...On a side note: This is the second time at this place, that i've run into someone in desperate need of water and asking me for some while out hiking.
I just don't understand not bringing any with when out hiking.
It kind of frosts me when people go out in undeveloped country without the proper supplies, then expect someone else to take care of them. I don't carry a heavy pack with water, food, clothing, etc. just so I can give it all to someone who wants to go with nothing.:grumpy:
On the other hand, I have to admit that in my earlier years I: got caught out after dark with no light up a steep mountain; on a long bike ride with no food (thank goodness a couple of guys saw me lying on the side of the road, where I couldn't go any farther, and gave me candy bars and orange juice!); and had a few other less than happy experiences due to not being prepared. I did learn though, and now am always equipped. Good for you for helping out, though!
About your back: 2 years ago, I had virtually the same experience. It started with a lot of pain just bending/leaning over to pick something up, then became numbness that started in my left buttock, and gradually worked it's way down to my foot. Turns out I had two bulging disks, which were pushing on the nerves that ran down to my foot. I was on hydrocodone for many months, and looking at surgery. I heard many bad things about surgery, and really didn't want to go that way. For one thing, when you get two vertebrae fused (which act like shock absorbers), the remaining part of the spinal column must absorb the stress. This wears the other vertebrae out prematurely, causing more problems.
Thank God I was able to get relief, though! My orthopaedic surgeon sent me to physical therapy, where it was explained to me that the muscles surrounding the spinal column need to be strengthened to keep everything lined up. Your back will try to repair itself, but can't if the alignment/support issues aren't taken care of. I am a firm believer in the benefits of chiropractic treatment, and this along with the core strengthening exercises I was put on have fixed my back. It is amazing to not be in pain all the time, to be able to walk and stand and sit and lift and run and carry my kids, and not have to grit my teeth and breath hard and try not to yell at everyone around me from the pain (though the hydrocodone certainly helped with the mood -- that stuff made me really, really happy! Good part of why I got off it as soon as possible).
My therapist had me buy a big
inflatable exercise ball, then do all sorts of weird balance and strengthening routines on it. The muscles that need to be strengthened to assist the spine aren't very big, and the exercises were actually kind of annoying. They worked, though. After a few weeks, I was pain free! About a year later the pain started again, and I had to get the ball out and start doing the routines. Now I just do stomach crunches, which seems to be enough.
If you'd like, I'll try to find the pictures of the exercises I had to do, so you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm telling you, it works!
I sure hope this back thing clears up for you. I know how miserable it is!
