I hate my back

[netman]

Just a rant so you can choose to ignore.

My back goes out about once every 2 months. There is no reason or logic to the episodes. I train constantly to keep it in shape. It just rises up and bites me, keeping me off the courts just when I'm getting a good groove going.

Guess its just life's little way of keeping me humble.
Man, I hate getting old. :)

I have researched everything there is to know about rehabing backs. Can anybody help with tips on how to keep your sense of humor when an attack happens?

-k-

[bcaz]

I understand, netman -- I've been living with chronic back pain for many years. I have no concept of what it would be not to have the pain. I too am healthy, work out, stay strong, keep my weight down, etc. Beyond all that, I accept it. It hurts to play and be active but it hurts more not to. Just be grateful you're blessed to play at all. Think of all those dudes with bad wheels. Maybe it hurts me to lie down, sit, stand up, walk, run, do nothing, but at least my wheels are strong and sound and I can play all day and ache all night ...

[slewisoh]

Yoga didn't help me at all, but I know several people who have benefitted from it. Any experience with Yoga?

I'm sorry your back is not cooperating. :(

[katastrof]

where's Rickson? Strange he hasn't shown up on this thread yet ... ;)

[scotus]

My back goes out about once every 2 months. There is no reason or logic to the episodes.

Some people do not have proper alignment in their vertebrae or sufficient spacing between them.

I used to have frequent lower back pains (mostly brought on by sports accidents--e.g. being thrown in Judo), but ever since I developed sciatica, my back pain disappeared completely.

A strange side-effect, wouldn't you say?

[malakas]

You are lucky.At least you are old enough.I am 18 years old and about twice every year I have very much pain in the lower part of my back.:(
I went to the orthopedic and told me that I should do special exercises.He said that I was born without one muscle of the lower back fully developed.He said that it happens sometimes,and If I wanted I could wear something like a corse.Of course,I didn't!
But I do the exersices every day and I haven't since had problem.
But my back problems in the first place,weren't for many days.Only about 2 but it hurt soooo..much.:(

[IluvBoris]

My hubby's back would go out a lot. He bought an inversion table for $200, hangs on it every other day and it made a huge difference. He hasn't been to the chiro for 8 months, he's back has gone out only once.

[Rickson]

Just a rant so you can choose to ignore.

My back goes out about once every 2 months. There is no reason or logic to the episodes. I train constantly to keep it in shape. It just rises up and bites me, keeping me off the courts just when I'm getting a good groove going.

Guess its just life's little way of keeping me humble.
Man, I hate getting old. :)

I have researched everything there is to know about rehabing backs. Can anybody help with tips on how to keep your sense of humor when an attack happens?

-k-Are you carrying some extra weight around the middle? If you are, you should drop some weight as you'll take a lot of pressure off your back. If you're not overweight and having back problems, you should work on your flexibility and keep those abdominals strong. If you get another episode, apply ice and no matter what you do, don't stretch because stretching a strained muscle further strains the muscle.

[slice bh compliment]

5 or 6 years ago, my friend worked on an NBC sitcom called, "It's Like, You Know", with Chris Eigemann, Jennifer Grey and AJ Langer. Anyone remember it? It was pretty funny. Anyway, this thread reminded me of the episode in which a 'revolutionary' doctor had written a book, Back Pain, It's All In Your Head.

Well, best of luck with the back, buddy.
I've had a strain back there once like ten years ago. Oh, man, I could not even drive a car. Never again, I hope.

BTW, now I stretch much more, do the yoga breathing, use the swissball and do 'the hang' in the shower in the mornings.

[harryz]

especially "Healing Back Pain?" Helped me tremendously, as has yoga. Breathing exercises and relaxation make a huge difference, along with stretching before and after playing-- all stuff you've probably tried. I'm still convinced that sports injuries have to do with not being properly relaxed during play, more often than not, and getting tense about outcomes and competition.

Now if I could only find a cure for my damn right knee. The miniscus tendon keeps giving out. Bette Davis said it perfectly, "getting old ain't for sissies."

[tlm]

I used to have flare ups every 3 months,after trying different things that did not work, i found this program on the net called lose the back pain+ it has worked great.

[netman]

I understand, netman -- I've been living with chronic back pain for many years. I have no concept of what it would be not to have the pain. I too am healthy, work out, stay strong, keep my weight down, etc. Beyond all that, I accept it. It hurts to play and be active but it hurts more not to. Just be grateful you're blessed to play at all. Think of all those dudes with bad wheels. Maybe it hurts me to lie down, sit, stand up, walk, run, do nothing, but at least my wheels are strong and sound and I can play all day and ache all night ...

I'm with you BCAZ. Thanks for the post.

