I've been trying to go out walking to help loosen up my lower back and to try to get back in shape. I noticed, however, that I'm walking like an old lady...slow, back feels real tight and I think I saw a snail pass me by

I told my family dr. about walking so slow and being so sore, and he told me to use a cane. I looked at him like he was crazy. He then went on to tell me how canes are really supposed to be used. He said not to think about an old person using it as they use it to heavily lean on. He said the real way to use one is to lightly touch the ground with it, that it's really only helping with balance, it's not for weight bearing.

He also talked about the importance of having a cane that's the right height for you. It should be tall enough that when you stand up and start to use it that there's a slight bend in your elbow.

So, I got an old cane that seemed to fit and went out walking with it, with a rather doubtful attitude. However, I was amazed at how much it really helped me. I noticed my stride was greater, I was feeling looser in my lower back and my husband said I wasn't walking as slow anymore. I was able to go from hobbling along a quarter of a mile, to actually walking pretty decent for almost a mile!!

I'm a believer now and use it whenever I go out for my walks. My dr. said not to use it around the house but when I go out for walks. He says it won't be permanent, just for the next 2-3 months. He wants me to work up to walking 2 miles by the end of 3 months. So, if you find that you can't walk as good as you want to, give a cane a try.