Carman back at PBS

[SunsetBengal]

(04-25-2023, 01:40 PM)Wyche Wrote: Same here. There have been days I've had to crawl to the bathroom. That shit ain't no joke.

(04-25-2023, 03:15 PM)Sled21 Wrote: I have had disk herniations at C3/4, C6/7, L 5 and another one in mid back that I don't recall the number T something. I also have to compression fractures, at T-10 and L-4. I've lost over 1.5 inches in height with the fractures. And those are just what I know of, I'll be getting another MRI later this year to see what else has gone south on me.

(04-25-2023, 04:27 PM)Memphis_Bengal Wrote: I do not have sciatica pain like shooting down either leg as I have seen people describe but back extention is pretty painful and I can not do anything active like golf, run, lift weights or pretty much any activity. Insurance forced me to weight 6 weeks from first treatment and two weeks of useless PT that only made it hurt worse. I am hoping for a minimally invasive surgical option that can get me back to normal or mostly normal. What was your first surgery and level of relief and activity you gained?

Well guys, add me to the bad back club, as well.  I suffered two severve herniations at the same time in my early 30s.  The discs between L4/5 and L5/S1, I was a Semi-Pro football player back at that time.  Doctor advised me to not have surgery, as spinal fusion was the only option at that time (2002).  Doc did advise me to rest, rehab, and then keep my body as strong as possible, and at best I'd be about 90% of what I could have been.

I took his advice to heart.  I never was able to resume playing football, as the impact from the collisions was just too much.  I also had to give up pick-up basketball, as the shock from landing had the same effect as the collisions on the field.  I did eventually make it back out waterskiing, but only on calm water for runs of much shorter duration that before the injury.  I have always stayed dedicated to strength training, and eventually began competing in amature Strongman, in fact I host competitions and still do compete in the Masters 50+ division (when my body cooperates).

I guess what I'm trying to say is that having a debilitating back issue isn't the end of the road.  You can still have a quality life that includes physical activities, just maybe not the ones you originally had planned.  Good luck with your treatments and rehabs.  If you ever need any advice, encouragement or training tips, feel free to hit me up via PM.