I work out almost every day, weights, inline skating, elliptical work, tennis and stretching. But once your damage back discs, you have to learn to live with the pain. My wife thinks I'm nuts to keep playing tennis, given I'm in pain for 48-72 hours after a match. But the joy of playing outweighs dealing the pain.

As the old cliche goes, it bets the alternative.

Sorry for the delayed reply. I figured no one would respond to my whinging. :)

-k-

[netman]

5 or 6 years ago, my friend worked on an NBC sitcom called, "It's Like, You Know", with Chris Eigemann, Jennifer Grey and AJ Langer. Anyone remember it? It was pretty funny. Anyway, this thread reminded me of the episode in which a 'revolutionary' doctor had written a book, Back Pain, It's All In Your Head.


The doctor's name is John E. Sarno. He has a number of books and videos out, usually named the The MindBody Prescription or something similar. His theories are interesting and I think there is some truth in them. The body's pain response system is actually a very low precision system with a ton of false positives. His theories are based on these principles. I have to say they have helped me deal with the chronic pain of damaged discs. Its not a cure all, but a nice weapon in the arsenal.

-k-

[netman]

Yoga didn't help me at all, but I know several people who have benefitted from it. Any experience with Yoga?

I'm sorry your back is not cooperating. :(

slewisoh, I have not really tried yoga yet, but the data seems to indicate it can really help. I just need to find time to give a try. Now if my family will just cooperate and give me some extra time to add one more activity. :)

BTW, did you ever settle on a racquet?

-k-

[netman]

Are you carrying some extra weight around the middle? If you are, you should drop some weight as you'll take a lot of pressure off your back. If you're not overweight and having back problems, you should work on your flexibility and keep those abdominals strong. If you get another episode, apply ice and no matter what you do, don't stretch because stretching a strained muscle further strains the muscle.

Rickson, I'm not overweight, not carrying extra weight on the middle, I stretch regularly and keep my abs in good shape. All good advice drilled into me as I have dealt with my back problems. Unfortunately, once you damage a back disc (two have herniated on me) you've just got to live with the consequences. I refuse to go under the knife because the postive outcomes are so far below acceptable levels and the negative outcomes so high, its not worth the risk.

Great advice on not stretching the injured area. I'm constantly amazed at how many people think pushing injured tissue beyond its normal range of motion is going to help it when its injured. :(

-k-

[metsjets]

my lower back pain is getting worse. i can feel it off the court...and i'm not old :(

[jhp49]

Have you tried a a HVPGS (High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulator) or a Neuromuscular Stimulator (EMS or NMS)? I have had good luck with a HVPGS for over 10 years after back surgery. Two of my friends who play tennsi have purchased similar units and say it decreases recovery time from back problems from weeks to days. A good unit is the Biomedical Life Systems GV 350 from Claflin Equipment Sales. Here is some information about HVPGS and NMS.
HIGH VOLTAGE PULSED GALVANIC:
Characterized by high volt, pulsed galvanic stimulation, used primarily for local edema reduction through muscle pumping and through the "polarity effect." Edema is comprised of negatively charged plasma proteins which leak into interstitial space. By placing a negative electrode over the edemous site and positive electrode at a distant site, the monophasic high voltage stimulus applies an electrical potential which disperses the negatively charged proteins away from the edematous site, thereby helping reduce edema.
APPROVED INDICATIONS: Maintain or increase range of motion, disuse atrophy, muscle re-education, increase circulation, prevent venous thrombosis, and edema reduction.
COMMON USES: Post-op orthopedic surgery, pain control, sprains and strains, degenerative joint disease and edema reduction.
HOW IT DIFFERS FROM TENS: Reduces edema; pulsed direct current vs. alternating current; able to use in water bath (immersion technique).


NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION:
Characterized by a low volt stimulation targeted at motor nerves to cause a muscle contraction. Contraction/relaxation of muscles has been found to effectively treat a variety of musculoskeletal and vascular conditions.
APPROVED INDICATIONS: Maintain or increase range of motion, prevent or retard disuse atrophy, muscle re-education, relaxation of muscle spasm, increase circulation, prevention of venous thrombosis.
COMMON USES: Post-orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, strengthening programs, gait training, shoulder subluxation and reduction of muscle spasm.
HOW IT DIFFERS FROM TENS: Stimulates motor nerves to contract muscle while TENS stimulates sensory nerves to block pain; reduces edema and increases circulation through muscle pumping.

JHP

[slewisoh]

slewisoh, I have not really tried yoga yet, but the data seems to indicate it can really help. I just need to find time to give a try. Now if my family will just cooperate and give me some extra time to add one more activity. :)

BTW, did you ever settle on a racquet?

