Bad Backs

[MIGNAL]

Woodworkers occupational hazard? Sometimes I can be laid up for days. Debilitating and frustrating. I haven't resorted to the pain killers yet but I'm becoming tempted. I've done the ergonomic bench height etc. without much success.
I suspect there must be quite a few like myself, especially on a woodwork forum.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

You know the medical fraternity have got a lot better at dealing with problems associated with back pain over the last 20 years. It may be worth a visit because though apparently non-descript to most of us, there is usually a very specific cause and it can sometimes be remedied.

 

[MIGNAL]

Yes. Mine is fine for weeks and then suddenly seems to flare up. Like many males I see a visit to the GP as the last resort. Probably not a good attitude.
I do know a woodworker who went for the Op some 15 years ago. Hasn't worked since. He was doing half days before the operation. Scary stuff!

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

It's pretty scary I know. The reason I chipped in with that was because I have a pal who's been a builder all his life. He had been suffering back pain for ever and some days he literally couldn't stand straight. I nagged him like hell for ages and eventually he went. They did a simple op and his life has been transformed. That op has apparently only become possible in the last decade due to tchnology improvements. So you never know. What have you got to lose by enquiring is my thinking

 

[paul saunders]

I had an OP 13 years ago, they did a decompression, two titanium plates and four screws and topped it off with a bone graft. It was 6 months before I was any thing like, after a year I was as good as new (nearly) now I would say I'm 99% better 95% of the time. I have lost some movement as the op was on my lower spine (L5-S1 I think) but I'm glad I had it done because some days I could hardly walk.

Sent from my AN10BG3 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

That's nice to hear Paul

I'm convinced that us blokes are basically rubbish at admitting there's anything wrong. Going to the quack is always a last resort! Sometimes though that stereotype is worth overcoming

 

[Baldhead]

See your doctor now, I persevered with lower back pain for far to long, now I'm retired (ill health) and taking between 24 and 27 tablets per day, going to 'pain management' and on my worst days I get as far as the settee. By the way I'm 53 years old been finished work for 3 years.

50 years old and on the scrap heap.

BH

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Nothing wrong with your brain old son

 

[doorframe]

Like many males I see a visit to the GP as the last resort.!

I quite like the Formula 1 at the weekend.

My back went as I turned 30, 18yrs ago. My long term remedy has been a hot (very hot) bath every night (it's running at the mo). It's bearable as long as I'm active. Standing still at a workbench would be hell if more than about 30mins. Worst though by a mile is window shopping with SWMBO. Puts me in chronic pain.

Sincere sympathy to all with bad backs.

 

[fluffflinger]

I've had a bad back since I was about 20 (33years). Sometimes it grumbles for a few days, sometimes a week or two or at it's worst for months. Tried mainstream medicine twice. Most recently after having to call the paramedics to get me out of bed as back went into spasm so badly I literally couldn't move, all I got was a self referral form for physio, sent form off three weeks ago heard nothing. Last time I tried this they wrote to me after 18 months asking if I still needed treatment.

I swear blind by my osteopath who uses a combination of osteopathy and acupuncture but sadly I now live 100 miles from his practice.

I can't even get to see a doctor about it let alone a consultant, which after my last episode I really feel I require. Spoke to quack on the phone and he made me an appointment with the practice nurse (who grumpily told me she couldn't refer me) and duly gave me the self referral form.

I despair of the humble GP these days. No booked appointments, you call at 8am and take same day pot luck, with my work schedule it means I just soldier on. Sorry rant over.

Huge sympathy with anybody who suffer with a bad back at any level, miserable and debilitating.

 

[merlin]

Osteopathy is defiantly worth a try, I go 3 times a year and more if I need it.

Merlin

 

[Jacob]

These exercises are good and don't take long http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/LB00001_D
I gather they are well known and widely recommended. Seem to work for me. More here. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/DS00171

I've had to do a lot of this sort of stuff since I did my leg in 18 months ago. Not just the leg recovering but getting strength back after being out of it.

 

[Ring]

I am the same with my back been off work for 6 months now tried physio, ortho,s acupuncture, and all the pain killers on the market totaly soul destroying at 51 years old, I am going to Edinburgh next month to get injections into my spine if that fails I am on the scrap heap as well, being an ambulance driver for 22 years has just knackered my back up and if I cant return to full duties ie lifting people up stairs etc then no job I have been told....happy days :evil: :evil: :evil:

 

[jpt]

Before I post this I must say I have no connection to the company or any of the sellers of this product.

When I was about 17 I hurt my back in a friendly game of rugby, that was 43 years ago, and up to 4 years ago I had almost constant pain despite injections, physio, osteopaths etc. Most provided short term relief but nothing more than a few days, it was one of those injuries that don't show up on xrays and scans so I just had to put up with it.

