rj8806

I got news for you Ross. I too have had the same problems my whole life and last summer resorted to back surgery to "fix" a blown disc at the L5/S1. I now have 2 titanium screws in my back and it has been exactly 1 year to the day today and I can tell you for me, the pain has not gone away as expected. Yes, it fixed part of the problem(the sciatatic? nerve that was pinched between the vertabrea) but the lower lumbar pain is still there. Before the surgery, I spent 8 months going to PT, countless tries at Chiropractors and finally an orthopedic. In the end I was referred to an outstanding nuerologist who performed the surgery at U of Tenn. He forewarned me upfront that the probability of 100% correction was slim but that some relief was guaranteed. Even though I still have daily back pain, I would recommend this to anyone with the same diagnosis.
My wife works for a chiropractor and believes in them completely. Me, I am skeptical at best. In fairness, my back was too far gone for anything but surgery but I would still rather take advil and bed rest verses a chiropractor.
Good luck with your recovery
Richard

RestoVette

Have also been there.....done that. I worked in the family construction business until I graduated from college, and abused my back with heavy lifting, shoveling, riding crawler tractors, etc. A few years later (about 40 years ago) my back suddenly went out so bad that I had to roll out of bed and crawl to the bathroom......couldn't even get in and out of the car by myself when I went to the doctor. The doctor told me that the key to minimizing back problems is having strong abdominal muscles. He gave me a pamphlet of back exercises and told me to come back in a couple weeks for x-rays if the problem didn't go away. I never had to go back. I started the simple exercises the next morning, and within a few days my back pain was gone. Since that time I've done about 2 minutes of the exercises every morning before I get out of bed. I've hurt my back a number of times since, but have always been able to get it back in shape quickly by doing additional exercises. The simple exercises I do while still in bed every morning are:

While lying on your back, grab one knee and pull it slowly as far as you can towards your chest (this stretches out your spinal column), hold a few seconds, then straighten your knee so you leg is straight up and then let the straightened leg down slowly (this builds up your stomach muscles). Repeat 5 times and then do 5 of the same reps with the other leg.

Then while still lying on your back, put your hands beside your hips and with one leg do 25 locked knee leg lifts (straight up, down, straight up, down, etc), then repeat 25 locked knee leg lifts with the other leg. Again, this exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles.

This entire exercise routine takes only 2-3 minutes per day, and it's always worked for me.

A few other hints from the pamphlet. The vertebrae have more of a tendency to pinch nerves if your back is bent backwards.....and things you can do to keep your back bent forwards are: When standing, try to keep one knee bent, and if possible, one foot on a foot rest or riser....this rotates the hips back and bends the back forwards. (This is why it's more comfortable to stand at a bar with your foot on a foot rail.) When driving, keep your seat as low and as far forward as possible.....again, this rotates the hips back and bends the back forwards. When sitting at a desk, keep your chair adjusted low and/or have your feet on a foot rest...........again, this rotates the hips back and bends the back forwards. When you sleep, sleep on your back, and if necessary, put a pillow under your knees..........again, this rotates the hips back and bends the back forwards.

If you do hurt your back and need immediate relief, bend your knees, balance on the ***** of your feet, sit on your heels, and lean forward for a few minutes. This will stretch out your back and separate the vertebrae that my be pinching nerves.

Walking is another simple thing that has helped me to get my back into shape when it goes out. My wife and I have walked at least 2 miles a day for many years, and we both feel it does a lot to loosen up tight back muscles.

Oh, and one more thing. I've found that the best care for sore muscles is to first use heat packs or pads on the localized area to loosen the muscles....then use ice packs to minimize swelling.

Long, but HTH.

65air_coupe

And that's the crux of it! Poor muscle tone (and overweight) can doom you to years of pain. Stay in shape or pay the price!

AmericanPie

The best exercise I've found for keeping toned and avoiding back pain (and other musculoskeletal pain) is swimming.

In my late 20s I experienced a herniated disc at L5/S1, which caused me searing sciatic pain I'll never forget. Over a six month period I visited a couple of good neurosurgeons, several orthopaedic docs, and about a half-dozen chiropractors including the famous Gonstead Clinic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. A couple of these guys told me I'd be in pain the rest if my life (NOT what you want to hear, especially when you're a strapping dude under 30). Dr. *** at Gonstead was the only one who gave me anything resembling relief, but ultimately it was swimming that I credit for my cure.

