[catblue]

I am thankful that I stumbled upon this support site. I read about one person's feet burning at night...wow, mine did that last year. After reading other's posts, I know what I have to do to help my spine...which was diagnosed with loss of disc heights at L4-L5 and L5-S1, and moderate to severe facet joint arthropathy (FJA) at L4-L5 and L5-S1 and moderate FJA at L3-L4. OK, I trashed my back in September bad, while riding on the large pontoon of a pontoon boat as it bounced for an hour in rough ocean water. Major foul. It was getting better by December until I helped my daughter shovel snow for a neighbor lady for 2 hours, another foul, it was almost better when I did yard work and bent over for 2 hours...that took me out and was 3 weeks ago. I am currently wearing a back stretchy brace which helps with the constant pain, I was taking 800mg Motrin and muscle relaxors, but have let up, I use heat and ice alternately. The worst part is sitting and then standing up and trying to straighten up...not good. I live in the Pacific Northwest which is hard on those with osteoarthritis (cold-humid). I guess my plan of recovery action is to lose weight, start hydrotherapy, do my back exercises to strenghthen more core in order to support my back, and NOT DO BOUNCY sports, twisting, bending or shoveling. (moving to the desert would be a good option but not practical for me at this time) I learned the hard way. Thanks for all your posts. Anyone else have good ideas?

[Darlene]

catblue,

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, welcome to a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Check into the following forum for some assistance:

Spinal Disorders & Back Pain
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Looks as though you are finding you way around. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Rrae]

Welcome to NT!

What a great place to be for support and understanding. There are many caring folks here and this is a relaxing, down-to-earth place, so make yourself at home and post anywhere you'd like.
Just holler if you have any questions or need help finding your way around.

It's great to have you!

Rae