Multi-level disc injury - frustrated rant

[OakLeaf]

Update ... I've been posting some in the running threads, but I'm almost starting to dare to hope.

Three visits done with the osteopath. Getting appointments with him has been frustrating, but the treatments help. Sutherland's techniques are WAY different from anything I've ever had done before. I don't even know how to describe ligamentous articular strain. Half the time it doesn't even feel like anything when he's working on me, but whether I feel it or not at the time, I definitely feel it afterward. Muscle soreness on the one aspect, postural realignment on the other. Powerful stuff.

Then I'd originally asked my sister for a recommendation of an acupuncture doctor, and she's the one who recommended that I first see an osteopath who practices Sutherland's techniques, but in the meantime when I was going too long between appointments with the DO, I started seeing the LAc my sister recommended, who does motor point technique. Two out of three treatments with her now, I've been lying on her table and a muscle just let go and has pretty much stayed de-spasmed. Jaw-dropping stuff as far as I'm concerned. Again ... I've had acupuncture before, but not motor point work - actually my LAc isn't certified yet, but she's studying for her sports medicine certification and incorporating motor point techniques in the meantime.

My low back is WAY looser, I'm able to get my pelvis closer to neutral, I'm feeling better running. I've still got a fair amount of numbness all over but less "deadness" in my arms. I also started being less afraid of the stuff in my legs going into the motor nerves - even though it has already done that in my arms, my other sister told me that she has chronic numbness in her legs but no weakness, and she really doesn't take care of herself musculoskeletally. If things continue the way they have been (fingers crossed, again ... up until now I've been too afraid to even say I'm getting better even as it happened) I'll do one more "long" run (up to 9 miles now) and then try carrying water.

I went ahead and put my application in for the Boston Marathon when I was much more uncertain than now - the one thing I REALLY didn't want to happen was that I'd get healthy enough to train, but get closed out due to my own inaction - and I'm starting to think I might actually be able to run the dang thing.

I hope I hope I hope I hope.

[Blueberry]

Crossing fingers for you! It's amazing how many different ways there are of approaching the same problem - and how they all work differently for different people. I'm glad something is working for you!!

[Catrin]

This is so good to hear Crankin, crossing all fingers and toes for you

[redrhodie]

Yay! I'm so glad you found something that's working! Have you been on the bike yet?

[OakLeaf]

I'm not climbing hills yet since they aggravated the low back so badly, but I'm up to a whopping 20 miles of bike path (which is 3+ laps of the nearest one ). Better than nothing.

[Catrin]

I'm not climbing hills yet since they aggravated the low back so badly, but I'm up to a whopping 20 miles of bike path (which is 3+ laps of the nearest one ). Better than nothing.

I've had my own issues with climbing aggravating back/neck injuries so I feel your pain on this one. It IS, however, wonderful that you can get out there and ride - sweet! It will surely just go up from here