Why do we hurt as we become older?

[kcombs]

I am suffering from lower back pain that comes and goes depending on my activity. I did a project a few days ago that included working on my knees cutting PVC and also installing pipes. I didn’t think I was straining my back, but my back disagreed. I have had this problem for about 24 years from when I spent two days on the living room floor not able to crawl onto a mattress brought into the room for me. I usually am fine but I always put a pillow behind my lower back when sitting in my LazyBoy.
I just saw a Facebook post that got me to thinking about other things I have done to my back. About 1965 I was rebuilding a Chevy six in my parents’ barn. I picked up the bare block and carried it across the room. Friends said I was crazy, and they were probably right. The other time I was dumb was in 1987 working as a carpenter. I didn’t want to look weak, so I picked up a large beam and carried it across the construction site. I could feel how compressed I felt as I walked with it, but didn’t stop.
The dumb things we do come back and get us later….

[elagache]

Dear Kurt and mid-60s caregivers who occasionally need some caring of their own!

I am suffering from lower back pain that comes and goes depending on my activity. I did a project a few days ago that included working on my knees cutting PVC and also installing pipes. I didn’t think I was straining my back, but my back disagreed. I have had this problem for about 24 years from when I spent two days on the living room floor not able to crawl onto a mattress brought into the room for me.
. . . .

Sorry to hear about your back trouble and thanks for sharing.  It make me recall a camping and hiking trip were I found myself filled with a kind of exuberance and determination.  I did end up covering a lot of ground, but ended up with blisters on my feet.  More seriously, I had some very bad sunburns that definitely could have contributed to the skin cancers I have been struggling with.

Is it simply youthful stupidity or is it a kind of unrecognized temptation to harm ourselves?  Given how screwed up the world has become - I cannot help but ponder the enigma.

Edouard

[WkillGS]

Same here, overdoing it can cause me lower back pain. It usually results from lifting/moving something too heavy. Tho last week I don't know what I did, the hour or two awkwardly stooped over the parts washer may have done it.
I suspect I have a disc issue. I haven't pursued professional treatment as it doesn't occur frequently and is better after 2-3 days.
I did mention it to my doc, he suggested back exercises to strengthen the muscles.... look up the 'McKenzie Method' on Google or YouTube.

[Clatter]

They say most back issues come from weak stomach muscles.
My stomach muscles take the long way 'round.
Too much KFC and Coors! 

Do all kinds of things to hurt my back and lay me up for days.
Like stepping over a sleeping dog,
Or getting out of the car too quickly...
 

I'm wondering if the recliner or couch might have something to do with it.
I'll sit on my lazy can watching TV or looking at the computer for hours with my feet up.
Probably part of the problem... Bad posture?

Went and got an MRI a few months ago and they didn't see mechanical problems with discs or anything.
Thinking "diet and exercise" are probably a big part of it...

Just over a month ago i was surfing in Hawaii with my kids..
Now, stuck in bed on a beautiful day feeling like a chump.

https://youtu.be/w8x2_fCX2vs

[Jim]

Yeah  it sucks, voltairian gel on the shoulders an knees. Back in the shop working on the winter project unfortunately  not a buick this year.siow as it is you gotta keep moving.jim

[option B9]

   After ripping my shoulder muscles apart by cutting out a trunk pan with a Sawzall, pain and surgery followed by 12 months of physical  therapy. I learned my lesson ! Get the right tool for the job, and If it is too heavy to lift, get help !! If there is no one around to help you just wait,
Have a cold snack and deal with the problem when a friend comes over to borrow a tool have him help you first   
   Staying active is a big part of staying healthy. I've been retired 15 years now, I have never turned on the TV during the daytime hours. I always have something to do, Small house projects, food shopping, working on the Buicks or other hobbies that I have.
  In the winter months, if I cannot go outside I put on some music and read, write or paint. It keeps my brain busy. Once a month my fellow car enthusiasts get together at a local Pizza Restaurant and we talk about our projects and any other automotive topics , we also exchange automotive magazines. Our ages range from 64 to 87   " I thought getting old would take longer"


         Tony 

[Clatter]