Over the years I tried a number of back massage pads but none worked very well, then about 4 years ago I was at a show and opposite my stand was a lady selling these http://www.casada.co.uk/massage/massage ... d-iii.html She had several set up for people to try and I did several times over the weekend and at the end of the show my back was better than before the weekend, normally I am in agony by the end of a show, so I brought one.

I used it once or twice a day for about 3 months and my back was noticeable better, after that I was only using it once a day, unless my back was bad. After about 6 months I was virtually pain free and off of the pain killers and now I only use it when I get a twinge in my back which isnt very often.

I am not saying that this will work for everyone but in my opinion it is a very good product and I wish I had found it sooner. Yes at £600 it is expensive but if you add up the money you pay to phsios etc and pain killers it soon pays for itself.

john

 

[Lons]

I had a laminectomy 27 years ago following several years of serious back and leg pain and though it was major surgery and risks involved It quickly restored full mobility.
It wasn't a "full" cure as discomfort and pain is always there but it's manageable and the alternative was unthinkable at the time so it worked for me.
I use voltarol gel for normal relief and bought a T.E.N.S. unit which is effective when I get severe pain

I had ignored the issue for a long time until Iwas left with little choice but ti visit the doc and had the same referal problem so had to go private to sort it out quickly (I was in BUPA). Amazing how soon you can make things happen whenthey are issuing an invoice for it! :roll:

Bob

 

[RogerS]

I know a good physio :wink:

 

[Mark Hancock]

Look up the Robin McKenzie back exercises. He developed them in the 1960's and are what many of the present day exercises are based on and are about strengthening the lower back. They have definitely reduced the problems I've had with my back over the years.

 

[gasman]

Interesting how many of us have the same problem
I had a bad back for years but put it down to the marines training etc etc. I used to run marathons and triathlons until I was 42. Aged 48 I had a degenerative scoliosis diagnosed (curve to the side) and have stopped all running and cycling now. I swim every day, take NSAIDs at night, do pilates / stretching regularly and just about manage with the odd exacerbation from time to time. Sobering stuff age 50 with a life expectancy of 30+ years.
Cheers
Mark

 

[xy mosian]

Hi,
Twenty odd years ago I suffered a prolapsed disc. I was admitted to hospital with no, no, sensation or control below T8, think at the lower end of the ribs. Fortunately the brilliant NHS operated and gradually got me to the stage of moving around vertically, with a stick, although there are other problems which will not be 'fixed'. My 'walking' is stuttering and I occasionally trip over match sticks.
My difficuly in getting around tends to mean that I spend too much time sitting, often in front of the computer for far too long, Patagonian Nose flutes are so interesting you know. Then I get back pain, although luckily woodwork does not seem to bother me too much, other than aching legs.
Someone suggested a Bambach Stool " The Bambach Saddle Seat http://www.bambach.co.uk/ ". Now I looked at one and being a woodworker decided to make an imitation. The effect was brilliant , not instant, but noticeably less back pain. More to the point using the stool when my back was bad eased the situation. Sadly I could not easily get on the thing, I cannot lift my leg high enough either from the front ot the back. Enter the Wave Seat " The Wave Seat Company http://www.posture-chair.co.uk/ " fortunately their site suggests a method of producing a home mock up. Yeah! it works.
Of course then I had some research to do and I came across the work of A.C. Mandal " Balanced Beating Posture on Forward Sloping Seat http://www.acmandal.com/ ". His paper, to me, points to the need to open the spine/thigh joint in order to put the spine in a more restful position. It works. Whereas I used to slouch over the desk using the PC, getting back pain and stiffness, I now use a tilted seat stool, home made, to beneficial effect. Although it took a little while to get used to my posture has improved, my prolonged PC/Desk use is not painful and my whole mental attitude is more alert.
I have no comercial interest with any of the parties mentioned, and no medical training.
HTH, xy

 

[markturner]

Oh yes, me too.......had problems for the last 15 years, although I am told, its all posture and muscle related, not a disc issue. I had an MRI at my insistence after several years of problems, but it found nothing.

Mine has gone from periods of 3 or 4 days of severe pain and virtual immobility , interspersed with months of no problem, to a continual background lower back pain, inability to lean forward and pick anything up, and interrupted sleep every night as I wake myself up every time I turn over. I also have difficulty getting up off the sofa........Pretty crap really....

I have painkillers, but don't like to use them, I find swimming helps, and have been several times to the osteopaths, but nothing seems to sort it out completely. Also exercise is good, but you have to be careful. I keep meaning to try pilates, and I really should do more stretching etc, but like everything else, its finding the time .......

Re the woodworking, I have made my bench very high, that really helps and I just have to be careful, doing squats everytime I need to bend down instead of bending at the waist etc.....

Certainly it really frustrates me and is the bane of my life........I sympathise with you all.