I have spondylolisthesis. I’ve had constant lower back pain for over eight years. On a scale of one to ten, I’m always between a three and five. Regular exercise reduces the pain level down to a two. My doctor has told me there is an operation I can have, that would probably be successful, but told me to only do this if I can’t live with the pain. I can. For now. But I wonder what it will be like when I am older. I’m bad at doing my exercises now as it stands.
Why am I suddenly sharing this? Well I’m declaring my back pain brotherhood with Al. I’m also coming to terms that this is something that will affect my life in a bad way if I don’t handle it. Like smoking. I had to quit. Done. Now I’m going to do something about my back. I think. I hope. Maybe?
don’t consider surgery until you’ve done the physical therapy route. i know way too many people (including doctors) now who have done this (surgery), and been left in as much or more pain than they originally had. it also tends to send you down a recurring-surgery path.
the most important thing, as the physical therapists will tell you, is maintaining your core (or trunk) strength.
if you’re interested, i can tell you more in a private email.
Send it on Garret. Thanks. I really don’t know what to do. I see my mom, and she’s in terrible pain. I think my condition was genetic and it was triggered by an accident and has bothered me since then.
I get the lower back pain flaring up twice a year or so. Last time around, in August, I went to physical therapy for three weeks twice a week but there was no longterm benefit and last week my back went out again. One of my buddies claims to have a six exercise regimen that does a great job of preventing reoccurence and I will pass it on as soon as I get it from him.