I have a history of back problems. It’s a long story but I got run over by a car about 15 years ago and haven’t been the same since. I won’t go into detail about how it happened but let me just say don’t stand in front of a car when doing repair work while the guy helping tries to start it.
As a result of my little accident I have a bulging disc at L4 and L5 and every now and then I do something just the wrong way and I seize the area up. When this happens its very painful for me to transfer from sitting position to a standing position. Straightening out is incredibly painful. So as a consequence I don’t get to have any fun and my work pace is very slow.
I’ll continue to work because the problem could persist for weeks so if you call I may miss the phone so be sure to leave a message. If I’m not right by it I probably won’t even try to answer it until I start feeling better. For those of you who are having a frame made, DON”T WORRY! the quality won’t suffer. I’m very comfortable when sitting at the welding bench and working. I’m just slower than normal.
This week I’ll be finishing up Matt S’s ti road frame. Shipping Harold V’s Ti road bike, shipping Brian B’s steel road bike and starting Andreas M’s Columbus XCr frame and maybe shipping Joe S’s bike as well. It’s going to be a fun week and I should have lots a pictures to post as things progress.
Ouch… sorry to hear about your back problem. I have no advise, just words of encouragement… take it easy.
Anyhow, i’ll be transfering funds over on wednesday my time. You can check it on tuesday morning your time.
Take care,
E.
Carl –
As you know, I had the L4-5 Disc all but totally removed after it exploded into my spinal canal. I have known your pain and I can sympathize.
If you need any reccomendations or refs to competant Orthopedists, Chiropracters, etc. Let me know. I use a chiropracter that specializes in the Blair Method (Axis and Atlas exclusive) and have found the results more than helpful.
IMHO – Adjustments at the site (chiropractic) tend to do more to aid to rather than alleviate the discomfort.
Try massage to the affected muscle groups (Hamstrings, Hips, Shoulders and Neck) and alternating Hot/Cold at the site. Start a regiment of Ibuprofren, it will take a full 5 days for the Anti-Inflamatory bennefits to show up in full force.
Other than that, an excercise ball will promote proper form when seated. Lots of stretching using the ball as support can also be helpful.
Best of Luck and Don’t hesitate to call if you need a competant mechanic to see on this side of the divide. Dr. Michael Woods, at Missoula Bone and Joint is THE MAN.
-G
Feel better soon. There’s nothing worse than a bad back.
Take care Carl. Sorry to read about the pain and hope you are back(bad pun) up and about freely soon.
oh man, I have back issues but not like that. Take some time off (easy for me to say I am not in queue at the moment)
b
Hey Carl,
Sorry to hear about the back. I know what you’re going through. I’ve had three back operations, titanium instruments (go figure), prosthetic DIAM all at from L3-S1, all of them compromised. This past January I had all of it removed. Nothing..
Go to Egoscue.com, click the link for back pain. It changed my life.
Give me a buzz and I’ll tell you all about it. Bottom line is that posture is EVERYTHING. Take care and keep building those beautiful frames!!!
Ciao brother!
darren
Crisp Titanium