Back pain affecting play

Bamacues

Bamacues

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This may be an issue that we have discussed before, but I wanted to bring it up again.

First, I am close to 60 years old, so some of my problems certainly stem from age, but the main culprit is an automobile accident that I had in 1993. In that accident, I had a head injury (OK, that explains why I am nuts!!), my right hand was crushed with 12 "crush" fractures below the wrist (I can't open my hand fully anymore,, and L4-L5 area of my back were damaged.

It has bothered me a little over the years, but recently, it is bothering me a lot. The pain runs down the right leg, making it feel numb. This is affecting my pool game somewhat because I have altered my stance (even though it is still uncomfortable) to minimize the pain, and I don't get down as low as I should sometimes. Unfortunately, I often am thinking of that instead of the shot at hand.

I take Tramadol (Ultram) for the pain, but it has become pretty useless. I know several of you guys are in similar situations, just looking for any suggestions as to treatment, etc that have worked for you.

Thanks,
Joe
 
Bamacues said:
This may be an issue that we have discussed before, but I wanted to bring it up again.

First, I am close to 60 years old, so some of my problems certainly stem from age, but the main culprit is an automobile accident that I had in 1993. In that accident, I had a head injury (OK, that explains why I am nuts!!), my right hand was crushed with 12 "crush" fractures below the wrist (I can't open my hand fully anymore,, and L4-L5 area of my back were damaged.

It has bothered me a little over the years, but recently, it is bothering me a lot. The pain runs down the right leg, making it feel numb. This is affecting my pool game somewhat because I have altered my stance (even though it is still uncomfortable) to minimize the pain, and I don't get down as low as I should sometimes. Unfortunately, I often am thinking of that instead of the shot at hand.

I take Tramadol (Ultram) for the pain, but it has become pretty useless. I know several of you guys are in similar situations, just looking for any suggestions as to treatment, etc that have worked for you.

Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...

www.egoscue.com

I don't know where you are located, but the exercises they suggest to help get your muscles and body balanced again really work. My wife is currently going through rehab with them to recover from an old car accident and the progress has been really good.

If you are near somewhere you can go see them, do it. If not, get the book and do the suggested exercises.

~rc
 
Joey, A chiropractor told me years ago that the normal "Mosconi" stance can cause back problems. He told me to do sort of a "half squat" , bending both knees and face the table more squarely. I still get some back problems but not from pool.

Danny K
 
Bamacues said:
This may be an issue that we have discussed before, but I wanted to bring it up again.

First, I am close to 60 years old, so some of my problems certainly stem from age, but the main culprit is an automobile accident that I had in 1993. In that accident, I had a head injury (OK, that explains why I am nuts!!), my right hand was crushed with 12 "crush" fractures below the wrist (I can't open my hand fully anymore,, and L4-L5 area of my back were damaged.

It has bothered me a little over the years, but recently, it is bothering me a lot. The pain runs down the right leg, making it feel numb. This is affecting my pool game somewhat because I have altered my stance (even though it is still uncomfortable) to minimize the pain, and I don't get down as low as I should sometimes. Unfortunately, I often am thinking of that instead of the shot at hand.

I take Tramadol (Ultram) for the pain, but it has become pretty useless. I know several of you guys are in similar situations, just looking for any suggestions as to treatment, etc that have worked for you.

Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...


If you are having leg pain, you have waited a bit long to see a neurologist, you have a pinched nerve. You need to get it checked out. There are several options depending on the severity. I waited way too long and am in the process of recovering from surgery. However was worth it as the guy did a good job and I am near back to where I was 17 years ago and pain free. I am 58 now.

cheers-------BW
 
sciatica

Bamacues said:
This may be an issue that we have discussed before, but I wanted to bring it up again.

First, I am close to 60 years old, so some of my problems certainly stem from age, but the main culprit is an automobile accident that I had in 1993. In that accident, I had a head injury (OK, that explains why I am nuts!!), my right hand was crushed with 12 "crush" fractures below the wrist (I can't open my hand fully anymore,, and L4-L5 area of my back were damaged.

It has bothered me a little over the years, but recently, it is bothering me a lot. The pain runs down the right leg, making it feel numb. This is affecting my pool game somewhat because I have altered my stance (even though it is still uncomfortable) to minimize the pain, and I don't get down as low as I should sometimes. Unfortunately, I often am thinking of that instead of the shot at hand.

I take Tramadol (Ultram) for the pain, but it has become pretty useless. I know several of you guys are in similar situations, just looking for any suggestions as to treatment, etc that have worked for you.

Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...

sounds like you're suffering from sciatica(sp?)
i had a severe case of it back in august and was off my feet for about 3 weeks.
therapy helped alot.
the only relief that i got was from vicotdin.
still have problem with numbness in my foot and my buttcheek but it's bareable now.
 
I hear ya brother. I've had two back surgeries - both on the L5-S1 disk.

Here's the deal - get an MRI. If the MRI shows bad things, don't get accupuncture, don't see a Chiro-quack (as I did for a LONG time) ---- see an orthopaedic or neuro surgeon and get it fixed. It's brutal, but when you're through it you'll feel a lot better.

Tramadol doesn't help much. Hate to say it, but unless you get vicodin or oxycodone / oxycontin, you won't be able to play without pain. NOW, whether or not you can play from being high off pain killers is a different story.... so, think clearly but play with pain or float around the table without a care in the world while in a pain killer trance with no pain---- you gotta choose.

Dave
 
All the above may be the solution you need for the long term. We can't diagnose the problem over the internet. You need to have it checked out.

I'm 55 and don't bend like I used to. One thing I found that helps me is after I get my bridge hand on the table and have bent as far as comfortable, I kick my right foot (left if you are a lefty) back about an extra 12 to 15 inches. It lowers my center of gravity and brings my head down closer to the cue without any stress on my lower back.
Try it. It has allowed me to get through more matches without dealing with the back pain.
Steve
 
Back Pain

I too have had back surgery (L5-S1) but due to complications I actually ended up with more pain than when I started. I would suggest you visit a GOOD neuro-surgeon and pain clinic for furher evaluation. The disk in your back may be "bulging" and causing pressure on the nerves. Depending on where this pressure occurs you can end up with a further complication that may not be curable. After saying all this.....regardless of age, stretch before you play and after....I have also found a modified stance combining american stance and an Allison Fisher snooker stance and this relieves a lot of pain. good luck
 
I don't post much on here b/c I don't have the expertise that many of the people do on the site but I've been a regular lurker for awhile. This is an area I have more expertise than most here. I am a neurosurgeon and I would be happy to talk to you if you want to PM me. I may not be able to get right back to you.

Essentially what you're describing may be a radiculopathy or nerve inflammation that can respond well to many non-operative treatments and operative if necessary. If it does respond there are still many preventative and maintenance things that will help it from recurring. These include strengthening core muscles, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight. In pool it may also mean adjusting your stance and body mechanics to fit your back and circumstances.

With what you have described the best advice is probably going to be to see your primary physician and get started in some type of treatment. The earlier the treatment the better the results.
 
WKRP said:
I don't post much on here b/c I don't have the expertise that many of the people do on the site but I've been a regular lurker for awhile. This is an area I have more expertise than most here. I am a neurosurgeon and I would be happy to talk to you if you want to PM me. I may not be able to get right back to you.

Essentially what you're describing may be a radiculopathy or nerve inflammation that can respond well to many non-operative treatments and operative if necessary. If it does respond there are still many preventative and maintenance things that will help it from recurring. These include strengthening core muscles, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight. In pool it may also mean adjusting your stance and body mechanics to fit your back and circumstances.

With what you have described the best advice is probably going to be to see your primary physician and get started in some type of treatment. The earlier the treatment the better the results.
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting, Dr. It is appreciated. Sounds like solid advice. I had my L-4 disc removed in 1993 with very good results until a couple of years ago. I will be 60 in Jan. and it is tough when you gamble, as I do, to be bent over, ready to shoot and expecting the pain to appear while you are in your back stroke. It is virtually impossible to stay down on the shot. I have worn a Gold's Gym weight lifting belt from just after my surgery but that doesn't seem to help any longer. It doesn't feel like nerve pain this time more like muscle. Thanks again for posting, Dr.
 
One thing to remember is that everyones back or health issues may be slightly different. Sciatic type pain can be caused from more than one thing, and your cause may be different than that of anyone else that has posted. Treatments for one cause of radicular pain may be the exact opposite from another. Whenever you feel pain going down your leg, it is serious enough that it should be checked out by knowledgeable medical personnel. The longer you wait, the worse it can become, and the more difficult it can be to fix. I would take WKRP's advice and see a local physician to begin conservative treatments. I have treated many people with these type of symptoms. Most see significant relief with conservative measures.
 
Thanks for all the input, guys...Doc, your insight is much appreciated. I will PM you. I have been treated for the problem over a period of years, but it never really affected my game as much as it is now..mainly due to the fact that I am thinking of the pain instead of the shot. I grew up as a snooker player, so my stance is a little modified, I think...certainly not Allison Fischer's but not totally Mosconi either.

