Back pain
I've been struggling with my back for about 4 years. It went out on me following a time when I decided to lose weight by jogging and I came back with chiropractic and exercise. Over the years, it wasn't perfect, but I felt it was improving. Then, I go to the doctor in my round-about need to get a referral to get my eyes checked and he suggests a walk/jog program because I'm still not losing weight, and I'm maybe gaining a pound every six months. It is a gain, and I want to lose. So, thinking my back was up to the task, one morning, I do a 15 minute walk/jog deal. Two days later, my back is really bothering me. Not as bad as it ever was before, but a definate step back. The upshot of all this is that I decided, since the doctor had suggested this jogging thing, and I couldn't do it, I should be able to get a referral for physical therapy. I was right. I started physical therapy last week, and I think I'll be able to make progress. The therapy itself isn't particularly painful at the time, but I end up with my back hurting more. But they tell you that might be the case, as you're asked to do more. What I really want is lessons in how to do the strenthening exercises correctly, and that's where we're headed.

What is unexpected is I feel a bit guilty about it. I mean, I'm in the waiting room and it is filled with old people with walkers. People who really need the attention of a physical therapist. People who have had strokes, surgery, car accidents... and here I am, this whiny middle-aged woman. But it was rather amusing to come out of my therapy today, and there was a group gathered around a woman, all discussing the merits of various canes. You gotta figure ... its just a matter of time.