Five weeks of Physical Therapy - Yayyy!

[wdfifteen]

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!

[SiberianDVM]

I'm glad for you.

Didn't help me much, but to be expected with 5 herniated discs. Surgery has helped, but things keep breaking down, and I need some more.

[Schrup]

I did the same about a year ago. First thing they did was give me a Si-Loc to wear. I was skeptical, but I got almost immediate relief. I did all the stretches & exercise stuff to strengthen my core. I still do planks when it get's to hurting & wear the belt occasionally if I'm sitting for a while.

[cabmandone]

Told ya PT was a great thing! Been living with 3 herniated discs in my lower back for 3 years now. Something I don't do but I should is keeping up with my stretching and core exercises. Keep that mushy middle from getting mushy and you don't have back pain.

Glad you're feeling better!!

[masraum]

Wow, that's really spectacular.

Most folks don't stay in shape. We all need to keep our muscles strong and also keep our mobility/flexibility. Many/most folks don't maintain all of that stuff. The good news is that for you it wasn't too late and you were able to reverse your situation.

[KFC911]

That is simply awesome Patrick! I don't have anything particularly ailing me.....but kinda want some PT anyways...just because

[Tobra]

You need to start doing yoga or pilates, something to maintain your core strength. The program they gave you at PT is something you need to continue, forever.

[john70t]

Get one of these NOW:


I once had the heavy Thumper brand ($100 a few decades ago). It worked well until I lent it out.
I now have the lightweight HoMedics brand ($30 Costco i think) .

Keep it by the bedside.
On those rare mornings (when you cant even move) use it for ten minutes all over.
The new pain is good.

Thank me later.

[hcoles]

I went through a similar thing. PT worked. I should do better on keeping up on the exercises.

[HardDrive]

PT works wonders. 2 blown disks in my back, injured shoulder that goes frozen if I don't work it.

I'm thankful we live in a time when this is an option instead of living in pain or on dope.

In a more general sense...as you get older....keep moving.

[Tobra]

Older vehicles tend to need more maintenance, just the way it is.

[DonDavis]

That’s awesome! Nice work, that PT is no joke.

I ruptured L5S1, and L4 was bulging. No way I wanted surgery so PT it was.

This was in 2004, so the frequency I went is a little blurry. At first it was prob 3x a week, then it dialed back pretty quickly. I was doing much, much more on my own at home or wherever I was. I recovered completely and have full motion and strength now.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Told ya PT was a great thing!

And you were right! I was in the barn doing some wiring today, up and down ladders, thinking about the task at hand and not my posture. I can feel it in my back tonight (that's why I'm still up at 11 PM) . I was no doubt falling into old, lazy habits of standing and walking.

[cabmandone]

As you strengthen your core muscles, you won't have to pay as much attention to posture... but you still should. I used a dowel rod that I held at the base of my neck and extended down to my pelvis and practiced keeping my back straight when bending over. This forced me to bend at the waist rather than curving the spine. If I need to pick something up off the floor, I bend at the knees keeping my back straight. Don't spend much time bent by curving your spine or you'll definitely feel it. The good news is, a bit of stretching will get you back to normal. I've found that stretching my hamstrings and piriformis keeps the pain away and when I start feeling lower back pain, stretching the hamstring and piriformis makes the pain go away.

[gomezoneill]

I had the same issues + foot would go numb. Had minimally invasive surgery 2 years ago now no pain or numbness. Check it out on u tube.

[Rinty]

Core conditioning is a huge deal.