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.
