Hello @chronicbackpainmelissa - I would also like to welcome you to Connect. I also have lower back pain and have had for quite awhile but I just haven't done anything about it. It's just been the past few months that it seems to be getting worse. I had an MRI and bone scan a few months ago and it confirmed I have degenerative disc disease. I'm guessing that's standard issue when you get into your 70s which I am. I notice it more in the Winter months when I have to shovel a little snow. I just take frequent breaks and don't over do it. I try to ride my recumbent exercise bike 4 to 5 days a week for 30 minutes and some evenings for 30 minutes when I'm feeling OK. I have an inversion table but haven't used it for a long time. I bought it specifically for my lower back and stretching the spine but didn't like using it. I never did the full inversion, too hard for me. I did it enough to where my head was about at 45 degree angle below the feet for a short period of time. I'm going to have to see if I can still do that (with my wife watching just in case I can't get up righted!).

I did find some exercise videos for the lower back that may help. I might try a few to see if they help assuming I can do them. The only down side is each video has an advertisement you have to watch before they show the video.

John

Hi @chronicbackpainmelissa,

I would like to add my welcome to Teresa and John's.

I think you may also find this conversation helpful, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-pain-for-years/. It is centered around chronic back pain and the members have discussed a variety of pains, surgeries, and alternatives.