I've always had a horror of becoming one of those old men with a bent back and walking stick; it always looks so undignified.
One doesn't like to complain, but I fear I may now be heading that way. Bad backs (like bad knees) are notoriously difficult to mend, and there's little point consulting a doc'. You take a painkiller (if you can be bothered), and hope for the best.
I'm pretty sure that my problem was self-inflicted through bravado. If you are known for having played Rugby, and Rowing 8's, you can never be seen to be weak; and you end-up doing silly things. I was always lifting weights well above the 'elf-n-safety' regs.
So, now it's payback time, and I have permanent pain in my lower back. No doubt certain vertebrae are rubbing together and causing jip. I have the beginnings of a 'stoop', simply because to stand up straight is far too painful.
Living out in The Styx, most of what I do involves heavy physical work, which doesn't help matters. Carrying any reasonable weight is pain inducing. Recently, I've not even looked forward to my morning walks with Billy; something unimaginable only a few months ago.
Occasionally a push button, couch-potato world seems quite inviting; but I ain't giving-up just yet.
Having said all that, I've recently had a short period of slightly painless days. I wish I knew how the change from pain to no pain occurs; if it's a matter of avoiding certain movements, I'd love to know!
Perhaps getting it checked would be a good idea. You are not even 3/4 way to a century yet.
ReplyDeleteTry telling my back that!!
DeleteHaving suffered back pain since I was a teenager, I made good use of the chiropractor for many years, but even that stopped working. I have osteoarthritis in my lower back, and several years ago decided to go to a pilates class. It has made a huge difference in the amount of pain (I only take painkillers once in awhile now), and my posture is much better. I also recommend the M.E.L.T. method of using a large foam roller to work out the kinks in the back. It has been life changing. I am in my 60's and this is the best that is has been in many decades.
ReplyDeleteBarb
The only thing I find that temporarily relieves pain, is stretching my back by touching my toes etc. It certainly helps for a short while, but the pain always comes back.
DeleteMy builder recently went to a chiropractor and has been having heat treatment with hot needles for his lower back problem caused through years of lifting too much. Says it is helping and back is much better.
ReplyDeleteI am following certain recommended exercises, and they do help, but basically back trouble is incurable, and it's a matter of living with it as best one can.
DeleteYes, he is aware of that but some help does help!
DeleteLower back pain is often weak muscles..in the front! Hip flexors need stretching..and core needs strengthening.
ReplyDeleteGet physio help..often a sports physio, even if you are not sporty, can sort things better as they deal with people who want to move..as I'm sure you do!
All the best with sorting this...and keep moving!
I agree 100% about keeping moving. I still have a lot to do every day, to keep things going. I am following some physio exercises, and think they are probably responsible for my current lack of nasty pain.
DeleteThe first time I went to a physio when my back seized up I was amazed at the difference the exercises made - it's keeping doing them regularly that is my problem.
ReplyDeleteExercise is certainly a temporary answer, but it doesn't solve the basic problem. I need a back transplant.
DeleteI don't know if this is an answer that can help, but my way is to simply ignore the pain until it passes.
ReplyDeleteThat's mostly my answer too. Suffer in silence.
DeleteI have lived with a painful condition for over 20 years, so feel qualified to comment on this. Don't be too resistant to pain relief. If painkillers help you to stand up straight, then your muscles will keep stronger for longer. Distraction often helps, but waiting for it to go away doesn't, so work out ways of doing things without making yourself worse. Watch your posture when sitting down - is your comfy chair supportive enough? Do you sit in a draught? Are you allowing your back to get cold when you are asleep?
ReplyDeleteLearning what you now can and cannot do is quite an art!
I'm taking note of things that help; often tiny little things. Ensuring correct posture when sitting seems to help, as do my stretching exercises. I'll get there!
DeleteI am sorry to hear this Cro. Back pain can become quite debilitating.
ReplyDeleteWhen I suffered from a slipped disc many years ago I found it impossible to do most normal everyday actions. The strong painkillers and anti inflammatory pills then messed up my digestive system. A sports physio and gentle exercises seemed to do the trick eventually.
I hope you can find a resolution soon as it is certainly no fun having chronic back pain.
The first week of this year was very bad for some reason; I was actually in permanent pain. That seems to have subsided now, and I can live with my present discomfort.
DeleteMaybe you are overdoing it Cro. We all have to realise that we can’t do quite as much as we used to ...... that is just a by product of old age but, it’s hard to admit it !!! Try taking it a little easier .... it’s not a sign of failure, just a sign that we are getting on a bit !!! XXXX
ReplyDeleteI fear you're right. I like to think I'm still 21, but my body knows otherwise.
