I have had a couple of upper back injuries. Oddly, not from shooting bow and arrow. Getting hit while waiting for a stop light on a motorcycle, a collapsing extension ladder and a crack and wack quack chiropractor was another. In both later cases, a chiropractor trained to use actuators and reflex diagnostics with with doing dips on a teeter table worked for me. I start out shooting a 37 pound bow after injuries and strains, like when I fought to keep my BMW from tipping in my garage, bicep tendons in both shoulders, and then jump to my 50 to 55 JD and Nate bows. My current set back is heat. I have had a couple of bad heat strokes years back when I was a foreman, building large buildings. I over heat very quickly still today. When I over heat, I can feel the damage from those spine and joint injuries flame up. One needs to be careful to not use ramma jamma form, like my target form that I learned from Vid Berger, if there is any scar tissue from old injuries.

I just got done with 3 months of sciatica from a compressed disc. It sucks for sure.

Glad to hear that its easing up for you.

omruger, it's been quite a while since you put out an update, so I thought I would ask. Hopefully the doctor has been able to provide you with some relief.

This picture was included in an advertisement, discussing the dorsal/cervical joint at the base of the neck. Dick and Ted had neck issues, Howard did not. See the difference?

Glad to hear you are on the mend! Nothing like spending time in the fall woods to bring a person around. You will be dragging deer in no time...

Well, it’s been 6 months now since I woke up with the bulged disc. I went through 9 weeks of therapy and luckily avoided surgery. It has been what seemed like a very slow recovery, but I’m glad to say I feel like my old self again. I started shooting a 32 pound recurve, which was the lowest pound bow I had. Slowly worked my way back into my normal weight bows. Yesterday I shot 50 pounds for the first time in 6 months. Still feel best and in better control with bows in the low 40’s, so I may just stay there and occasionally shoot 50 lbs. just to stay in shape. Looking forward to fall once again!!

Man! That's encouraging news, Jim. Stay the course. Prayers sent up and good vibes your way. Keep us posted and speedy, but cautious and deliberate recovery wishes.

Good for you Jim. Takin' it slow is the smart way.

I drew my first bow back since January 20th today. it was an old Wing target bow that I have. Only 31#’s at my draw, but it sure felt great. Took about 6 shots at 10‘. That was enough for today. Working on building up my tricep at therapy so my bow arm doesn’t collapse at the elbow. Slow but sure!!

That’s about the best way I would describe it also Rick. Therapy has eased the constant pain. I have some dull pain and occasional stingers that run from my neck to my elbow. Reminds me of my football days in high school when you hit someone really hard and it sent needles from your head to your toes. I’ve felt better this week. still can’t pull my bows back, but hopefully I have turned the corner in my recovery.

I continually wish you the best of luck in your recovery also. Patience is the hardest thing to have when your recovering but it truly does pay off.

I know nerve pain from discs can be intense. Had a much less severe bout with what you're dealing with - I described it as follows, "Recall the worst toothache you've ever had. Now, apply that to your left arm, non-stop, for an undetermined period of time, and try not to go insane..." Traction is a good thing.

Hang in there, man! Positive vibes and prayers headed your way.

RG

All the best Jim. Hang in there. You'll be good as new after therapy.

Thanks for asking. Been feeling better. Pain has eased to where I can get a decent nights sleep. Major weakness in my left tricep and elbow. I have tried to draw the lightest bow I have which is 32 lbs. and still can’t do it. The drawing arm can pull the weight but the bow arm still can’t hold the bow at draw without collapsing. The bow arm buckles at the elbow. Hopefully the strength will come back after additional therapy.

How are you feeling, Jim? Hope things continue to be on the mend.

Rick

glad it’s working out for ya Larry. Figure I should be back to flinging a few in about a month.

Good to hear your finally getting some sleep. Take your time and stay positive.

Glad to hear that the pain is easing. Nothing worse than long term pain for wearing you down. Seems like the therapy is working. Patience, as you said, is the key, and a very light form bow when you start drawing again.

Well, I’m entering my 4th week now. MRI showed a bulged disc and a bone spur at C6-C7. I’m in my 3rd week of therapy. Finally pain is easing up and I have been able to sleep the last 2 nights. Hopefully therapy will get me back to shooting. Right now my bow arm will not support the weight of drawing the bow. Tricep muscle very numb and week. It’s a very strange feeling. Gotta be patient. Reading the website helps keep me thinking positively.

Here is hoping for the best. Hopefully, treatment will be successful, and you will be shooting again soon.

I got to see the surgeon. I’m scheduled for an mri on February 8, that was the soonest I could get in, and then I go back to see him the next day. Doctor doesn’t know if it a disc or arthritis on the vertebrae. Can’t be sure till the mri. Left arm is pretty much useless right now. Can’t trust it to hold a glass of water.