L4-L5 herniated disc - Back Pain Update #8
Well it’s been a long time between posts.
The progress has been slow, but at least there has been positive progress.
I think I mentioned earlier that life is managable, but still a pain in the ass (literally).
I’m still going to traction (flexion distraction) but only 2 days a week.
Physio and the massage has stopped as they believe they’ve done all they can. The massages were nice while they lasted 
The latest thing I’m trying which seems to be working is Pilates.
I think the secret here is to have a tailored program where the specialist is in contact with the pilates instructor… in my case I’ve got a pilates instructor who only works with disc injury patients, so she knows to never put a patient into any postion regarded as ‘extension’… basically extension is achieved when you arch backwards… so an example would be standing up and leaning (arching) backwards…. basically this just pinchs the nerve and creates more problems.
Over the weekend I managed to do some gardening, 3 or 4 hours worth, and I’m paying the price at the moment, but it’s not how you’d expect…. my left leg is killing me, but not from referred nerve pain, basically it’s muscular.. it’s the most ‘exercise’ I’ve had in about 4 or 5 months.
In a previous post I said I was quitting the smokes… that hasn’t really gone to plan, but it is reduced consumption with a view to going to zero.
I’ve recently been asked if I’d be interested in going to the US for work for a 7 - 8 month stint, however I do have some concerns with my back… it’ll be interesting to see how that one pans out.
Back to my back, I’ve stopped icing regularly however I can’t knock the anti-inflammatories..
I’ve tried getting off of them slowly but generally huge amounts of pain come back, again it’s a see how it goes, and monitor the blood pressure.. apparently they can screw up your blood pressure if taken for long periods… I tihnk I’ve been on them solid for about 3 months now.
The walking cane has almost gone, but I have to drag it out every now and then..
That’s it for now.
Cheers.
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