I've lived with low back pain since 1999, when I got a slipped disc at the L 4, L 5 level because of a weight lifting injury.
But this injury I believe was the culmination of various weight lifting injuries that occurred over the prior 25 years of intense weight lifting.
Dr. Loddengaard reviewed my low back X-rays from 3 years ago, examined me and asked questions.
When he finished he said, "There is nothing I can do for you." He explained that my low back is "worn out."
It's not only the disc injury, but I have normal disc contraction that comes with age (I'm 71 years of age) and I have arthritis there as well. My low back is also growing stiff from age.
And he pointed out I'm not as tall as I used to be. He's right. I used to be 5 feet, 8 inches tall and I'm now 2 inches shorter.
And he pointed out I'm not as tall as I used to be. He's right. I used to be 5 feet, 8 inches tall and I'm now 2 inches shorter.
No epidermal or back surgery (the latter of which I hope never to have) is going to solve my low back problems.
Dr. Loddengaard said I have "the tools" to deal with my low back problems and I agree.
Having had low back issues for many years, I've worked with my physical therapist Mike Fischvogt since 2001 to develop those tools, which are specifics exercises, do's and dont's in protecting my low back, ice, etc.
Dr. Loddengaard also said that unless I have kidney disease (I don't) Ibuprofen (Advil) could be helpful.
He said that if I had to take 12 tablets a day (for pain), every day for a year, there would only be "a 1 percent chance" I would harm myself.
While "there is nothing I can do for you" and that my low back is "worn out" might seem alarming, I appreciated his candor and his diagnosis.
I now understand better the underlying causes for my low back pain, and with a positive and hopeful attitude can take steps to deal with it.
Dick
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