Back Problems; My Story

My back problems started in the late 80's. I was working full time and my job required lifting 70 to 90 lbs several times a day. Although, my body was objecting to the abuse, I continued to ignore the pain until June of 1995. By then, the pain would no longer subside after 2 or 3 days of rest. A burning sensation went from my left hip all the way down to my ankle and the pain never went away.

I did a lot of research on the subject and found a new procedure (back then) called micro surgery. My nurosurgeon was a young doctor who just happen to have knowledge in this procedure. To his credit, he did try and talk me out of the surgery wanting me to take anti-inflammatory drugs and try a chiropractor.

I had just witnessed my mother's death from cancer after taking carcinogenic drugs, so popping pills was out of the question for me. I did have the surgery and everything went well. I found another job that required less lifting and I was pain free for over 4 years.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of my back problems. I began to experience severe pain in both legs and a burning sensation across the top of my feet where the foot connects to the ankle. Again, I did my "homework" and knew before I went to my physician that I was suffering from spinal stenosis. My doctor did an x-ray which she showed to me and the fact that my discs were collapsing was clearly visible. She ordered an MRI and a week later, I received a nice little post card in the mail telling me that nothing new had showed up on the MRI. My health care provider at the time was a PPO and I won't go into how I feel about their services or lack of, I should say.

The following year I changed health care providers and went back to the nurosurgeon who had performed my back surgery. By this time, I was in so much pain, I had to sit down to take a shower. He ordered an MRI and this time I was officially diagnosed with spinal stenosis. We discussed treatment options, one of which was surgery. Again he tried to talk me out of it, stating that surgery should always be considered only as a last resort. I went back home and did more research on spinal stenosis, back problems, and surgery and guess what? People in the forums who had opted for surgery, received little or no relief. In some cases, they were in even more pain. Long story short, I took my physician's advice and decided against surgery.

I had crossed off surgery and popping pills, in short, western medicine treatment options. I began to read more books on body, mind and healing. I started doing things that others were doing to get pain relief. Trial and error helped me determine what worked best for me and since I am now walking pain free, I thought I would pass this information on.

For suggestions on relieving pain from back problems and spinal stenosis, please read Living With Spinal Stenosis.

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