A genetic gift from someone back up the line, I have a partially-hollow S1 vertebra. Not a lottery you want to win! About four or five years ago, 30-odd years of wear and tear saw that vertebra partially dislodge, and give a little under the weight of the rest of my spine. As a result, the L5 vertebra above it crunched down and caused the disc between L5-S1 to bulge, and compress my sciatic nerve. Sciatica, as it’s known, is the pinching of the sciatic nerve and causes pain, numbness and inflammation right through the hips, buttocks and legs. For me, it means I can’t walk more than 10-15 minutes without needing to sit down and allow the nerve to ‘wake up’ so my leg doesn’t feel numb or hurt anymore. Needless to say, it ain’t much fun. I’ve had cortisone injections, seen a neurosurgeon and my GP. The recommendation is that I have surgery to insert a small brace to keep the two vertebra concerned in place and prevent the disc from bulging. But I would prefer to avoid surgery if I can. I’ve heard and read stories of it not working and the pain either continuing or worsening. So I’ve again sought alternatives to this. A pain management & physiotherapy specialist has helped me put together a stretching and exercise program to strengthen the muscles in my lower back and core, to try and naturally correct things. Additionally, a few times each day, I use this inversion table to relax and stretch my spine. It’s a good few minutes of gravity and my body weight combining to do a bit extra. Starting each day with a spinal and muscular stretch like this, as well as using a gym ball and the floor, are hopefully helping my back to reposition/reprogram itself. It’s a good chance to meditate as well and clear my head for the upcoming day. . . . #backpain #sciatica #L5 #S1 #l5s1 #bulgingdisc #sciaticnerve #morning #stretch #inversion #inversiontable #inversiontherapy #lowerback #physio #physiotherapy #healthybody #healthybodyhealthymind
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