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I was in such lower back pain that I couldn't be on my feet for more than an hour before I had to sit or lie down. I was taking the maximum doses of naproxen sodium and ibuprofen on alternate days. had X-rays and CAT scans done. The surgeon said try physical therapy before doing anything else.

I admit i was skeptical. I didn't know what Physical Therapy was. I thought you went there and they performed some kind of therapy on you and you felt better - kind of like chiropractic.

But they poked around and asked where it hurt etc. I went twice a week, and they showed me some stretches and exercises to do and taught me how the muscles that support my back work. The exercises got more difficult as the sessions wore on. I was supposed to go through the exercise routine twice a day, and worked at it about 30 minutes every morning, some evenings I was just too tired to do it.

Five weeks in and they kicked me out. Said they can't do any more for me. I can stand all day and walk on uneven surfaces pretty well and haven't taken a pain pill of any kind for two weeks.
I feel like I've been given my life back. I told them so on "graduation day" and actually got kind of weepy about it - they did too. I am so fkin' grateful to Cheryl and Scott. It feels like a miracle, and it's all from just learning how to hold my body and strengthening a few muscles.
I have my life back!