Over the years, I have had cortison shots which were fantastic...for a short time. I have also taken oral steroids which help, but have their own significant problems. The doctors have talked about fusion, disk replacement, and some new type of heating of the disks...I have not gone to those yet. I have taken anti-inflamatories with little success, and have been taking the Tramadol to try to stay away from the narcotics as long as possible.

I appreciate you folks taking the time to share your thoughts with me..I truly do. Thanks. I am usually a pretty good player...APA 8-ball level 7 with about 85% win percentage. Over the last few weeks, I have not felt confident of running 2 balls.

Thanks again,
Joe
 
Read This Book

Joe --Take at look at this $15 book: PAIN FREE by Pete Egoscue.

You will not regret it; it changed my life, not just my pool playing life.
He advocates movement, and stretching... and not surgery. Good luck!

RL
 
Bamacues said:
This may be an issue that we have discussed before, but I wanted to bring it up again.

First, I am close to 60 years old, so some of my problems certainly stem from age, but the main culprit is an automobile accident that I had in 1993. In that accident, I had a head injury (OK, that explains why I am nuts!!), my right hand was crushed with 12 "crush" fractures below the wrist (I can't open my hand fully anymore,, and L4-L5 area of my back were damaged.

It has bothered me a little over the years, but recently, it is bothering me a lot. The pain runs down the right leg, making it feel numb. This is affecting my pool game somewhat because I have altered my stance (even though it is still uncomfortable) to minimize the pain, and I don't get down as low as I should sometimes. Unfortunately, I often am thinking of that instead of the shot at hand.

I take Tramadol (Ultram) for the pain, but it has become pretty useless. I know several of you guys are in similar situations, just looking for any suggestions as to treatment, etc that have worked for you.

Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...

Try my easy fix. Lie on the floor and do 200 leg raises in all four directions with that leg. That will pull your hip into place and help your lower back straighten up. Regular back exercises, stretching the legs, and bending your knee while playing are all very good ideas.

The link below is for a non-surgical treatment called VAX-D. In my area it has a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE if you have surgery within 6 months of the treatment. Just watching their video they give at their clinic will show you the problem. Disks get dehydrated. Regular exercise, twisting and stretching as in Tai Chi will loosen up the disks and hydrate them. It's the only way to get fluid into the disks.
http://www.vaxd.net/research.htm

Pain medicine and ice can often be the worst thing as shown by this research.
http://www.caringmedical.com/sports_injury/rice.asp
 
SpiderWebComm said:
I hear ya brother. I've had two back surgeries - both on the L5-S1 disk.

Here's the deal - get an MRI. If the MRI shows bad things, don't get accupuncture, don't see a Chiro-quack (as I did for a LONG time) ---- see an orthopaedic or neuro surgeon and get it fixed. It's brutal, but when you're through it you'll feel a lot better.

Tramadol doesn't help much. Hate to say it, but unless you get vicodin or oxycodone / oxycontin, you won't be able to play without pain. NOW, whether or not you can play from being high off pain killers is a different story.... so, think clearly but play with pain or float around the table without a care in the world while in a pain killer trance with no pain---- you gotta choose.

Dave
Click to expand...







I 100% agree with this and will add that pain killers only mask the pain they do not fix the problem, I'd definitely hit the ortho doc and get an mri to see what's going on. I have the same problem and when it acts up the doc tries the pill route and if that doesn't work a series of cortisone shots,

I also take Aleve which acts as an anti-inflammatory to shrink the disc that is pressing on the nerve.

Go to the doc!!! :D
 
I also read and appreciate all the advice given here. Thanks everybody for some good ideas and thoughts.
Our body's get more like an old car everyday. Something always needs repaired or replaced.
 
Most ortho docs do not do spine. Unless the ortho doc has a spine fellowship, I would not opt for an ortho. I wuold instead go with a neurosurgeon or a physiatrist (rehab doctor) that specializes in spine.

In my experience, the heating of the disk is not a great option. It takes longer to recover from, and the results are not as consistent as some other treatments.

Many of the things posted here are viable options, but again, back issues are not all the same, and require individual diagnoses and treatments. If we had your current diagnosis it may help. Most docs would include physical therapy in the gammate of treatment that you have had. I would definately try that in conjuntion with you other current treatments before considering surgery.
 
I too have back problems. Spinal canal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and arthritis all in the lower lumbar. I have had pain in both legs, butt to ankle, constantly, for almost four years. I recently (two days ago) had radio frequency surgery on several nerves and am awaiting results. Steroid epidurals did not help. Tramadol did not help, acetamenophin did just as well. I take Vicadin when I can't stand it. Best advice on this thread is 1) see a doctor asap, 2) get an MRI. Really good of WKRP to communicate! Good luck!
:p
 
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