My back hurts....and it's only going to get worse, the older I get.

[Critters2]

You straight-spined people wouldn't understand.

I'm going to bed.

[KitchenWitch]

1. I can identify with that

:hug:

I am sorry you are hurting.

[Critters2]

2. Thanks, KW. I need to get to a doctor soon.

I've started doing all the exercises I did as a kid, when I had my brace. They seem to be helping some. I probably never should've stopped doing them.

[KitchenWitch]

3. I hope it goes well at the doctor

:hug:

[Critters2]

4. Thanks. I'll let you know.

Have a good night. :hi:

[KitchenWitch]

5. Will do

Sleep well

[ThomCat]

6. Unfortunately, I understand.

You have my empathy and sympathy. I hope you get relief from all that pain. :hug:

I have 2 herniated disks in my lower back, 3 deteriating vertibra in my upper back, and constant muscle tension pulling my spine slowly out of shape. I now curve ever so slightly forward and to the left.

I imagine we have a small army of people with back pain here at DU. as common as back problems are. :(

[Critters2]

7. I have a significant idiopathic scoliosis. Spent 8 years in a Milwaukee brace.

Once I was out of the brace, I rarely had any trouble until the last few months. When you describe "constant muscle tension pulling (your) spine out of shape", well, that's what I'm feeling. And I know my right hip is kind of pulling up. I feel it, and can see it in the mirror, even with clothes on.

Still, I know my problems are nothing compared to yours. I think of you often, Thom, and hope you're doing okay.

Now, I really do need to hit the hay.

[ThomCat]

9. I hope you got a good night of sleep.

and I hope you've got some way of relaxing those muscles. :hug:

I finally got knocked out by the meds. The cramps and spasms have stopped in one leg, and they're a bit less painful in the other, so hopefully this will be a good day later.

Please don't think that your medical issues are "nothing" compared to mine. We all have different health issues, and the impact is relative. They can't be compared and ranked.

and besides, I really don't want to feel like I've won some kind of evil lottery. :P

[ccharles000]

8. ...

:hug:

Sending lots of kisses.

[hobbit709]

10. We'd be fine if it wasn't for gravity

It's all Sir Isaac's fault.

[zanne]

11. I have a neighbor who is 23 years older than I am...

I first met her when I was in my thirties. I am now 56. Ever since I've known her, she's been telling me how much it hurts to get old, and that it will happen to me. Is that really necessary?

[old mark]

12. Please consider a visit to a physical therapist.

I got a routind of exercises to do and it kept me walking upright , at least most of the time, for the last 25 years without surgery or manipulation and only occasional muscle relaxers in the last few weeks.
I had spasms so bad I cold barely sleep for two years. Went to a doc who wanted to cut, but I asked for PT, and did it regularly for 25 years with very few flareups.
Start slow, build muscles in the abdomen to hold the spine firmly.
It helped me and still does at nearly 61.

Good luck.

mark

[Corgigal]

13. My husband was struck by a vehicle

and while he never needed back surgery, the pain from that event has never stopped. He did all the Physical therapy and oral meds for years and while it helped a bit, it never got him to a better quality of life.

Finally , 8 years ago he had surgery for Medtronic Intrathecal Pain Pump. His life has turned around. While you might not be ready for this procedure yet, I wanted you to be aware that it exist. I found another web page of pain pump users if you want to do some research.

http://www.myquadriplegia.com/2007/01/medtronic-intrathecal-pain-pump-for-spasticity/

Good luck with whatever choice you decide. It can be hell on earth.