Sorry to hear about your back, Randy. Haven't you blogged about back problems before? I thought I remembered that but could be wrong. Anyway, if it's happening repeatedly, you might want to consider going to a doctor. It can't hurt, and it might help. Hope you are feeling better.

Wow! I did not think anything could hold you down. Hope you recovered by now as I am catching this post late.

Man. I can totally relate to your predicament. You seem to be very fit and active (as I am for the most part), which makes it even harder to deal with limitations. While everything that still needs to be done remains undone, don't let that tyrannize you. Maybe you can heal while doing mental work. At least that's what's helped me. Reading can be one of the best ways to allow oneself to grow by finding new subjects related to what interests you. Blogging (limited degree) can help pass time while still connecting w/buddies. And stretching your ab muscles which are connected to your lumbar area. Aleve has helped but doesn't entirely take the pain away. In addition, I take Flexeril and Hydrocodone (as needed). The good news for you is that your condition will heal and get better. Mine cannot be reversed (Stage 1 spondylolisthesis), but I can prevent it from going to Stage 2. Stage 5 requires titanium pin fusion. I don't want that, so I'm doing every preventative measure possible. I'm seeing a PT who works w/my husband, so that is helpful. Sending you my empathy. Read!

Randy, I find that capsican ointment is great but it burns so get the lowest dose and Aleve is more effective than Advil. For me at least.

Yuck. That's awful -- especially when there's so much to do with winter approaching. I hope you get better soon.

Eat some pie. That should take your mind off it. Just kidding; hope you get to feeling better.

Gosh, what did you do to strain your back? That is really painful and restricting! Hope you're better very soon! Maybe a little sun at the beach... as you recall it's still warm here in CA.

I am thankful I have all of those chores done for the winter (with the exception of splitting wood)
Wish we lived closer, I would help you out!

Hope your back feel's better soon! Any idea what you did?

ouch! I hope your back recovers soon!

Dear Randy, when you get over this, and you will, think about daily gentle stretching. A reason why your back goes out is because flexibility is key to any activity. As one ages, it must be worked for. Look up back stretches on line. Sorry you have to go through this.

I've hurt/strained my back before and thank God, the pain was always short lived (a couple days or so) but I know how limiting things are when your back hurts. Taking a deep breath is painful. I totally sympathize with you Randall and I hope you mend ASAP.
When I have hurt my back in the past it occurs to me how often I take for granted the ability to function without pain and back pain has got to be the worst.
Thinking of you today buddy

I'm sorry to hear you are having back problems. I sure can sympathize. It is frustrating not to be able to do the things one is used to doing. Hope you feel better soon. Your friend - Annie :o)