Keep on rockin' (with a bad back)

[Blackbird]

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.

[rexdiablo]

I race bicycles, rather poorly. I've crashed and broken my C4, T5, T6, T7, and L3.  T5 & T7 twice. Used to compete on skateboards, broken my extremities a bunch then, too. I've been real lucky though, so long as I stay active and don't let my musculature go to hell I can avoid surgery.

[Highlander]

... so long as I stay active and don't let my musculature go to hell ...

... 'cos payback's a b*tch ...