Anyone else have back pain?

[Webmaster]

Well - the sex/booze methods sounds neat - but I dont think that will work well at 1pm at work when it starts to hurt.

I think chiropractics and acutpuncture as quackery - more or less. I have been to chiropractics and some of them dont know ANYTHING about ANYTHING. They are more like TV psychics who feed you mumbo jumbo. Others are fairly knowledgable, but thats not what will help me. Its not an alignment issue or something getting pinched at this point. My pain is caused by the sciatic nerve being irritated - possibly by scar tissue. I know that strecthing helps me. I know that activity is good for me. So I just joined a gym and I am working at increasing the strength in my leg (its so weak I have trouble going up stairs some times) and increasing my range of motion. This included mainly the use of treadmills and bike machines to get my leg back in motion. While I am there I thought I may as well do some bench and arm curls - wew - I lost ALOT of muscle since high school! I am also going to work on my stomach muscles to help strengthen my back.

I dont want any more surgery. I wish they would medicate me more - as when I dont hurt I am more active and I really think activity is what I need at this point.

Well- wish me luck - I guess time will tell!

[Magadeth]

Good luck! And seriously, ask the guys at your gym about glucosomine. I am sure they will be able to tell you all about it.

[Prezents]

Pain In back

My wife
Prezents

[FaSSt]

Building your stomach muscles to relieve strain from your back is a good idea that will pay off.

I agree with your observation about chirporactors - only a few know what they are doing, and even then they can only be a complement to other remedies.

As far as acupuncture, etc. - I also believe that most of it does not work, but some undeniably does. My fiancee is a vet student, and they do nerve blocks as a routine procedure on many animals, especially livestock. It works, although it is not based on the same semi-sketchy theory as acupuncture. It MAY work for you, again as a complement.

Your best bet is to continue a search for a combination of therapies that works for you. ALWAYS get multiple medical opinions, because doctors vary extremely widely in competence, experience, and general usefulness.

Good luck with your mental and emotional state - it always help if you have that kind of support at home as well as at work, if possible.

BTW, LOL about the sex and booze comment! I bet your employer wants a drunk, horny and grouchy (from the pain) employee at lunch!