Doggone back problem

Pilgrim · November 14, 2010, 02:23:46 PM

About 3 weeks ago after playing a short gig I started having pains in my left lower back. It has gotten worse, to the point where I can barely stand up - it takes me 2-3 minutes to loosen up enough to stand straight. Now the doc has diagnosed a pulled muscle and I'm sitting in a chair with a pain pill and muscle relaxant.

I can't understand how people get hooked on this stuff. I don't mind being relaxed, but I really don't like feeling that I'm not able to be as alert and in control as I should be. As far as I'm concerned, this feeling is only good for sleeping.

Can't wait until I get this healed up and get OFF this dang stuff!

patman · November 14, 2010, 04:07:51 PM

I have this problem when I get a little bit of a gut...it's like it pulls everything out of line...I lose the weight and it goes away...YMMV

nofi · November 14, 2010, 07:29:53 PM

if you had chronic back pain after two surgeries like my wife, or a cancer survivor like me with assorted arthritic issues these pills will make your life liveable. getting old ain't for sissies.

Pilgrim · November 14, 2010, 07:46:37 PM

Quote from: nofi on November 14, 2010, 07:29:53 PM
if you had chronic back pain after two surgeries like my wife, or a cancer survivor like me with assorted arthritic issues these pills will make your life liveable. getting old ain't for sissies.

Amen, brother! Well put.

Lightyear · November 14, 2010, 08:09:58 PM

Don't forget the Biofreeze and the heating pad. Not that I've ever found myself crippled with a bad back

Pilgrim · November 14, 2010, 09:37:15 PM

Doc recommended ice to minimize swelling - got ice bag tucked into place.

Will try to really take it easy. I have a practice tomorrow - will take lightest bass and be hyper-careful moving smallest amp. That Genz-Benz Shuttle 6 docked on a 12T speaker is handy - and only 36 pounds.

dadagoboi · November 15, 2010, 08:03:36 AM

I've had back pain my entire skinny life. Go easy on the pills if you can take the discomfort, they do NOTHING to aid recovery. Moving as much as possible as soon as possible within reason has worked best for me. If you've never had any serious back pain until this late in the game consider yourself lucky. I know that doesn't make it hurt any less. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

luve2fli · November 15, 2010, 08:17:52 AM

I feel your pain, literally. Long-time sufferer here but got it fully under control now. Word of advice - take your time in healing up and go easy moving gear or anything heavy for that matter. You don't want to reinjure yourself.

ramone57 · November 15, 2010, 09:14:47 AM

stretching and exercises can be helpful keeping flare ups at bay. sucks if it's a chronic problem but it doesn't sound that way it your case. feel better soon!

eb2 · November 15, 2010, 10:01:03 AM

Chiropractor. I have had low back problems for years. They will flare up every so often, as is the nature of the beast. I go to the chiropractor, and am good to go.

Highlander · November 15, 2010, 10:56:11 AM

I used to go to a chiropractor on a regular basis but the damage is done - all it does for me is put it back in place until it settles back into where it's been (in the case of my fractured neck) for 40 years... definitely an alternative for something "new" though... and I still go to eliminate a trap... I have several "issues" to contend with...

Al's problem is musculature which is a lot more dodgy... I have a damaged left shoulder and that's taking (not taken) months, but there a number of people I know a darn site worse off than me...

Permanant ongoing pain is that nightmare we can only hope to avoid...

Take it easy, Al, and get someone to do some shifting for you...

dadagoboi · November 15, 2010, 11:31:20 AM

Ditto on the muscle pain, it takes longer and longer for a pull or strain to go away and as it fades another seems to take its place somewhere else.

Rhythm N. Bliss · November 16, 2010, 12:23:48 AM

Getting old SUCKS! ...but we're getting BETTER in some ways.

Take It Easy!

drbassman · November 16, 2010, 06:10:16 AM

Oh man, I hate back pain! I only have had it a few times and I have to admit, my local Chiropractor made it better! I never believed in them until I went to one. I think they are good for these particular issues as long as they aren't too medically advanced.

Get better soon!

Pilgrim · November 16, 2010, 10:02:07 AM

Thanks, gents. So far the meds have helped a lot, and I'm being very careful about how I move and what I lift. I believe I'm seeing slight improvement, but I can tell it's going to take time.

I've never bought the wacky claims some chirporactors make about curing colds, etc., but when your back or neck are out of whack, I think they have a legitimate role to play. I'll probably see one in the near future.