This morning I saw a new physical therapist. The last time I saw a physical therapist for my back was over a year ago, and my new primary care doctor suggested I go again, but to a different one. This physical therapist seemed to be very good. That is, he gave me confidence in what he was saying. He seemed to really know what he was doing too. Actually, he suggested that the pain I am feeling down my leg is probably due more to scar tissue from the herniation blocking the nerve from coming out of my spine than from an actual bulging disc. I thought, wow! that is something I haven't heard before. He also said that most people with sciatica pain find sitting to be very uncomfortable, and standing is much better. However, I am the opposite...sitting is more comfortable and standing starts to really hurt after about 5 minutes.
Apparently there is a ligament on the back of my spine that is also causing some pain. Oh yea, and I have osteo- arthritis in my spine as well. Basically, when I bend forward, the disc bulges out and causes pain..when I bend backward the ligament obstructs the nerve and causes pain. I"m in a catch 22. And then there is also this scar tissue which is constricting the sciatic nerve.
However, he seemed to think that in a couple of months he could have me where I was able to bend over without pain. I have 3 exercises to do..one of them I am supposed to do every hour! I also found out that I'm pretty strong, other than my abdominal muscles. So, the other two exercises are for my abdominals.
I see him again in about 2 weeks. Hopefully by then I'll show some improvement! But I have to be diligent about these exercises.
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