Determined to take charge of the issue, I went to the local YMCA and enrolled in an adult swim class. I began to swim every day...not for speed, but for endurance and overall fitness. There's a big difference. Over a period of several months after beginning this regimen, my back pain gradually subsided and eventually disappeared.

That was over 20 years ago. I've been swimming laps ever since (preferably outdoors, for the fresh air and sun), and do 1.5 miles every other day. I heartily recommend it to all my fellow aging gearheads.

LouieM

I too am very familiar with back pain, esp. lower back pain. As a geologist who's carried backpacks full of rocks all over the Arctic for
30+ years, and spent all day bent over while collecting some neat fossil in icy weather, I've experienced more back pain than average.

Duke's likely right for a long-term solution -- everyone's back seems to be just a bit different -- but for now get yourself to a good chiropractor or acupuncturist, or both. They can alleviate back pain almost immediately, sometimes in one visit. I don't actually "believe" in actupuncture, since I'm a scientist and haven't heard a rational explanation of how it works. However, back in the early 80s I had an upper back/ left arm pain that endured for 4 months with no relief, and I went to an acupuncturist in desperation. I'd been to every kind of normal and off-beat specialist to no avail. After 20 minutes of being stuck with needles, the pain went completely away! It was like a miracle. I've since seen acupuncturists now and then.

Massage can also work wonders. A couple of years ago I flew from California east to Siberia, 20 hours in the the air, with stops. By the time I got there I was a cripple, could hardly stand up. A Russian friend found a massage therapist in that small city who worked me over very vigorously for about half an hour and -- Ta-da! -- I was cured. I then want to an isolated tent camp 150 miles from anywhere, with there Russians, for a whole month of collecting and carrying rocks, hiking long distances with heavy packs, etc., and had no further problems.

Regular exercise keeps your body in tune. Just as cars rot from inactivity, people do too. When I'm diligent about going to the YMCA around 3 times a week for about an hour, I don't get back problems and generally feel better, sleep better, etc. If I skip regular exercise I pay for it, sometimes with back pain.

Call for a chiropractor, massage therapist or acupuncturist NOW and get some relief and maybe a cure. I just got a pang of guilt and I'm off to the Y. Let us know how the treatment(s) went. Call someone NOW!

Lou

Paul L

There has been excellent advice here. I am a sufferer also and cannot add much. But do not combine Advil/Tylenol/Ibuprofen with alcohol. Liver problems can ensue.

Mecom Racer

Okay...

I went to my wife's chiropractor. I hobbled in like an old man all crooked. They say they saw my predicament right away and massaged the area first, saying they could feel the "knot". Apparently I strained a muscle group between my spine and hip where they meet and rotate. Then she made one adjustment (crunch!) which seemed to release some pressure and put me on the table with the deep penetrating electronic heat machine for a while. I walked out of there standing straighter and felt some relief. I'm laying around now, heating and resting it. I was actually just recently able to put my shoes on and tie them myself. Boy... the things you take for granted. I think I'm on a road to recovery. Thanks for all the advice everyone. It's a great forum for anything, not just Corvettes.

Paul L

Good news!

MarvBarrish

My Back goes out on me on a regular basis. Being self employed motivates me to get up and go to work anyways. I've found that Theragram heat wrap belts, that you can buy at any drug store are a tremendous help! I will put these on and keep them on 24 hours a day for several days in a row and this will usaully get me over the hump of this back out period. Prior to using these belts I would be in pain for weeks. I know there are those that will say to use ice instead of heat, but all I can say that these help me tremendously and I highly recommend them. Regards, Marv

korvettekris

Wow! A lot of great advice and I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. I'm 51 and after several episodes over the years of my back going out with two bulging discs and suffering excruciating pain I went to a new doctor who advised me to stretch constantly, lose about 20 lbs. and read a book by an Aussie named Robin McKenzie titled "7 Steps To A Pain-Free Life". I can honestly say that following the excercises in the book has changed my life. The book contains similar stretches/excercises that have already been posted on this thread. Good daily posture, whether standing, walking or sitting is highly recommended. For driving a car he recommends putting the seat at the highest possible setting to achieve a position where your knees are equal or preferably lower than your hips. I personally do about 30 reverse pushups every day where I lay flat on the floor with my pelvis glued to the floor and arch my back as far back as possible while lifting off of the floor. Everyone is different and you should definitely see trained professionals but I highly recommend the book. Having a very compassionate wife who excels in back massage doesn't hurt either. Best of luck!

