Thought it was about time I posted an update on my back.

Since the original post I have been having physio therapy about 3 - 4 times a week.
We worked through a whole heap of different treatments, with varying degrees of success and failure. (Yes, some of them did make me worse in the short term.)

For the last 6 weeks, the sessions start out with 20 minutes on "the rack".
Strapped to a special bed with 2 sections. The upper section holds my upper body with a huge velcro strap across my chest.
The lower section holds my hips with another huge velcro strap. They then dial up some settings in a computerised machine that pulls me apart. Current settings apply a load of 40 kg (about 88 lb) for 10 seconds and then releases for 5 seconds. This repeats for the full 20 minutes.
Pain just goes away as I am stretched out.
After the session, my height is measured to ensure it stays within safety limits.

After the rack, I exercise for about 60 - 90 minutes in the hydrotherapy pool.
15' x 50' pool, chest high water kept at 38 Celcious.

This is currently done twice a week.
Since we started this treatment, the period I stay pain free has increased from just a few hours, to the current pain free period with no medication for 36 - 48 hours. Then the pain slowly returns. By the time of my next session, I am taking about 4 - 6 painkillers a day. (Heaps less, and a safer tablet, then when I started out.)

I think we can beat this now.
Worst case, is to have multiple facet joints blocks injected into my back.

No surgery for this little black duck.

Guess I am one of the lucky ones again.


PK