatory drugs for about 2 weeks or so. Second, anti inflammatory drugs. Seems that the most common problem for men as they pass 40 or so is the drying of your spinal disc material, and minor and major ruptures allowing the material inside the disc to leak. Somehow, the pulpy disc material has a dramatic effect on your nerves, so that when they come in contact, it's like putting a chili pepper in your mouth. Just a little bit causes a BIG reaction. The drugs work directly on minimizing that reaction. Pain killers. You have to function, and this is usually the only thing that allows me too. Tylenol #3 or better as needed. Nothing lighter seems to touch it. Eventually the ruptured discs dry out (and that can take months or more), and then they pain goes away. Along with the pain going away, so does some of the cushioning of the disc, and invariably you lose some mobility. Sucks, but that's why old men walk a like old me and 20 year olds walk like 20 year olds. Oh, one other thing you can do that I've found that works. Stretching. There's a very specific stretch you should do every single time you stand up form a forward crouch (like bending down to pick up your kids). You should put your hands on your butt, push your hips forward and your shoulders back. This has the effect of mobilizing the discs in your spine in such a way as to encoura
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Hey Christian, Man, I'm sorry to hear you are still wrestling with this. Back pain sucks, there's nothing like it. I think you know that I've had a fair amount of back pain in the last 4-5 years, and I'm happy to offer what I've learned. First, you need to know what you're dealing with. I think I recommended you get an MRI sometime, what you'll get from that is an understanding of what's going on. Bad news is that there is probably nothing immediate you can do to change the situation. I tried most things and investigated surgery, and in the end came to terms with the fact that this is a pretty unavoidable part of aging. Troy made the observation that everyone in our office 6 ft and taller has this (and a few people who are not that all as well), but there definitely seems to be an engineering problem at work ;) Too much leverage on the lower back I guess. So, for me: I lost 25 pounds and that has been the only consistent controllable thing I've been able to do to minimize my back pain. If I'm over 200lbs I have an episode about every 3 months, if I'm below it's about every 18-24 months. An episode is me on pain killers and anti inflammatory drugs for about 2 weeks or so. Second, anti inflammatory drugs. Seems that the most common problem for men as they pass 40 or so is the drying of your spinal disc material, and minor and major ruptures allowing the material inside the disc to leak. Somehow, the pulpy disc material has a dramatic effect on your nerves, so that when they come in contact, it's like putting a chili pepper in your mouth. Just a little bit causes a BIG reaction. The drugs work directly on minimizing that reaction. Pain killers. You have to function, and this is usually the only thing that allows me too. Tylenol #3 or better as needed. Nothing lighter seems to touch it. Eventually the ruptured discs dry out (and that can take months or more), and then they pain goes away. Along with the pain going away, so does some of the cushioning of the disc, and invariably you lose some mobility. Sucks, but that's why old men walk a like old me and 20 year olds walk like 20 year olds. Oh, one other thing you can do that I've found that works. Stretching. There's a very specific stretch you should do every single time you stand up form a forward crouch (like bending down to pick up your kids). You should put your hands on your butt, push your hips forward and your shoulders back. This has the effect of mobilizing the discs in your spine in such a way as to encoura
Hey Dave, thanks for the advice. Yeah, I do the stretch you're suggesting, my physio told me about it. I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past and not noticed any difference, but I am going to do the rounds of the doctors over the next week or so, and I'm sure I'll be on them again. Perhaps I need to try some stronger drugs, the pain drugs I've taken have never done a thing for me. The big one for me is that I'm going to buy a desk that lets me work standing up ( or rather, one that moves so I can alternate ). I wish I'd done that 6 months ago, and not had to deal with this 'episode', but better late than never. The pool also worked miracles for me in the past ( and helped me lose weight, which I've struggled with since I've started travelling to the US regularly ), I need to make time to do that again. As noted below, I've been time poor this year, and I let the pool thing slide because I didn't think I could afford to go. I think now I can't afford not to go again. And yes, it's true I am over 6 foot and nearly 40. I guess I just have to come to terms with that, same as everyone else. :-)
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
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Find a good osteopath, My back went and the best thing I ever did was ask them what they do. I was advised NOT to go to hospital, find an osteopath. Elaine :rose:
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
Yep, I'd been told that, I have an appointment for 10 am, and I am all geared up to buy a sit/stand desk today, if one exists in Hobart.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Sorry to hear about your predicament, CG. Having gone thru 4 surgeries on the base of my spine and a sitDown/standUp desk for 2 years, I'm happy to report that seeing a doc was the best thing I ever did. As you know, I spend most of my waking hours pressing [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Enter], and if it worked for me, I'm pretty confident it'll work for you. No, I'm not suggesting you need surgery, but please make an appointment to see a physician and let him/her put you on the path to getting better. Wishing you a swift recovery and good health! :rose: /ravi
My new year resolution: 2048 x 1536 Home | Music | Articles | Freeware ravib(at)ravib(dot)com
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Don't use a laptop if possible, and switch the chair in your office for one of those big yoga-ball things.