LouieM

Great to hear that you've already had some pain relief!

Mecom Racer

Yea, and my wife was extremely relieved to hear that I was able to go the bathroom by myself. She was afraid earlier that she might have to wipe my *** if I didn't get better soon. Thankfully she dodged the bullet on that one and boy am I glad too! I'm too young for that.

Dennis Beck

You have pinched the sciatic nerve in your back. Read this
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/c...tica/sc01.html

grizzlyalan

I know how you are feeling. Been there many times. Go to your GP and get some muscle relaxer and something for enflamation then rest for a couple of days. then go see a chiropractor they can adjust you better if you are not so tight. If none of this helps get an MRI and diagnosis, then weigh your options. I had 3 buldged discs in my neck about 5 years ago c1-c2, c4-c5, c6-c7 EXTREME head pain and 50-75% strength loss in both arms. Went to an ortopedic surgeon, he wanted to remove the discs and fuse the vertibrae and then screw a titanium plate to the bone. didn't like that option so I went to a neurosurgeon and he just wanted to use pain therapy, cortisone shots and pain meds. That was not an option for me as I cannot work under the influence of drugs, 0 tolorence at my job. Plus I work on engines larger than most peoples houses, have to have a clear head when removing a 4000 pound piston and rod. My chiropractor finally put me onto a doctor in Thousand Oaks Ca who does endoscopic surgery on the spine. I sent him my x-rays and MRI and he gave me a 95%chance of full recovery. So I set an appointment and flew to Ca. on a Tue. morn my app. was tue afternoon. He ran some tests and set up another MRI for Wed and the did surgery thur. I went in at 10:30 thru. morn and was in recovery by Noon and was in town eating lunch by 2:00 that afternoon. The only sign that I had any thing done to me was 2 little curad bandaids on my throat. I went back for my followup exam thur. eve 7:30 pm and he released me to go home. I had to wear a soft collar till I got home on Sat. and was off work for only 3 1/2 months. I've been swinging 20 pound sledge hammers and running 1 1/2" impact wrenches ever since. If you or anyone reading this are interested , My doctors name is John C Chiu His webb address is http://www.spinecenter.comHope you get to feeling better. Alan

gilbybarr

I have had a back that goes out on me for 30 years or so.....about once per year I am good for a doozie...just goes out....feels like rubber and takes your breath away, bent over and crooked from the front view as well. A Chiropractor can help....a good one that is into true manipulation and relief to snap you back into position. My hip pops out when it hits me. They will manipulate you, then do the electric massage thing to release the siezed up muscles that are "protecting your back from pain". I am a sceptic too...but they can help. Trick is not to get sucked in by some of them that try to convince you that chiropractic can solve everything from the common cold to GERD. And avoid getting sucked into the "come back weekly routine".

dunney

It depends on what you want hear - what I would do, or what you should do.

If it was me, overdose on Aleve, and ice the crap out of it. I had this problem with my knee recently, and it worked like a charm.

Although, I'm only 33, so take that with some a few grains of epsom salts.

The right thing to do is see your PHP. Of course, when do we ever do the right thing?

And how do you get hurt getting ready to wash a car? You should see my fat *** under the dash of mine now - I can't believe I haven't lost a vertebrae yet.

crw41

As a CF member (MD by profession) I will offer some factual information on back pain. However, I have to state some disclaimers for my own protection.

________________________________________ ___________

1. This is not medical advice
2. I have no advice regarding this CF member's condition
3. This information is available in many readily availble sources such as the internet, magazines, and newspapers

________________________________________ ____________

1. Most cases of back pain are benign and are self limited. Unless there is a history of trauma or neurologic complaints such as acute weakness or loss of bladder or bowel function things like x-rays, CT, and MRI are not indicated unless the complaint lasts more than 6 weeks.

2. Most cases resolve on their own. Many people find things like tylenol, advil, and muscle relaxers helpful. A short course of narcotics is helpful for comfort. Physiocal therapy or chiropractic care is helpful for some people.

