Hi Joe,

I'm 70 and my lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, lithesis, degenerative arthritis of the vertebra and disc degradation. I used to by 6'1" tall and now I'm 5'10".

Nothing can be done to correct osteoarthritis. I developed sciatica twice, once on each side of my legs. The shooting pain was awful. The first time, I had a bulging disc that eventually shrank back into place. The second time, the disc at S1/L5 ruptured and I needed surgery. Holes were drilled in the back of my S1, L5, and L4 vertebra, the ruptured section of the disc was removed and arthritic spurs inside my spinal canal were also removed. I think the name for the procedure is laminotomy (not to be confused with the much more aggressive laminectomy).

My surgeon has told me the only thing holding my lumbar spine in place is a very strong set of "core" muscles. I go to the gym everyday, and in addition to stretching, resistance training, and cardio (spinning), I make sure to do exercises to keep my core strong. I also dropped from 190 lbs to 160 lbs the past year.

If I develop sciatica again, my surgeon said he will have to fuse some of the vertebrae, probably S1, L5, and L4. I'm doing everything I can to avoid this, so that's why I'm at the gym everyday, and why I eat a healthy diet.

I hope at least some of this is useful to you. I have also cut way back on sugar and products that include sugar. Sugar fuels inflammation and inflammation fuels arthritis.

All the best to you.

Joe