'--8<------------------------ Ex Datis: Duncan Jones Merrion Computing Ltd
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
i am kind of an expert on back pain having fibromyalgia for the last 10 years ... i have tried almost everything you can think of from medication to all forms of body work ... what i suggest is holding off stretching and strengthening until you know what is wrong ... both can make the problem worse ... i assume from working at the computer a lot you have trigger points (muscle knots) in your back and possibly stomach ... go pick up The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook ... it maps areas of pain to the muscles that cause the pain ... with the book you may be able to fix the problem yourself or be able to describe the problem more accurately to your physio theripist good luck
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Find a good osteopath, My back went and the best thing I ever did was ask them what they do. I was advised NOT to go to hospital, find an osteopath. Elaine :rose:
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
I did exactly the same. It turned out that my back pain was caused (in effect) by a problem with my posture caused by a curvature in the spine. Some simple manipulation then it got it better.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
I've helped my wife manage back pain for the last 20 years, but the first thing to note is that some things that work like magic for some don't work for others. It is primarily important to exclude serious physical problems, but I guess your physio should have helped there. In my wife's case it seems to be caused by muscular spasms, where the muscles just knot up. We have had periods where it has affected her neck/shoulders to the point where she can't move her neck, mid to lower back problems that also seem to affect hip/knees. I'm at the stage where I know the muscles that affect particular areas, and I can usually find a few knotted back muscles that I can massage away and fix things. There are back muscles that when they spasm can give you terrible back pain, but also some that send shooting pains up the neck or down the leg. My wife has found that alcohol helps - just a glass or two of wine - seems to relax things, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g. Nurofen). As far as liniments go, our favourite is a chinese one, can't find a ref at the moment. My tips, avoid chiropractors and manipulation, and change physio / osteo whenever they stop working, for some reason our experience is that most of the physio treatments seem to stop working (typ 1-2 years) and finding someone new usually helps. Just be aware of the gastrointestinal effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories if you take them regularly. Good luck,
Peter "Until the invention of the computer, the machine gun was the device that enabled humans to make the most mistakes in the smallest amount of time."
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Christian Graus wrote:
What do other people think/recommend ?
Vicoden.
Word, write letters and sh*t yo. It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird. Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings. The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. Everyone needs believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer.
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Very sorry to hear this. I have had back pain for 10+ years. I find that mild stretching while in a hot shower helps me. I have prescriptions for muscle relaxant and painkiller, but I rarely take them because they put me in a fog. But as others have recommended, you should first go to doctor to make sure you don't do anything to make it worse.
