Question for the back pain sufferers?

rtslinger · #1 12-02-2011, 11:46 AM

Hello People, I have not posted a new thread in a while Mod move it if it is in the wrong place please.

Here we go, I injured my back a while ago (2 years) and suffer daily lower back pain
“Sciatica”. My question is, are any of you using a inversion table for relief and if so how has it helped you? I have been looking at the Teeter Hang up as a choice.

Thanks regards,
Rob

viper4000 · #2 12-02-2011, 11:59 AM

I have been fighting lower back issues for over 10 years. Mine is caused by 3 bulging disks in the lumbar region. Bad sciatica in my left leg for the first 3 years. Inversion tables, for my recovery, did not work very well. As soon as I would flip back over, the disks would re-compress, and I would be in the exact same condition as I was before inverting.

My ultimate relief came from stretching on a daily basis, many times a day. This allowed for the muscles in my back and legs to finally work together rather than fight each other resulting in spasms. I still have episodes, but all in all I live a pain free life. I do continue to go to a chiropractor to stay on top of stretches and work place tricks to stay healthy. Of course the occasional adjustment does feel good.

One thing my chiropractor is using now is a special table that stretches the spine out. You lay on a table and a large strap is placed on your torso, and another placed on your hips and the tables "pulls you apart". This is the same science behind the inversion therapy, however, you do not feel your spine spring back into place when you get back up. Of course, I don't get that therapy every visit, because the stretching I do daily allows my body maintain proper alignment without it.

Good luck, living with this is not easy.

rtslinger · #3 12-02-2011, 01:44 PM

Thanks Viper I did the same one you did at the Chiropractor but it only work for a little while. I injured my back when I fell off a 70' high embankment and landed left hip on a large rock. both of my legs locked up when I hit and was unable to straight them out so you know I was freaked. I with the help of my two young kids was able to get back up and seek help. Xrays showed pushed my L4 inwards towards my abdomen on a angle and it was pressing on my nerve I also had a nerve damage test that showed nevre damage was done to my right thumb. I went to the Chiropractor for over a year and also are doing daily stretching but nothing reliefs the burn shooting from my left hip to my ankle. My primary care Dr. recently suggested an inversion table that is why I asked. thanks for your info and I am glad you are no longer in the type of pain only people that have it no what it is like.

By the way I never miss a gig and when I am playing on stage and am mostly pain free till I am on the way home. At times when I get home I just want to open the car door and fall out into the driveway because can't get out of the car without cold sweat pain! MY young boy waits up for his broken rock and roll Dad and helps me out of the car most of the time. Oh Yeah 53 and in great shape 5'10 210 lbs just crippled lol

ksandvik · #4 12-02-2011, 01:49 PM

I would say losing a lot of weight and doing stretch exercises such as yoga is very important for anyone with a bad back.

kellyrojo · #5 12-02-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksandvik

I would say losing a lot of weight and doing stretch exercises such as yoga is very important for anyone with a bad back.

+1

Yoga and Core strength along with some breathing exercises have worked for me. I was terrible with neck pain for a long time but stretching, icing, and being aware of my posture has healed me to 95%....also Always a gel pad on my bass strap!

lijazz · #6 12-02-2011, 02:05 PM

As others have stated, stretching will really help. I do several stretching excercises each morning after a hot shower (which will help loosen up your muscles) for a good 5-10 minutes and that has helped me greatly over the past few years. Remember that everything is connected to your core muscles (lower back/abdomen), so we don't realize how much we rely on these muscles for doing the simplest of things/movements until we have an injury and we know the pain of just getting out of a chair or bed. And the reference to good posture is also valid, especially for those of us who sit at a desk all day. Try not to slouch.

Good Luck!!

MatticusMania · #7 12-02-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viper4000

My ultimate relief came from stretching on a daily basis, many times a day. This allowed for the muscles in my back and legs to finally work together rather than fight each other resulting in spasms. I still have episodes, but all in all I live a pain free life. I do continue to go to a chiropractor to stay on top of stretches and work place tricks to stay healthy. Of course the occasional adjustment does feel good.

Regular practice of yoga (essentially stretching combined with strengthening) has done wonders for my lower back pain.

N.F.A. · #8 12-02-2011, 02:10 PM

Licensed massage therapist and pain relief specialist here. I also teach massage at a local massage school. PM me and I will go through some things you can do.

rtslinger · #9 12-02-2011, 02:25 PM

Amateur Natural Bodybuilder, 2 degree Black Belt, and even in pain I do 50 push ups a day and hanging crunches I walk on the thread mill every morning lighter then I would like weight training 3 times a week cardio on the other days before the office. Body fat is a little more then I would like 16% maybe a little more, but no spare tire on this guy ha ha ha

rtslinger · #10 12-02-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N.F.A.

Licensed massage therapist and pain relief specialist here. I also teach massage at a local massage school. PM me and I will go through some things you can do.

I will thanks

rtslinger · #11 12-02-2011, 02:59 PM

Thanks to everyone for your quick responses and suggestions Rob aka RTSLINGER

N.F.A. · #12 12-02-2011, 03:00 PM

Rob, Check your PM, I sent you two messages.

EagleMoon · #13 12-02-2011, 07:25 PM

I've had sciatic pain down my left leg on and off for years, ever since my 20's. Was told it was from aging and the disks just wear out. Mine's gotten worse the past few months though, and my doctor had me doing some stretches, along with a lot of ibuprofen (which just tears up my stomach) The stretches do help some, but as soon as I go off of the ibuprofen it all comes back. Not much fun. I've never tried the inversion table, but have thought about it. Good to know it probably wouldn't work very well.

mrpackerguy · #14 12-02-2011, 08:02 PM

As relates to bass playing, I'd recommend a micro-rig from hell and a light bass and a 3"+ strap and a stand-by stool.

TBrett · #15 12-04-2011, 11:10 AM

+ 1 for daily stretching and yoga, the shoulder stand in particular (same effect as inversion). My chiropractor also does acupuncture. Amazing relief after only a few treatments.

SpecialBlender · #16 12-04-2011, 11:51 AM

My back problems started in 1971 thanks to a very drunk driver who rear ended me at 50 mph.
I started using a new form of treatment for back pain (new and controversial at that time) called spinal manipulation later to be known as chiropractic treatments. I was able to keep playing a lot of sports until my mid 40's but eventually all the wear and tear caught up to me. Treatment, exercise and stretching no longer worked and it got to the point I could no longer stand or walk for more than 5 minutes at a time. Living on pain med's wasn't an option I wanted because that can very easily lead you down a very dark path.

My doctor finally put me on a daily dose of Celebrex and I've been able to resume all my activities and enjoy life again. Still keep stretching and do have the odd bad spell but even those are short duration. As long as I remember to take them with food there have been no issues. This is one of those times where the TV ad's are true.