I was diagnosed with it 30 years ago, and I didn't do anything then to help myself. Kept the job that had me working on my feet for55-70 hours a week. Let myself get fat and out of shape. Then, some 15 years ago, I cratered. Spine fell apart like a card house.

Now I've got herniated and ruptured discs on at least 8 levels in my cervical and lumbar spine. They haven't scanned the thoracic spine yet, but I can tell 'em they'll find at least two more there. And I've got arthritis throughout my spine now, with associated bone spurs impinging the nerve roots.

Can't feel my feet. Can barely walk, and have to have a cane to do it at all. Legs take spells where theydecide they just don't want to work. Pretty darn uncomfortable.... If slamming your finger in a car door can be termed 'uncomfortabe,' because that's pretty much the constant pain level I'm talking about.[:-]The best spine surgeons in Dallas can't do anything for me and refuse to operate. They say the surgery I need is so extensive that I'd not stand a chance of surviving it. SO....

A few words of advice.... Take the meds the doctor prescribes. Do any therapy he sends you to. LOSE WEIGHT! Work up an exercise plan that concentrates on strengthening all the muscles in your body's trunk, special emphasis on your abs. You must also do exercises that increase your flexibility and range of motion. I'vefound taking glucosamine and chondroitin very helpful.

I've done all the above except losing the weight, and it's killing me. Kinda hard to exercise when you've got it as bad as I do and diet alone just doesn't cut it.I did manage to walk the entire range at our club shoot yesterday, and that wasa huge accomplishment for me -Especially when the doctors all told me 15 years ago that I'd never walk again. (LIARS![8D]) But I was in serious pain afterward.

I hope and prayyou jump on it NOW and don't let it get as bad as I did.