For the last 3 to 4 months I have struggled with a bulging disc at l3/4 (previous fusion at L4/5 L5/S1 - 1990). Three weeks ago my Dr indicated that my pain was no longer specific to the disc in question ie it had healed. What confused me was that I was continuing to experince nerve pain (legs feet etc) and I could not understand why. So a plan of attack was formulated involving muscle relaxents (valium, baclofen endep), massaage, heat and physio. I was sceptical and was sure the outcome would be negative and an increase in pain stemming from the increased activity.

Im 3 weeks down the track and am no longer taking any form of pain mamgement medication (gone is tramal, pand forte &/or oxycontin). The spasms have ceased and the pain has to a large extent gone. I never realised just how much muscle spasm contributed to pain. It has been a good experience and I am grateful for those that encouraged and supported me during this time

Losy

:bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing:

So physical therapy is helping a lot you would say then? I am a big believer in exercise for back pain. I had hurt my back 10 years ago and walking on a treadmill and weight lifting completely eliminated the pain. I started with really light weights and worked my way up gradually. I haven't been lifting weights for the last 5 years and I just hurt my back her a few weeks ago. I am doing quite a bit better now. I could hardly walk last week. They did give me Prednisone to take down the inflammation. I took it until Saturday. I am still getting better each day. Tomorrow will be my first day without any pain meds. They make me so tired. I am going to start walking on my treadmill this weekend and then after a month I will start with the weights. They did say I hurt a disc in my back. So I will only do exercises that will not strain the disc.