[Vowel Lady]

My DH was considering surgery for herniated disks and stenosis.
I asked to get a second opinion and consider alternate treatments.
Ironically, on the way to his second opinion, they called and cancelled. He's had trouble re-scheduling for one reason or another.

Since then, I've read MANY books on the topic. If you go to amazon.com, you'll see there are several. Lots of folks feel that there may be an emotional component with back pain. Apparently, if one has lots of stress in their life, it can cause tension and this can lead to pain...especially if that tension is repressed or prolonged.

Of course, each case is unique. Physical problems sometimes require surgery. However, tension after surgery can cause much of the same pain.

Almost by accident, DH has had improvement of late. Keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts.....

It is UNUSUAL...but I say, what does it matter, really? The bottom line is to feel better because this horrible pain is the pits.

What he's been doing is the following:
1. Drinking one glass of white wine each night
2. Walking 20 minutes every morning early in the morning...outside (5 days a week).
3. He drinks a little coffee in the morning (always did that), but now drinks a a cup of coffee in the mid afternoon as well.
4. If he has even a little discomcort in the afternoon, he takes a Naproxen.
5. He takes a NeuroOptimizer tablet and B12 tablet before bed. You can get them at the health food store. The help with memory.
5. He's going to bed about 30 minutes earlier than he use to.

For him...this new routine...knock on wood, throwing salt over my shoulders, lighting a candle, has helped. He is open to trying other things and/or getting a second opinion if necessary. Of course, we are hoping the improvement continues.

I write it in hope that it might help someone else. Please keep a positive thought.

[Peter B]

No doubt there is an emotional side, whether as part of the cause or as one of the repercussions of chronic pain.
So unrelieved stress can be a big factor in muscle tension-the old fight or flight response. If you can't do either you just get very tense!
This muscle tightness can then put all sorts of stresses on the spine, and even lead to disc damage.
Then there is the problem of how you handle the pain, inactivity, loss of interests etc etc. Depression can result.
One of the very important things that he is doing is taking some positive steps and getting back in control. This is a very important psychological step to take as it make syou feel so much better to be doing something positive.
I would suggest that he makes up some sort of daily/ weekly schedule of things to do. This will emphasise his positive actions.
And.....get some regular remedial massage. Try once a week initially.
This will gradually loosen, stretch and strengthen the tight and sore muscles.
It is a vital step to getting the muscles sorted out.
Also, take a magnesium powder to ease muscle tension. I use MuscleEze.
I have found a huge overall improvement since taking this supplement, and having remedial massage.

[(Broken Wings)]

It's good to hear he's doing better. It is true, stress is a big pain producer, emotional, psychological and physical. But if you're having problems anatomically, from injuries or disease, it's a trickle down effect.

It helps to have a considerate spouse who understands and tries to patch the holes for you. That's what it's all about. Hang in there.

[Vowel Lady]

I forgot to mention that DH also takes a B50 tablet in the morning and 500 mgs. of magnesium at night.

In addition, he now wears Clark shoes...or the equivalent. These are more comfortable/back supporting type shoes.

If he has pain, he might take Naproxen. He was also using the salon pas (over the counter patch) for more intense pain...but (knock on wood), he hasn't needed it since starting his new routine. DH has narcotics available to him...but prefers not to take them. Right now, that would never occur to him...the pain is much, much better (thank goodness).

We have been thrilled with how well this has been working and are hopeful.
One thing is certain...it is really nice for the pain to be subsiding instead of worsening.

[Colin Street]

Well I would like to be positive about the road you are taking, but I went on with Neuropathic Pain, caused by stenosis etc, until suddenly (it happened in the period of a couple of weeks) it was too late and my spinal cord had sustained injury - myelomalacia. A spinal decompression operation stopped the worse effects but the pain is still far worse than ever before and now I am mostly a wheelchair user.

[(Broken Wings)]

Yes. Clark shoes are the best for bad back. I like the mules, so you don't have to tie them up.

Originally Posted by Vowel Lady

I forgot to mention that DH also takes a B50 tablet in the morning and 500 mgs. of magnesium at night.

In addition, he now wears Clark shoes...or the equivalent. These are more comfortable/back supporting type shoes.

If he has pain, he might take Naproxen. He was also using the salon pas (over the counter patch) for more intense pain...but (knock on wood), he hasn't needed it since starting his new routine. DH has narcotics available to him...but prefers not to take them. Right now, that would never occur to him...the pain is much, much better (thank goodness).

We have been thrilled with how well this has been working and are hopeful.
One thing is certain...it is really nice for the pain to be subsiding instead of worsening.