Weak Back

[Guest guest]

Debi, I have had back problems this year for the first time since

February. Came on suddenly and thought I had a broken back and hip. Now

it is 8 months later, while rest, TENS, and PT have helped some, just

this past week had a pain flare that was horrible. Ordinarily the pool

PT exercise routine helps and is easy. This week I couldn't do anything

in the pool except swim without aggravating pain.

The MRI said I have spinal stenosis (squishing of the nerves in the

spinal canal) and a buldging disc. I had 3 epidural steroid injections

and nerve blocks that gave me relief about 4 days collectively. I also

took Medrol by mouth for a week - the only week I felt terrific! I found

that along with rest, the muscle relaxant Robaxin helped.

The Xrays showed no bone problems, no broken bones, just right hip

higher than the left, but I have had that since I was born.

I wash dishes sitting down. I iron sitting down. I cut up vegetables

sitting down. I brush my teeth sitting down. I don't know if this is

helpful or not, but it helps me. My PT has also showed me stretches to

do for my back, both to firm muscles and to relieve pain. The PTs say

this is only a muscle problem, not a disc problem. And still another Dr.

says I just have arthritis.

It can't hurt to get your back checked. I am seeing a new Dr. next week

again for his opinion. I have only found one article on CMT and the

spine in the CMT newsletter index, but haven't read the article yet.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Deb, It's definitely a problem for me too. I find myself leaning on things a

lot, especially in the kitchen. C

[Guest guest]

> Deb, if you want to strengthen your back, try lying face down on

the floor.... Joi

Hi, Joi. I had a good LOL on that one!

Carolyn