In 1986 I had surgery for a herniated disc. I was not overweight at the time. I picked things up the wrong
way including my three year old daughter. Then, they suggested that I stay in bed for weeks to try and make
it better, but that didn't work for me, and I don't know if I could have helped myself with what I know now or not.
The surgery helped me, however if I let myself go for a month, I will have recurring back problems. I still avoid lifting
heavy items as well. But, everyday work and housework I can do, with a few exercises daily.
I learned that if I briskly walk at least 30 minutes a day that helps a lot. However, I still had some recurring
problems, so I started to concentrate on my upper back even though my lower back was where my herniated disc occurred.
It gave me long lasting and better results.
I do bicep curls with 3 lb. weights daily, and also lift them over my head. I do some resistance exercises with
my legs and shoulders, as well as wall pushups, easy neck turns and shoulder rolls.
I continue to walk at least 30 minutes a day, and have a path in my house, back and forth when I can't go out. Using
music is the only way that I can do this continually.
Be sure if you have to have surgery to get a board certified doctor and also find someone that recommends him or her.
When I was searching for a better way to maintain good back health I went to a chiropractor who hurt me more than helped,
so be careful when looking for a chiropractor. Find someone who recommends them. I can recommend a good one in
the Tulsa area.
I couldn't ride in a car for very long. I still use a pillow just to ensure that my back is cushioned. After
the upper body workouts, I've been on long several day trips, and haven't had a bad back episode. I try to continue
the exercises on my trips if possible.
FROZEN SHOULDERS
I want to include the frozen shoulder problem along with my back.
I have had two frozen shoulders, each at different times, that lasted about a year apiece. Since I've lost
weight, and do exercises daily, (curls and lifts) (see above), I have not had another frozen shoulder. I was
about 40 lbs. overweight when the frozen shoulders occurred.
