Rebuilder's Forum (Archived)

Hi Cathy, Your post is interesting to me because I too have arthritis. I'm in my thirties, and it runs in my family - early onset. They say that exercise and stretching are very very important for managing the symptoms of arthritis, so I would think that Dean's exercises would be beneficial to you. ...

My mother has spinal stenosis (arthritic growths inside the spinal canal). From what I understand, symptoms from stenosis can be aggravated by bending backward, and lessened by bending forward. People with sciatic pain from stenosis can walk for a little while before the pain starts, and then may ne...

Ugh, I know how frustrating lower back and sciatica problems can be. There were times when I felt completely hopeless and depressed because of my sciatic and back pain. It seemed to last forever and I felt desperate for relief. Eventually though, it healed and now I am feeling better, not in pain, a...

Kevin, this is a good idea. I had constant severe pain from hip to my foot for ten weeks. The pain stopped pretty abruptly. After the pain stopped, I still had bad muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, numbness and pins and needles in my foot. Most of that went away after eight more weeks. It's been six ...

Hi there, Well since you have severe scoliosis, it might be wise to check with your doctor before starting a new program. I understand why he told you not to see a chiropractor, but the ban on PT you might want to ask more about. Does he know that you want to avoid surgery unless it's totally, absol...

Hi Carl, I can't imagine that 12 hours of sitting, on a couch no less, can do anything but harm to your back. Is there any way you could make changes, such as getting a good computer chair with lumbar support, and getting up to move around every hour while working? I'm no doctor, but to me it sounds...

Hi Dean, Randolph and Paul, I haven't been online much because the weather is finally getting nicer here and I'm feeling better physically, going out more and doing things, and working full time while doing a job search. Anyway, for the doorway traction thing, you lay on your back with knees bent an...

Karen and Bill -

You made it into Dean's blog! (see the main RYB page)

Leigh

Hi RYB friends, I just wanted to check in and say hello. I'm still doing well with healing. I do the stretching exercises every day (especially the cobra extension), and strengthening exercises every other day. I'm also taking a weekly yoga class that is designed for people with back problems. The w...

Hi Butch, I'm not checking in much lately because my computer died. It's in the shop. I'm at the public library at the moment. Anyway, I just wanted to add that you might want to check the Resources page of this website. Dean posted a link there to the Physicians Neck and Back Clinic. I found an ess...

Thanks Dean, I totally get that it is important not to overdo it and end up with a relapse. During the months when I was stuck lying down most of the time, I read through all of krd and randolph's posts to get a sense of how their healing process happened. The forums are a great resource that way. I...

I can walk on my toes again! This week my calf is getting stronger, and now I can walk on my toes again! Yay! The exercises are working! That means I won't have as much of a limp when walking. Now if this nasty snow and ice would just go away, I could go outside and do my daily walking again. Three ...

I have no reflex in my left achilles tendon either. It's been gone since early on. Physiatrist said that was probably permanent. I can move my foot normally, so I don't know what having no achilles reflex means in terms of functionality. It doesn't seem to matter for doing things you want to do. Doe...

BTW - that was me posting above. I didn't realize I wasn't logged in!

Hey Randolph, It's very good to hear that you had similar symptoms of muscle weakness and have recovered. I'm glad you are no longer limping and can now run again! I hope my healing goes as well as yours has. Recovery from this injury has taken months, and the doctor did say to think in terms of a y...