lower spine problem....

[Rockter]

It's an old injury in 1990, but the old lower spine is troubling me. Often, when I turn, there is a strange, painless click-like re-arrangement. After even a modest lift, a few hours later, it becomes next-to-immobilising, especially if I lean over very slightly from the vertical.
I have been to a chiro for years, but it does not seem to improve.
Last sail trip, it was threatening everything, and I could barely have gotten home single-handed (I had crew that day).

Where is the future in this? If this worsens much more I will have to stop sailing. This weekend I have to re-mount the worm-gear steering in a confined space. I am dreading it. My fair-weather helper has cried off... he has "other plans".

What can a surgeon do to correct this?

Is it too risky?


Rockter.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by Rockter

It's an old injury in 1990, but the old lower spine is troubling me. Often, when I turn, there is a strange, painless click-like re-arrangement. After even a modest lift, it becomes next-to-immobilising, especially if I lean over very slightly from the vertical.
I have been to a chiro for years, but it does not seem to improve.
Last sail trip, it was threatening everything, and I could barely get home single-handed (I had crew that day).

Where is the future in this/

What can a surgeon do?

Is it too risky?

Does the pain go down your legs? Do you feel sharpness of numbness in your butt or back of your legs. Do your feet and movements feel slow?

The back has a LOT of referred pain, meaning you may feel it one place and it is actually another. However, what you have sounds like a bulging disc. I have a bulge at L5-s1. Dad just has his surgery about a year ago on his.

When it becomes serious enough that you can no longer do your normal duties without being in pain, it is time to get it fixed. THe procedure is pretty state of the art now. Biggest mistake seems to be waiting a long time and staying on pain meds a long time. That makes the recovery take a long time - it seems.

I am not a physician.

- CD

Causes of Sciatica Pain and Sciatica Symptoms with Info On Sciatic Nerve Involvement

[pfatyol]

You should go see a Doctor, he will tell you your options.

See attached web site:

All About Back & Neck Pain

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by pfatyol

You should go see a Doctor, he will tell you your options.

See attached web site:

All About Back & Neck Pain

Yep. A good back doc will probably be able to tell just by looking at an xRAY what kind of shape your back is in. Go to a specialist (surgeon). It could just be a really bad muscle spasm.

- CD

[Stryker72]

I would look for a qualified masseuse. A therapuetic massage technique such as deep tissue or structural integration can really go a long ways in helping release the pressure that is being exerted on your spine.

If you want some more information check out Trigger Point Therapy Workbook; Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief*

If you have any questions or would like some more information let me know.




*I am not associated with this book or the author but I have used this technique for years now and I am a firm believer as I have seen how benefical it can be.

[hellosailor]

Rockter, chiros and docs are like sailors: They come in all kinds of skill ranges.

Best thing you can do is get some referals to a GOOD orthopedist, even if it isn't local and convenient. They'll need xrays or other scans to tell you what they think is the real problem, but "bone on bone" clicking sounds like a disc is gone or other real problem that simple massage and muscle exercises (from a chiro) simply can't compensate for. There are all sorts of new procedures for all sorts of spinal problems, once you get a definite diagnosis you can look into them. And DO look into them, don't just accept that first doc's opinion unless you research it and it seems overwhelming. A second opinion from a second orthopedist is not unreasonable.

[Rockter]

Thanks.

No leg involvement, just a stop-dead stab, left side, lower back. It feels like there is too much freedom in the architecture, like a ligament(s) have been over-stretched. Too much freedom, the I lift something very normal, then about 2 hours later, when I lean forward, even to walk down the companionway.... yeeeaaarrrrggghhhh.

If it is ligaments, can someone somehow restrict the movement? Does it get pinned or something?

This cannot go on folks. I draw the line at last week. By noon, I really could not have handled that ship alone.

Thanks.

Rockter.

[soulesailor]

I second the motion of going to see a massage therapist. An injury as old as 1990 can accumulate on you when uninjured muscles compensate for the injured ones and start doing double duty. There seems to be a direct correlation between using your back muscles and back pain. Your back may be at the point now where it is in a constant state of spasm, the muscles never releasing tension even when you are relaxed. This is where massage can be a great help; it can release the tension and let your muscles turn off, finally. Good luck.

[Freesail99]

Go see a doctor, we really don't know anything here that can help you. This isn't about sailing. Every day you delay is another day of pain. Go to the doctor.

[eryka]

A doc might also have you talk with a good physical therapist. They can give you specialized exercises to strengthen the little muscles that support your back and delay or prevent need for surgery. Worth looking in to. You may be a different case but this worked great for me after a bad fall that left me with bulging disc also.

And best wishes for a quick resolution, whatever you choose.