I'm back to normal, sort of. My issue now is that when I ruck, I get back pain for at least a week afterwards. I was easing my way into it and only doing 3 miles on 10 degree incline with 65lbs at about a 2.5mph pace. I've never had this issue before and I can't figure out if it is due to some new injury or if my pack is causing me problems.
I have back issues too. I have two bulging discs, with the worst one being at the L5-S1. I also have less severe alignment issues from time to time.
Originally, I only had alignment issues and found a good chiropractor that could really help the situation and get me back in to alignment. It was not fun when my back got way out of alignment, but the whole situation was manageable if I could get in to my chiro.
However, the whole bulging disc and sciatica nerve pain was a whole new level of pain and impairment. My chiro went months before he would refer me for an MRI, and only then was I properly diagnosed. (A chiro won't help you with anything but alignment issues.)At that point, I went in to physical therapy and shortly after got my first epidural shot or two.
Eventually, I met with a surgeon but by that time my pain had become much more manageable. He indicated that surgery would provide some immediate relief, but statistics showed that those who get surgery and those who don't are in the same condition five years after the surgery. For that reason, I decided to pass on surgery.
It has been over two years since my disc injury, and I have found that I can keep my sciatic nerve pain manageable with daily stretching. Of course, I also stay away from any heavy lifting. I try not to lift anything heavier than a rear elk quarter.
I also am starting to concentrate on some specific strength training for my injury area as well as general core strength.
I envision myself being active and hiking the mountains late in to my life. I just hope my back does not prevent me from doing so.
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