I'm 40 now, and my L5S1 was 'slipped' or herniated back when I was 25. I was working as a cook, and put a stack of large baking sheets on the bottom rack of a shelf, then the next minute my breath is gone and I cannot move.
One week of non-movement. Seemed OK, but then less than a year later it went again, and has not been the same since. My feet tingle all the time, and it always feel like it will go again. I can exercise etc..but I have limits. I had two bad flare-ups since then...one was bad that it took my 45 minutes to get from my car to the massage therapist where it was a 10 stroll at best.
I bought a tempurpedic bed, that has helped with stability - not pain free at all - but no flare up. My last real flare up happened in 2006 when I went to hop up on the corner of a counter...when I got down to walk...I couldn't. Not one painkiller perscription worked....would sleep for 2-3 hours a night crouched in some kinda upright fetal position.
As far as playing goes, we're original, so we are a one set stop. My T-birds aren't heavy to me, but the new Gibson Comfort strap has been great. I also use MarkBass gear because it's light, and sounds great to boot. I can carry the 104HF front ported cab on my own - provided I use caution.
But everyday there's pain, and they won't operate saying it may make things worse.
