Thanks for sharing, James. You are on the right track, based on my experiences and study. I agree that it takes a long time for healing, and for the pain to go away. From all my past problems, however, I don't understand why the doctors are prescribing pills that don't heal or stop pain after a while. My Chiropractor had me doing gait exercises and walking practice to try to correct my posture because he said that every step I took was damaging my spine, because of the arthritic knee which was soon replaced. My back was better after the knee surgery but the numbness lasted a year before it went away. It itched a lot of the time. After the therapist showed me how the plastic model of the spine works, I knew how to stretch to restore the spine without the pinching. With the back surgery, it has been four years and yesterday I was able to bend over and lift some but still have weakness for carrying flats of flowers. I was able to enjoy the work, however and had help for some of the lifting. I didn't have pain, just tiredness and exhaustion. I have learned that pills don't help in some cases, and taking more of the stuff is not the answer, for me. I avoid my primary doctor because the blood pressure pills make me feel bad and I can't do my work. He doesn't advise on the diabetes at all. I see orthopedic doctors for joint problems but have decided on no more surgery at my age. I will do less and ride it out in a rocker with my knitting needles. Thanks again for helping me think things out.
Dorisena