DeleteSorry I can't offer any remedies, only say poor you. Though a chiropractor did help years ago by releasing a lot of the tight muscles in my back.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sympathy anyway; I appreciate it.
DeleteWhen I retired last year I decided I "wasn't going to go downhill" just because I retired. I now take 2 yoga classes a week and 1 pilates class (new to me). And the pilates class has really strengthened my lower back. One time I was debating whether to go when I passed on older lady all bent over with 2 walking sticks heading down to the market. Changed my mind pretty sharp about skipping the pilates class. I know now all back pain can be cured by exercise as there are many causes, but it certainly works for me. I hope you can find pain relief soon.
ReplyDeleteI know "NOT" all back pain can be cured
DeleteMy pain comes and goes. When I wrote the above it had been particularly bad for about a week. It's now much better (less bad) than it was.
DeleteOsteoarthritis in my lower back - S.I. joint pain - I take naproxen daily (but only one each day - it's an anti-inflammatory), physiotherapy stretches and strengthening exercises were the best (although tried acupuncture, "cupping", and ultrasound). Something as simple as lying on my back and pulling my knees toward my chest (hold in place with my hands) and then alternate each leg so you are doing that one at a time, a few times a day is very helpful. Hold for a count of 15 to 20 for a decent stretch. Take care - back pain is a pain! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteThat exercise on your back sounds similar to what I do on my feet; squatting down to pull my knees up to my chest, touching my toes, etc. It certainly helps temporarily.
DeleteI join all those who say exercise helps. When I originally hurt my back years ago and herniated a disc, I chose Physical Therapy over an operation. I continue to have back pain over the years, and the PT takes it away.
ReplyDeleteYes,I think we're all in agreement, the right exercises are the best solution. It's just a matter of finding the right ones for your particular complaint.
DeleteWould some gentle yoga perhaps help? I cannot do regular yoga poses but have found "chair yoga" which is geared towards those with disabilities or who are a bit more elderly. Its a good workout but done comfortably and safely and the stretches really do seem to help. Since there may not be classes available near you there are classes available online. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteWe tend to make fun of that type of exercise. We're both still pretty active, and think we'll reserve those for when we can no longer do our daily pole vaulting, marathon running, and wrestling.
DeleteCheck out Bob and Brad (bobandbrad.com). They have some good tips for exercises and pain relief.
ReplyDeleteThey look serious enough. I'll have a look at their exercises later. Thanks.
DeleteI could have written this Cro. I already have a crouch and there is no way I can avoid it asmy ankle is too painful. At 87 I have to put up with it and I am aware that if I miss a days walking (however painful it may be to walk) it is harder the next day. It is called getting old Cro.
ReplyDeleteOld age is a menace, especially when you feel 21.
DeleteThis may sound strange, but I've found the height and tightness of my trouser belt can be a factor. I've had a few periods of hobbling about with lower back pain in recent years, and it can take 6 months to recover, but I've found that gentle exercises and having a comfortable belt that doesn't strain in the wrong place helps enormously.
ReplyDeleteFunnily, I always release my belt when I'm at home. It is tightened for decency reasons only when in company.
DeleteI'm 74 and just recently had my back seize up - twice in the last few months. This last time it took 2 weeks before I could walk without spasms and pain. NOW I really sympathize with those who have back pain. So debilitating. An x-ray and an MRI showed only spinal arthritis (thank goodness), but I too don't know what I did to cause this. If I did, you can be sure I'd never do it again.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I'm on daily exercise (most done flat on my back), and Tylenol when necessary. I was on muscle relaxants and oxycodone during the episode. Don't want those again!
And I too have begun to realize that I can't do all that I used to do. My mind says I can, but the body complains. All I can say is enjoy the painless days...
Not pleasant is it! We must look after ourselves, and not do anything silly (to impress the grandchildren etc). Painless life is precious.
DeleteMy only suggestion is to not stay still for very long, that is always keep changing your position. It is a bit hard to do when sleeping, but I know how stiff my back becomes if I sleep very soundly.
ReplyDeleteBedroom exercises? I'll bear that in mind!
DeleteWe are all just getting old xx
ReplyDeleteDear Cro, I don't know you,but I love to "read" your Adventures in SFrance!Best Cure for "Back Pain"? Stretch! Real good, for 5 minutes before getting out of Bed! While your body is "warm & relaxed"!Just like the Cats do!!!! I'm 68. And with NO PAIN! But at 35, I was walking with a Cane. With 5 hernias! Animals sure can "teach" us good lessons!Today?? I have NO hernias and no pain! I can even ride a bike! Try it!
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