Best wishes, Hans
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i am kind of an expert on back pain having fibromyalgia for the last 10 years ... i have tried almost everything you can think of from medication to all forms of body work ... what i suggest is holding off stretching and strengthening until you know what is wrong ... both can make the problem worse ... i assume from working at the computer a lot you have trigger points (muscle knots) in your back and possibly stomach ... go pick up The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook ... it maps areas of pain to the muscles that cause the pain ... with the book you may be able to fix the problem yourself or be able to describe the problem more accurately to your physio theripist good luck
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
As Trollslayer said, osteopath. Also try a chiropractor. However, I'd also suggest getting an MRI (not an xray, an xray can't see the soft tissues). But don't let the quacks who read the MRI take control of your body, and make sure you get copies (an issue often here in the US) to show the osteopath/chiropractor/others. Marc
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As Trollslayer said, osteopath. Also try a chiropractor. However, I'd also suggest getting an MRI (not an xray, an xray can't see the soft tissues). But don't let the quacks who read the MRI take control of your body, and make sure you get copies (an issue often here in the US) to show the osteopath/chiropractor/others. Marc
The osteo didn't do much for me, I have another appt for Saturday, we'll see how it pans out. The people with the ergonomic desks are closed all this week, so I guess that's it for now.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Dude. Dude. Dude. I know back pain better than you know C++. Hell. I know back pain better than you know yourself. What would you like to know? I presently owe American back physicians $10,000 which have achieved me nothing. I get Percocet and Soma in a 30 day supply which does more for me than the $10,000 I owe ever has. Physical therapy is awesome but you've got to find someone who's good. I love my physical therapist and I believe I'll be drug free in a few months with this guy. Seriously though. I've got massive pain that never stops. Sometimes I have to wait 30 or more seconds just to start to pee because the pain in my back and down my leg is throbbing so much. What would you like to know? I know you. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. You know how to reach me and I can tell you more than you want to know. I've suffered for 17 years with back pain. It's a terrible monkey and I don't think I'll ever shake what I have going on. I'll get the pain under control but that injury will always be there.
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Have you considered Yoga? It works if you learn from a good Yoga practitioner and is not averse to foreign traditional culture. Wish you a speedy recovery.
SG Cause is effect concealed. Effect is cause revealed.
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Yep, I'd been told that, I have an appointment for 10 am, and I am all geared up to buy a sit/stand desk today, if one exists in Hobart.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
Second the osteopath reccomendation, big time. I had some fairly major surgery to remove a bone tumour from my spine about 14 years ago, and as expected my back was never the same afterwards, I had to be really careful lifting things, long car trips did me in, etc etc. I had a "kneeler" chair, one where your knees sit on a pad angled one way and your bum on another so there is no back support. It worked but I got very tired sitting like that all day. Eventually I went to an osteopath, who gave me a set of very simple exercises to do. The whole point of these was not really to strengthen my back muscles, but to re-train them so I was using them more. He said that your back muscles do a much better job of supporting your weight than your spine, and in most people with major back issues the problems are caused by too much strain on the joints in your back, and not using your back muscles properly. Anyway, I did the funny exercises for a few months and it changed my posture and now my back is better than ever and hardly gives me any problems. The ostiopath should send you for tests if they think you need them before they will go near you, thats what happened to me. Good luck!
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As I mentioned below, I've had a pretty full on work schedule this last year. I've had back pain for much of that time, and gone to physio weekly. However, two weeks ago, I had a major episode that made the pain far worse than it was before and despite a week off, mostly spent lying down, it's not getting any better. My business partner tells me that physio is a waste of time and I should get some medical imaging done and get some drugs prescribed. I think that medicine is a waste of time for a physical injury ( I've taken anti inflammatory drugs in the past, but they did not help ), although I accept I need to try something other than physio. What do other people think/recommend ?
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "also I don't think "TranslateOneToTwoBillion OneHundredAndFortySevenMillion FourHundredAndEightyThreeThousand SixHundredAndFortySeven()" is a very good choice for a function name" - SpacixOne ( offering help to someone who really needed it ) ( spaces added for the benefit of people running at < 1280x1024 )
I'm no expert, but about 5 years ago I was crippled for a week after digging a small garden bed. Luckily my problems have all been muscular and I'm still really young (34). Anyway, my back has never really been the same after that in spite of doing stretching, swimming, martial arts and laying off the biking. Over the past few months, I've been doing high intensity body weight (like pullups) and light weighted exercises (like sandbag shoulders), and my back feels better then it did when I was in my teens. The difference has been to focus on power over max strength, building up the energy systems of the body. Who knows how this will affect me over the years, but right now I can actually feel my back muscles and my back feels more pain free and relaxed then it has in ages. If my back does get sore from long trips driving, which is about the only time now, I focus on squeezing my butt cheeks together like I'm trying to turn coal into a diamond and it usually helps my back out. I don't know why, but tensing the glutes like that seems to pull my spine into the right position.
I can imagine the sinking feeling one would have after ordering my book, only to find a laughably ridiculous theory with demented logic once the book arrives - Mark McCutcheon