A question about back injury and kayaking

[WARRIORMIKE]

You should go check out one of those Asian massage places. I hear they can fix you right up!

[sandico]

I don't have any disc issues but a work related injury 8 years ago in the low back still gives me lots of pain at times. Been the Dr. and PT route and found that once you find stretches that work for you they can help with the pain and even strengthen your muscles around the back and your core. I have seen the most benefit from doing hot yoga. Dr's and PT said yoga can be very helpful and the wife was going so I gave it a shot. Doing stretches for an hour in a heated class room can kick your but, but I do feel better when done. Work in progress. I will also have to hit the meds when the pain is to bad. Back pain sucks!

[FlyFishinYakr]

Sorry to hear about your back issues Mike.
There could be many reasons for the pain you're suffering. It might be as simple as gaining too much weight (due to advancing age), poor posture, a chronic muscle spasm, or as Andy (my Physical Therapist and confirmed by my orthopedic surgeon) wearing a thick wallet in your back pocket.
I suffered a work related back injury back in 2007, however mine got worse with time. I had pain, tingling, muscle spasms, weakness and intermittent loss of function in my lower extremities. In 2009 it got so bad I couldn't work any longer and haven't been able to work since. It also severely limited my outdoor/fishing time and after August 2013 I could no longer fish for 12 hour a day like I used to, stand on the bank of a stream searching for/watching trout rise for hours and load/unload my kayak by myself. I've not seen the water since.
After being examined by a couple of orthopedic surgeons it was decided it was necessary to have a couple MRI's performed. My result was very much like Brandon's with the exception that there is no gap between the L5-S1 discs, just a dark line (no gap and misaligned/herniated discs).
As it was explained to me, there are "o-rings" between our discs filled with liquid that acts as gaskets that keep the discs separate. It is between these gaps that our nerve roots exit the spine and are susceptible to damage. I tore open the o-ring (it's called an "anular tear") in my L5-S1 gap that resulted in the fluid leaking out and there being no gap and over time and without it, the discs are pinching the nerves to my lower body.
If after the course of your current recovery program, your still in pain, I would recommend you obtain a referral for an Orthopedic surgeon and receive a more thorough exam and expert opinion. Let him decide a course of action and discuss your options.
I hope it's something simple and not as serious as Brandon's or my situation.
Best wishes,
FFY

[icelogger]

Hey Mike,

Sorry to hear about your back situation. I've had many back injuries and have been to many different types of treatment centers. Most have not worked but a couple have. A combination of chiropractic treatment and physical therapy that work specifically together on your back issues is the best combination.

I am currently in my 5th week of Chiro and PT for a rotated and locked L5, a locked up sacroiliac joint, Periformis injury, facet syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. As you see a lot of things going on. But I am finally returning to work next week. I am currently about 85% recovered.

The link below is a guideline of treatment that I am getting in Minnesota . It explains the method and the type of treatment that really works. Its the combination of chiro and PT, and home exercises that make all the difference. Maybe you have a similar clinic in your area. And steroids are a temporary fix that can hurt you more if there is something more serious going on.

http://www.dmrmethod.com/dmr-method/

Cheers buddy,

Get Well!

Justin