2023 Chatty!

[Paul Marangoni]

Completely sidelined by a protrusion of a disc in my lower back.

I know it well. I had a bulging disc that caused terrible sciatic pain way back in my late 20s. It was a combination hockey injury and strain from installing flagstones in my back yard.
What worked for me was DAILY physical therapy for THREE MONTHS. Extension stretches helped, and flexion made it worse. This means that lying face down, and then arching my back up, helped.
Also, they had me lie down on what can only be described as a "torture rack" each day. It had a harness that went around my hips and another one that went around my shoulders (I think) and then it would gradually "pull me apart" at regular intervals.
Basically, each disc is like a jelly donut, and you want to get that jelly back into place.

Hanging from a pullup bar is good too.

I recommend this book: https://amzn.to/405UIqv

[Morgenthaler]

Thanks so much, Paul. That sciatic pain is something else, right? Almost unbearable, for much of the time, currently.

And yeah, I am doing all of that. I have a physical therapist seeing me/guiding me a couple of times a week and for now I am also just eating a lot of pain killers, since I can do only very few of the exercises at this stage.

Sleeping has been a complete nightmare but wedging a yoga bolster between my knees has helped a lot.

Baby steps, quite literally…

[Paul Marangoni]

Yes, sciatic pain can be brutal. I remember being in tears driving to work. Sitting is the absolute worst. You'll get through it. Ease off on the painkillers as soon as you can tolerate it. They will do a number on your stomach.

[Rene]

Yesterdays news is old news but this doesn't come as a surprise: https://dreamtheater.net/dream-theater- ... e-portnoy/

[langmick]

I've been doing yoga 5x a week for the last year. It's amazing how much it's helped my mobility. It's not crazy ashtanga speed flow yoga. Normal classes.

[Rodge]

Can't believe Aaron Spears's death, so young (47 years old), so sad...
May his Soul rest in Peace.

[Julián Fernández]

Can't believe Aaron Spears's death, so young (47 years old), so sad...
May his Soul rest in Peace.

[Julián Fernández]

Game changer?

[Rudy_Ment]

Can't believe Aaron Spears's death, so young (47 years old), so sad...
May his Soul rest in Peace.

Oh man, no way. I'm shocked to hear that. Incredible talent he was. RIP.

[Julián Fernández]

Merry Christmas to the HOD family! Have a good one!