3. Light activity, not complete bed rest is encouraged.

4. Red flags (require investigation with blood work and imaging)
- fever
- cancer in your medical history
- acute weakness (foot drop etc)

________________________________________ ___________________________________

Don't mean to seem defensive or paranoid, but the reality of being a doc in 2006:

- malpractice has risen from $8,000/year to $80,000 inn the last 7 years
- alot of us get sued pretty often (1 out of every 6 physicians per year)
- income in today's dollars 50% less than it was 10 years ago, drops every year
- watch TV from 9am to 3 pm and count the number of attorney commercials
- I'm done at 50, next "profession" will be a high quality dog kennel
- 110 am, I am at work right now

drd1vette

Same disclaimers as crw41. Sorry to hear about your problem. As a practicing Chiropractor for twenty years, I can tell you to go see your Chiropractor. We have thousands of hours training. We studied the same medical textbooks, did the same examinations (except surgical rounds and proscribing medication which I will refer to a pain management MD).

Do not take NSAIDS Advil, Motrin, etc. as they have anticoagulant properties and will prolonge or worsen your condition. Use ice until you can get in the DC's office.

Your skepticism is your worst enemy. The faster you get adjusted the faster your body will begin the healing process. Also, I do not think you have a herniated disk as you do not mention any radiaitng symptomotolgy or whether it is sensory or motor in nature ie; foot drop or loss of ability to walk or difficulty with bowel or bladder. It could simply be a misaligned Sacro-Iliac joint (SI joint) or a facet syndrome with concurrent strain/sprain. Your doctor will be able to tell with ortho/neurological testing.

I hope I didn't come across as rude but you really need to get in the 21st century as did our cars and technology. As with any science, giving the adjustment is the art component. Please ask your Chiropractor to give you some brochures on the subject. You need some educating with your treatment. Understanding will greatly improve your appreciation of what is going on inside your body. Why do you think I treat professional athletes? Because they already know the benefits of care.

I adjust my friends here only to have them come back and beat me on the track. Bittersweet rewards but worth every. I will continue to help people until my last days.

Once you're feeling better, if you ever have a question, email me. I am the SWCDuke and the JohnZ of Chiropractic.
Take care, Dr. Dan
BTW, I delivered my own two sons at the hospital with the OB/GYN sitting there holding the wife's hand. You should've seen the faces on the nurses when they would walk in

CJS

You can diagnose your own self. Go take a very hot shower, with lots of heat on the bad back area. If it is a "pulled" or strained muscle, it will loosen up and you will be pretty free to move and bend just fine at least while still in the shower. Then it will retighten up in 20 to 30 minutes and you will revert back to the way you were.
-----If this is the case, then do as the medical doctor (crw41) said, lots of Ibuphropen (Advil), and moderate, light activity and rest. It will cure itself in 3 to 5 days.
-----If this is not the case you have a greater problem. Go to a sports medicine real doctor and let him diagnose it.
-----Do not ever have surgury unless you are bedridden for at least a year and it is your last hope.
-----Sorry but Chiropractors will not usually help. A pulled muscle will only heal so fast no matter what anyone does or says. There is no such thing as "adjustment" in the real world. Having said this, try one out once or twice and see for yourself. You will not be any better long term by what he does. Some of his deep ultra sonic massage type machines can provide some pain relief however.
-----Hope this helps. Oh, one more thing, your back went out because of nervous tension. You were probably thinking of something unpleasant, and that caused your back muscles to spasm and go into a cramp.

Hope this helps! It worked for me.

Grey Ghost

I've had back issues since my early 20's also. I think riding and jumping motorcycles as a kid, heavy lifting jobs, etc...did a number on my back. One of the first really bad episodes I went to a GP. He sent me to a physical therapist. The PT gave me a lumbar support pillow for the car, and a series of exercises much like what others have explained. I had another episode later on. I went to a chiropracter. No offense to Dr. Dan, but I thought chiro's were bogus. Full ignorance on my part, I didn't realize the amount and quality of training they went through, like Dr. Dan explained. The chiro took x-rays, showed them to me, and pretty much said that jelly like stuff (okay, he didn't say jelly stuff, but I can't remember what its called) was gone and the bones are rubbing on the nerves. He did one adjustment and said there is really nothing he can do for me, except keep my spine in alignment. I REALLY RESPECTED HIM FOR TELLING ME THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. He really changed my opinion about chiropracters. He believes in and follows the oath like Dr. Dan.