"What A Drag It Is Growning Old"...Oh My Aching Back!

[Ladskater]

Well we are back in full swing at the bookstore at the College. First week of heavy lifting and my back is "toast" already. I had to go to my chiropractor tonight for a treatment. I don't how I will last the semester. I am thinking of getting a cane at this point. I think I will have to change my occupation soon.

ouch................................

 

[dobiesk8r]

Well ladskter, growing older sure beats the alternative

I hope your back feels better soon. Remember to strengthen those core muscles - good for your skating too.

 

[Grgranny]

I sure feel for you since mine went bad today. I leaned over looking into boxes too long for my treetop angel. I took a mild pain pill and it did nothing so I put on my TENs unit and it sure helps. Have you ever gone to an orthopedic surgeon? That is who prescribed mine. Actually, although it's illegal, every once in a while I see someone is trying to sell one. I (the insurance company) paid around $500 for the first one but I wore it out and got a new one a couple of years ago on the internet for $99. Medicare wouldn't pay for it though. Didn't have Medicare the first time. If you go through you're Dr., you are more likely to get insurance to pay for it. Oh, I forgot, You're in Canada. So, I have no idea how it would go there but here you do have to have a prescription here. Mine has really been a blessing. It sure beats taking pain pills.

 

[Ladskater]

I sure feel for you since mine went bad today. I leaned over looking into boxes too long for my treetop angel. I took a mild pain pill and it did nothing so I put on my TENs unit and it sure helps. Have you ever gone to an orthopedic surgeon? That is who prescribed mine. Actually, although it's illegal, every once in a while I see someone is trying to sell one. I (the insurance company) paid around $500 for the first one but I wore it out and got a new one a couple of years ago on the internet for $99. Medicare wouldn't pay for it though. Didn't have Medicare the first time. If you go through you're Dr., you are more likely to get insurance to pay for it. Oh, I forgot, You're in Canada. So, I have no idea how it would go there but here you do have to have a prescription here. Mine has really been a blessing. It sure beats taking pain pills.

I get my prescriptions etc. paid through my hubby's extended medical through his work. So far, I have only been going to see my chiropractor. However, if it becomes worse, I will see my dr. and perhaps seek more physio. It's a chronic condition.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[gezando]

Ladskater please take care.

I received an electronic digital massager last year, and it did wonders for me in terms of the aching back, and knees. these massagers use micro electronic current to stimulate blood circulation, and use pulses to exercise injured muscles. It cost about $70 - $100. These are units made for home, the very same ones (larger) that physical and rehab therapists use in their offices.
Mine is made by Best Care, but I can not find it on the net. Here is a similar one by Omron, it cost $70 + $23 for the pads.


http://www.healthfitnessstore.com/sport_massager.htm

 

[Grgranny]

The one I have has two cords that you can use one or two. Each one has two pads. They send little electric currents and if you put all four patches on and make sure the red and black ones are opposite of each other, it will cover a larger area. Or you can put it in two different places for different areas. You don't have to use but one set if you want. The way they explain it is that the little currents block the pain before it gets to the brain. They are called stimulators and they use them in the physical therapy places but on a larger scale. My trouble is that I have used them so much that I have to turn them up as high as I can because I have used them so much and my body has become used to it. They didn't tell me you shouldn't just keep them on all the time. Generally just 30 minutes. You can usually set them to run for 30 min to an hour and you can do that off and on all day. The currents never bothered me but I have to be sure what kind of sticky patches I use because there are only a few of them I'm not allergic to. That becomes a problem because you have to make sure there's no rash wherever you stick it. Right now, I have a hard time just putting the dishes away from the dishwasher and forget about picking anything up or bending over.

 

[gezando]

There is an automatic shut off at min #20 with mine. I don't use it everyday. They told me the pads last for life, I shall see. Some of my friens love these aromatherapy packs. I bought the back pack, used it several times, it smells good, it helps a little bit.
http://www.shopping-headquarters.com/cat/Herbal-Packs-0010.asp

 

[RealtorGal]

My aching back doesn't make me feel old, since I started having problems when I was 20--as a result of tearing ligaments in my shoulder. I see a chiropractor about once a month to keep aligned, or more if I am extremely aching from maybe too much driving or computer work (gee, now how could that happen to a Realtor??) I've got one of those vibrating back massagers, the one that you hold in your hand--that works really well. Also, RG Jr. has such powerful hands (probably from swimming so much) and she is kind enough to help Mommy when I really ache. In return, I give her a back massage, too!

A couple of years ago, Mr. RG actually passed out from back pain; it was a very frightening experience that resulted in an ambulance being called. (Oh yeah, we were at a Bat Mitzvah at the time.) All he was doing was brushing his teeth when he felt the horrible pain start (but he insisted on going to the Bat Mitzvah anyway at which his skin began to turn grey); but, as the chiropractor said, that was just the last straw from being so out of alignment. Anyhow, ever since then he has gone to this specialized gym that has a special machine to improve back muscles. It's all done with specialists, and they increase the number of lbs. he lifts little by little. His back muscles are very strong now and he has not had any problems since then.

Also, now he walks A LOT. Every day. He gets up from his chair at work twice a day to walk. Once a month, he goes to the regular chiropractor. I wish I were as diligent as he is about ensuring the health of his back.

 

[Ladskater]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I think my physiotherapist used an electronic
massager on me. It worked. Maybe I will look into this.

RG:

Your husbands' experience sounds horrible. I had a similar experience a few years ago. I could not walk and driving was unbearable. I dragged myself to work anyway.

I need to get into an exercise program. I know that will help. Just have become a real "couch potato" these last few years. No wonder, my back is giving out.

 

[RealtorGal]

Lad, let me add that he swims 3x/week now (12-16 laps) and follows that up with sitting in the jacuzzi. Yes, it was a horrible experience, but he has taken all the right steps to ensure the health of his back. There IS hope with the proper program. That specialized gym (recommended to him by our chiropractor) and the walking are probably the biggest factors in his recovery and improved back strength.

 

[Figureskates]

That's why I figure skate.

I have had much less problems with my back since i started skating 6 years
ago. Also keeps the arthritis limber too.

 

[Grgranny]

Lad, it sounds like they might have been using and ultrasound massager. They can really pull out the soreness. Did they use some kind of lotion? Could you feel it? They have sure helped me.