Loggers back problems - suggestions for healing up...?

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Gone and done my back in big time; going to be off work for some time Self employed and all the worry that being off now brings Nightmare. Hoping to goodness this is something that isn't long term because that's this career over if so.

 

Must be quite a few on here that have been down this particular dark valley and come out on top; keen to know what you know!

 

Thanks

[Woodworks]

Sorry to here this TCD

 

As for solutions it depends what is wrong.

 

I have a disc that pushes on the nerves. This sometimes hurts big time and other times pain free. The things that work for me are keeping weight down, improving core strength, and avoiding heavy dead lifts (not easy I know). I can recommend a physiotherapist in Plymouth if that helps.

[Reddog]

No fun at all!

 

Not sure I know anything, just learned when to stop to keep from being in bed for weeks.

[Le Sanglier]

I'm never without pain as they say. Not much I can add.

btw How old are you?

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Sorry to here this TCD

 

As for solutions it depends what is wrong.

 

I have a disc that pushes on the nerves. This sometimes hurts big time and other times pain free. The things that work for me are keeping weight down, improving core strength, and avoiding heavy dead lifts (not easy I know). I can recommend a physiotherapist in Plymouth if that helps.

 

Thanks altho I had been led to believe a chiropractor is more appropriate ?

 

I'm never without pain as they say. Not much I can add.

btw How old are you?

 

36 y.o.

[muttley9050]

Majority of back problems can be linked to posture as well as sudden injury, its great to work on core strength, but also i would recommend finding a specialist yoga class concentrating on lower back problems. This will help with strength but mostly help you work on better overall posture.

I was a right sceptic myself,but now converted, nhs are starting to organise funding for this too as they now see it as good prevention. Its not a cure, but will make it less likely to happen again, fortunately for me i live with a yoga instructor who is trained for lower back classes. Probably wont be as easy for you, but in my mind well worth the effort. I also find it helpful towear a back support similar to a weightlifters when doing heavy work.

James

[muttley9050]

A chiropractor(recommended good one) can help in the short term but not in the long term prevention. Your 2 years olderthan me, soi can sympathise. Make sure you get a chiro recommended as someive seen are terrible.

[treequip]

Be of good faith, you can come through it. I did.

 

What is it you have done?

 

About ten years ago I had a fall and crushed three vertebrae in my lumbar spine, I was carted off to the hospital and had my kit cut off prodded and poked. Doctors chins were scratched and I was transferred to a specialist hospital, scanned and operated on, which involved dragging my gizzards on to the table so they could reach the inside of my spine to fit a couple of pounds of titanium and re deploying a rib ground up to make new bone.

 

Two weeks in hospital and a bit of recuperation I was back at work, my lumbar movement is now as good as non existent and it’s ruined by ballet career but I still work full time.

 

During the dark morphine riddled early hours after the x ray and the doctors faces that clearly told me they were out of their depth and wanted rid of me and my broken bones, I began to wonder how bad the problem was and if I would be able to go back to work. I like work and can’t imagine a life without ropes and chainsaws.

[Gareth Dalzell]

Pulled my back just over 7 years ago (I,m 45 now) twisting and sneezed at the same time reaching down to pick something up. Couldn't believe how painful it was. Breathing even blinking almost. Total agony.

 

Depending on what you've done I stress - I was told to rest for day, then don't stop moving. Keep gentle movement going if possible. Don't do to bed - everything seizes solid and muscles tighten and spasm.

 

I remember not being able to get onto the physio's table, but he has one that you stand against facing it like a see-saw in the vertical position and you hold on and he flips its into the horizontal -I thought I was going to pass out. The physio said it's muscular, everything still in place just muscle spasm pulling me all shapes. As he said it will heal naturally in about 4-6 weeks. He could relieve some of the pain but it would not speed up the healing process.

 

And he was spot on, about 5 week in it started to ease.

 

Then care in the future, change working practice, the way I lift and move stuff and then the exercises to built up strength and flexibility.

 

That was 7 years ago now and I haven't hurt my back since - so be positive - although I guess I like you saw this as the end but it needn't be.

Our backs do wear and degenerate so we shouldn't expect them to put up with this type of abuse day and daily, but you can work with it long term. Good luck

[Woodworks]

"Thanks altho I had been led to believe a chiropractor is more appropriate ?"

 

There is no one answer. If there was all the other back specialists would be out of a job. I have had joy from osteopaths and physiotherapists while others will swear by chiropractors and acupuncture. You have to find what works for you but make sure you avoid quacks as there are few out there. Good old fashioned rest and painkillers works for many. Good luck with it and hope you make a speedy recovery.