How many of you have been having back pain after a day on the lake?

I know that I had it so bad a few times last year it was hard for me to get up the next morning. I had never had pain that bad in my back. So I went to the doctor and he told me it was spasims in my back and gave me some medicin for it. Two weeks later I was back to the doctor.

Well to make a long story short I have a ruptured disc in my lower back that is pinching the nerves running down my right leg. Don't know for sure how I got it doesn't really matter now anyway. April 21st I will be have surgury on my back. Looks like my year that was starting our so good is just about down the drain.

What I'm wanting to say is take care of your back. Doctor told me that people just don't work out to keep there back in shape for a day in the boat.

Excersise and stretching are critical to keep yourself in shape for fishing. Weight is also a important part of that because of the stress it puts on the spin. I know for a fact. I'm overwieght and it sure did me in.
By all means look for some stretches and info on the net to give you a work out for your back and do them I don't want to see anyone in the shape that I am in right now.
Sure is depressing now that for at least 6 weeks you cant get in the boat to fish. I don't know about yall but to me that is a lifetime off the water.

If this helps one person out there then I did what I set out to do. Please take this advise to hart and take care of that back.

Thanks
Conley

Conley,
I know how you feel,been there.You're absolutely right about stretching,light exercise,even just walking a couple miles a night with the pooch is good(before dinner,lessens the appetite).Also being aware of daily,even hourly situations that could cause back stress and adjusting or compensating your actions to avoid problems will help.
I would definitely consider a second or even third opinion before going for surgery on your back.I have a very close friend in a related field and she suggests to weigh every single option before deciding on surgery.
Also check this out;Do a search on Google for "Dr. John Sarno".Supposed to have helped 1,000's with back problems claiming it's all in the mind.Could be worth researching.

Wish you the best!...><>...HS
Paul Ritchie:Bassin' USA No-Staff:NY

Yes I have been to three different doctors and have had the steriod shots in the spine and the physical theropy. No help matter fact it has gotten worse. The numbness in my leg has started to effect my walking, balance, and sleeping. All Three agree that the surgury is the only way I'm going to get some relief. I wish it wasn't so but looks like thats the way it is. Hopefully in 3 to 6 weeks I can be back in the boat pain-free and fishing tournaments again. I'm saying my prayers every night.
Thanks for the thoughts
Conley

Maybe I can get caught up on my writing now. lol

Good luck with the surgery. When i was 11 i was in a car wreck and had to have my 2nd and 3rd lumbar fussed together with a bone graph from my hip. Along with internal bleeding and a broken ankle it took me a year to get back to normal. But as far as the back surgery goes make sure you do the exercise and dont rush it. Breathing hurt me the most especially when i was laying down. But kinda hard to stop breathing for to long. Well just telling you my expierence i'm 17 now and fish just about everyday and have a schedule i do when i fish all day. If i'm not flipp'n docks or anything of that matter i will switch from standing to sitting every hour or so. That seems to help out a little and by the end of the day you may not be as tired. Well hope this helps.
J.T.

Conley- Sorry to hear about your back. I sincerely hope that your doctors do all the right things and that you are back running and gunning as soon as the doc gives you the green light.

I'll include you with my discussions with the Big Man Upstairs. Prayers can only help.
Good luck and keep in touch. Joe

Conley,

Sorry to hear about the ruptured disc. I know how intense back pain can be. I have had times where it got so bad, I could not even walk. You are right about exercise and stretching... that was the only thing that helped me when I was having trouble with my back.

One thing to keep in mind after your surgery is that Doctors often prescribe heavy pain medication like Vicodin. Although this medication is great for helping take away the pain, it also is highly addictive. I have known a couple of people who have been on Vicodin long-term for back pain and ended up with an addiction to the drug. There are other medicines out there that can help with the pain, so if your Doc prescribes "Vicodin", you may want to read up on some alternatives before taking them...

I wish you a speedy recovery and will also keep you in my prayers.

I want to thank you guys for the thoughts, prayers, and the advise. Hope the wife can figure out how to get the computer by the bed so that I can keep up with you guys while I'm out of comision.lol.

Everyone that I have talked with that has had the surgury that I will be having is back at work and pain free. Said that it took them about three weeks to get over it and another couple weeks for the pain to be gone. Lets hope that it goes the same for me. I have already started the diet and excersize that he recomened so I hope that will put me ahead of the game come time to cut.

Kinda disapointing when the year is starting out so good in the Texas 100. We are in 12th overall right now and it looks like I'm going to miss two of the tournaments (Last Two) because of this. But I have faith in my brother that he can keep us at the top.

Thanks again Yall don't realize how much it means to me knowing that folks that I have never met care enough to keep me in their thoughts and prayers.

Good luck to yall the rest of the year and may they all be keepers.

Conley

Conley, I'm truly sorry to hear of your back troubles, hang in there it will be worth it in the long run.. Never really thought much about it till now..

Thank You


EAT SLEEP FISH