[at-l] Packing a Blown Back

[TrailR@aol.com (TrailR@aol.com)]

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My chiropractor keeps telling me my pelvis is out of alignment. And that is
causing the muscle spasms in my back (in addition to the 2 bulging & 1
herniated disc). I went 3 times a week for 6 months & went to PT, & it never
seemed to stay in alignment, so I have keep building up my muscles to support
my lower discs (abs & back). I started taking vitamins (I'll add calcium) &
"joint pills", and walking alot to lose my spare tire. Other than that I use
a Stim unit & Advil to relax my back muscles, plus I wrap in a neoprene belt
to keep my back warm. I have until March to get it in shape.... I am hoping
to travel "Ultra light" to keep from adding to my troubles.

Maybe I should find the doctor/chiropractor/massage therapist guide to the
AT...;-)

Russ 2003

In a message dated 9/6/2002 8:57:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
orangebug74@yahoo.com writes:


> You offer several pearls of wisdom. You didn't mention what "blew" the
> disk, but I'll hazard a guess that it wasn't during backpacking. What
> many doctor's and PT's don't know is that a well fitted backpack
> distributes weight off of the shoulders and back onto the pelvis. You
> could do damage to your back by picking it up carelessly. In general,
> surgeries are avoided unless there are neurological complications, as
> you had, or the patient shops until he finds someone needing to make a
> boat payment.
>
> Dehydration increases the chance of muscle spasm, and if you are
> predisposed due to a bulging disk, your observation should be well on
> target. You _might_ reduce the risk to a degree with calcium
> supplementation, but this could also increase the risk of a kidney
> stone teaching you the real meaning of pain.
>
> If your PT and docs have taught you to avoid impact sports and to avoid
> the bad ways of lifting weights, they have done a very good job indeed.
> If you are involved in general exercise regimens and avoid an abdominal
> fat pad, you aren't a candidate for back specific exercises.
>
> Pat yourself on the back for following orders and avoiding the
> opportunity to be disabled by this condition.
>
> Bill...
>