Hi, my name is DaveTheLad!

DaveTheLad

I'm 84 years old and in fairly good shape except for my back. My back pain pretty much controls my life now. I can no longer walk more than about a quarter mile before the pain becomes too much. I like to garden but that too is becoming impossible. I haven't done much to relieve the pain other than to take pain relievers: Tylenol and occasional Ibuprofen. Lately, I've started using Salonpas medicated pads, which seem to help. When I'm working, I use a back brace and that helps a lot. I'm currently looking to buy a new mattress because I think my current mattress doesn't give me enough support when I sleep.

I went to the Mayo clinic a couple of years ago and they basically told me that surgery was not going to fix my problem plus there was a chance it could make it worse. They suggested cortisone shots and I was given one while I was there but it didn't really have any effect. I've also had cortisone shots for shoulder pain and for knee pain and they also had no discernable effect.

I intend to read the forum entries and I welcome any suggestions other members woould have for me. Thank you.

Rosie_Scope

Hello @DaveTheLad, welcome to the community. Sorry to hear your back is so painful.

We can't give specific medical advice but we can share experiences, so I hope our members will pop along to say hello and offer their thoughts.

Feel free to take a look around and join in wherever you'd like to. I hope you can get some relief soon! 😊