-k-
The racquet of the month is the Volkl Cat 8. More forgiving on volleys than some of the heavier racquets I was trying, but I can't seem to generate adequate pace on my serve. Sigh... It means I have to improve the other aspects of my game to compensate for the so-so serve.

Regarding yoga, my original shoulder injury ocurred during a yoga session. The cause was really repetitive use (painting, scrubbing etc) but the strain that yoga placed on the shoulder was the straw that broke the camel's back. Poses like downward dog place a substantial strain on the wrists and shoulders, so you should be cautious.

That being said, my back felt wonderful and believe it or not I actually regained the half inch of height that had been lost. Wonderful for posture...If I could only get all of the parts to like the same activity I would certainly save time.

Next venture is fencing - can't wait to see what I injure doing that. :)

[netman]

The racquet of the month is the Volkl Cat 8. More forgiving on volleys than some of the heavier racquets I was trying, but I can't seem to generate adequate pace on my serve. Sigh... It means I have to improve the other aspects of my game to compensate for the so-so serve.

Have you tried the DNX 8? Its got some added pop and good control and comfort for such a light racquet.

I've gotten pretty good at recognizing when something is going to tweak my back. I'll be on high alert if and when I try out yoga.

-k-

[slewisoh]

Have you tried the DNX 8? Its got some added pop and good control and comfort for such a light racquet.

I've gotten pretty good at recognizing when something is going to tweak my back. I'll be on high alert if and when I try out yoga.

-k-
Netman, I'm afraid I have you confused with louis netman, with whom I have been corresponding regarding wrist issues in another Volkl thread. Difficult to keep everyone straight, at least for me.

I have been wary of the DNX 8 only because I have this hypersensitive wrist and I'm afraid the added stiffness will be a problem. I have also tried the Tour 9 VE but as NoBadMojo pointed out, it plays more stiffly than would be expected. I'm going to try a gut job (my first!) on the Cat8 to see if I can get a bit more pop on my serve. That and some time with my pro to make sure I am incorporating my legs and trunk into my service motion. The Cat8 is the only racquet that didn't hurt, so I figure I have to find a way to make it work. :)

As you know, chronic injuries can be a real drag!

[TheRed]

Acupuncture

[cervelo]

Have you tried a a HVPGS (High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulator) or a Neuromuscular Stimulator (EMS or NMS)? I have had good luck with a HVPGS for over 10 years after back surgery. Two of my friends who play tennsi have purchased similar units and say it decreases recovery time from back problems from weeks to days. A good unit is the Biomedical Life Systems GV 350 from Claflin Equipment Sales. Here is some information about HVPGS and NMS.
HIGH VOLTAGE PULSED GALVANIC:
Characterized by high volt, pulsed galvanic stimulation, used primarily for local edema reduction through muscle pumping and through the "polarity effect." Edema is comprised of negatively charged plasma proteins which leak into interstitial space. By placing a negative electrode over the edemous site and positive electrode at a distant site, the monophasic high voltage stimulus applies an electrical potential which disperses the negatively charged proteins away from the edematous site, thereby helping reduce edema.
APPROVED INDICATIONS: Maintain or increase range of motion, disuse atrophy, muscle re-education, increase circulation, prevent venous thrombosis, and edema reduction.
COMMON USES: Post-op orthopedic surgery, pain control, sprains and strains, degenerative joint disease and edema reduction.
HOW IT DIFFERS FROM TENS: Reduces edema; pulsed direct current vs. alternating current; able to use in water bath (immersion technique).


NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION:
Characterized by a low volt stimulation targeted at motor nerves to cause a muscle contraction. Contraction/relaxation of muscles has been found to effectively treat a variety of musculoskeletal and vascular conditions.
APPROVED INDICATIONS: Maintain or increase range of motion, prevent or retard disuse atrophy, muscle re-education, relaxation of muscle spasm, increase circulation, prevention of venous thrombosis.
COMMON USES: Post-orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, strengthening programs, gait training, shoulder subluxation and reduction of muscle spasm.
HOW IT DIFFERS FROM TENS: Stimulates motor nerves to contract muscle while TENS stimulates sensory nerves to block pain; reduces edema and increases circulation through muscle pumping.

JHP


Got any links that compare the various applications and effectiveness of TENS to HVPGS or EMS?

I have a TENS machine prescribed by my Dr. and use it fairly regularly.

I'd be interested to learn more.

[jhp49]

Sorry, I don't have any links comparing the effectiveness of the different types of electrothrapy.

JHP

[tarheels2323]

You can go the Chuck Norris route and scare your back into not hurting (you know, threaten to round house kick it or something). Sorry, my brother just got done reading me a bunch of Chuck Norris "facts."