Lower Back Pain(LBP) is a complicated condition.

The "bulged disc" scapegoat blame all is such a joke.

The disc is easy to see on MRI/CT/ x-ray disc space.

What you don't see is all of the other stuff.

If you had a disc injury 2+ years ago, it is no longer the disc.

The disc started the problem, due to faulty biomechanics, but it certainly IS NOT the primary cause years later.

Think about it:

Take your biceps.
bend your elbow up then tape it in a full flexed position for three days.

what happens when you try to straighten your elbow?

It would be very stiff.

Now leave the elbow bent for 2-3-4+ years.

No longer are you dealing with biceps muscle.

You now have a compromised,anemic,
scar tissue infiltrated,yucky mess!!

What do you think happens to all of those TINY ligaments and muscles located in your spine??

The majority of the low back muscles are SMALL not large.

The intrinsic spinal muscles STABILIZE the spine they DO NOT MOVE the spine.

(Dissect a chicken back-bone sometime)

How many Low Back surgeries do think are done in the Amazon Rainforest??

Don't the natives walk on 2-legs?

Why don't they have surgery?

Because they rest the back for a short period of time then they.....MOVE!!

Stretch, traction(the Back Bubble) pool work,
soft-sand walking, light weights.

Rehab sucks.

It is soooo, so slow.

It cannot be completed in 12 PT treatments (2X/week for 6 weeks)

"You must be better...your insurance ran out!!"

watch this:
Jan 1 2007 you hurt your back
Jan 15 you go to the Dr with LBP = RX of Motrin
Jan 17 x-rays taken
Jan 30 MRI
Feb 25 return to the PCP = Vicodin /Motrin
Mar 15 sent to Physical Therapy
Mar 25 eval and appts set 2x/week for 6 weeks
May 25 Return to PCP,PT no good,= Rx, refer
Jul 15 Neurologist refer to PAIN MANAGEMENT
Sep 15 Pain management specialist
etc.
etc.
etc.

I think you get my point.
After 9.5 months and no REAL Treatment.

1 year later you are in the:
"Pain Management Wastebasket"

PT = 1 hour session 2X per week = 2 hours/week

24 hours/ day X 7 days = 168 hours /week
less 56 hours for sleep
less 40 hours for work
less 10 hours commute = 62 hours for REHAB

Q:
How many of you are doing 20-30 hours of rehab per week????

A:
NONE

I highly recommend pool work, walking and light exercise, and the Back Bubble(www.backpainrelief.com)

Your spine is a lifelong event.
I am on 26 years of DAILY low back exercise.

I don't like the alternatives

If MRI's are so revealing, then why do 60% of the MRI's show disc distortions but NO LBP!!

Talk to a radiologist sometime.
Take a radiologist to lunch.
(Be prepared to have "jaw drop")

I did.

That's where I learned a lot of this BS that patients are being fed..

What to do?

DO NOT be such a WHIMP.
Get MAD.
Suck it up
Get a 1:1 trainer

spend 20-30 HOURS per week on your spinal condition for 12 MONTHS...then do surgery if you still need it.



try a GooGle search:
Association between peri-dural scar and recurrent radicular pain after lumbar discectomy......

Normal MRI and bulged discs.......

Ok, now I have taken a pro-active approach to this pain thing. I've had back and neck problems on and off since the 80's . Other than shots, surgery, heating pads, and pills, I have made some changes in my furniture over the years that help with my problems. I think these changes have helped. Here's what I have done. I replaced my kitchen table with a pub table and high backed bar stools instead of regular kitchen chairs. The added height really helps when I sit. I bought a dresser bed with 2 rows of drawers, and my mattress is up much higher than a normal bed, I purchased a recliner couch, so I can sleep in it when my CHF and back acts up. I also have elevated my computer much higher and sit on a bar stool to work at it, rather than a regular chair. I also bought a hot tub, years ago, and get in it daily when I'm having problems. Also, my husband, built a ramp for me to walk up, so when I can't go up the stairs I can go up the ramp. These things may not seem important however, they have really helped me. Sometimes, you've just got to find ways to make things easier for yourself.

I would suggest Acupuncture. It has helped with my scoliosis and chronic shoulder pain. I have taken less oxycodone in the past month than in the past year and a half.