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Thanks for the response. If I make it taking poles. Not so sure about getting my pack carried. Seems to limit your options, but, not going to rule it out.I don't know if this applies to you, but when I first walked the Camino 14 years ago (and was 14 years younger) I had back problems and sciatica. The walk definitely fixed both - I don't know exactly how. Probably a combination of mobilising the joints, hard beds, and strengthening of supporting muscles.
With a bad back I would be careful about pack weight - and think about getting your pack carried. I'd also recommend trekking sticks.
Well that inspires me stenosis or no stenosis!My husband (83 right now) and myself (63) are planning on doing the Camino Frances in Sept/Oct/Nov 2016, starting around 15th of Sept and to finish Nov 17th, his 85th birthday. We both have back issues, not crippling, but, daily. Interested in Kanga's remark that your sciatic problems and back problems were solved. We will take our time, staying in albergues mainly, but, resting in hotels if needed. We are looking at this as a walking holiday, no time limit other than the 90 visa requirement of Spain.
I was excited about doing this journey and my interest has been really increased since finding this site! The encouragement provided by pilgrims past is great!
My question is (probably hard to answer) at my husband's age and limited physical abilities is this trip doable? On the plus side we have a small dog that he walks at least 2 hours a day in three shifts so he used to walking. We plan to practice this Sept 2015 to ensure that we can do at least 15 kms a day...is this a practical goal to set|?
LVDWD...
In January this year after an excruciating Christmas and New Year period which I don't remember much of due to strong painkillers (!) I was diagnosed with foraminol stenosis, disc and facet joint degeneration. I also had a bulging disc which was causing sciatica which went right down to my foot. I was forced to cancel a long-planned ski trip to Canada with friends.
To avoid the horrible hallucinatory painkillers I had regular gentle chiropractic treatments which helped and did some gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. I just took paracetamol regularly with ibuprofen at the mid-way point between doses so as to never be without pain relief! I sat on extra cushions, bought a deep memory foam mattress topper, slept with a pillow between or under my knees, used ice packs regularly. I didn't like heat.
Early in March I had targeted nerve root block/steroid injections to settle localised inflammation around the nerve. This was not something I was keen on, but though it was fairly uncomfortable while it was happening, afterwards I sat up and though 'that wasn't too bad'. For the next 2 weeks I didn't think it had worked as I was still in pain, then suddenly it was all better!
I have been mostly pain free since, though I get a lot of 'twinges' and 'tweaks'. I find myself rubbing my left buttock a lot, which is where I feel the pain/discomfort. (Look out for me on the Camino, rubbing my backside!)
Walking starts off as painful, then seems to recede. I slipped on a wet day 2 weeks ago, on a steep slope in the woods and landed on a tree stump - right on that bad L5 joint - ouch! It took me a while to get up and I was miles from anywhere and I was quite frightened. I am so thankful that after several days of pain, it turned out to be bad bruising rather than anything worse.
I am only walking 6 days in September, and only plan to walk around 10km a day, except for that second day from Orisson to Roncesvalles. And I have a Plan B for that if I feel I may not be able to manage that. (I have foot problems as well!) I totally plan on using a bag transfer service, though more for the foot than the back. I'm worried about uncomfortable beds too.
I have just discovered kinesiology tape, and it seems to be quite effective though you'd have to get someone else to tape your back. Otherwise have you considered a lumbar/sacral back support/brace?
I sincerely wish you the very best for your Camino, and hope you can find an answer. Kanga offers a very positive and encouraging response. I think all you can do is to see how you get along, I know how disappointed I would be if I had to cancel, and that's only 6 days. Hopefully your consultant/doctor can come up with some advice or a workable solution and you can get something sorted before you leave. Best wishes, Julia
Hi LVDWD This is a post I must answer by first asking Questions first: Do you have spinal stenosis? Has it been diagnosed as to which vertebrae are affected, if so is it the lumbar 4th and 5th vertebrae?Have planned a to walk starting Sept 8th 2015, airfare paid etc. Run into a problem during training probably going to far to fast.
Not quite a spring chicken so these things are expected but an MRI shows significant (moderate to severe) stenosis in the lumbar area among quite a lot of other things. But given that the problem occurs only when I walk the principle problem is stenosis. Mine starts to be painful after a few hundred yards. But if I continue walking the pain eases, but the time to that was continuing to increase before I stopped training and was up to around 2 hours.
Would like to hear from anyone who has walked the Camino with similar issues (or are planning to).
Could they walk thru the pain. How long did it take to walk thru the pain. Did it get worse as the walking stages went on. Did they after doing the Camino do any more damage to the spine/nerves. Etc. And anything else that might be useful.
Appreciate all responses
Thanks for the response, wow done under local anaethesia. Sound awesome I will look it up. Surprised that I have not heard of it before. Yes my problem is generally L4 L5. But also have problems at L3 L4.Hi LVDWD This is a post I must answer by first asking Questions first: Do you have spinal stenosis? Has it been diagnosed as to which vertebrae are affected, if so is it the lumbar 4th and 5th vertebrae?
The reason I ask you these questions is very simple I have spinal stenosis in the 4th lumbar vertebrae . After a small relatively new operation in 2009 called an x stop, (a titanium wedge fitted between those vertebrae) which can be done under local anesthetics . I made an emmediate recovery and have walked the Way three times since then.
My only problem since then has been a "sensible caution" about carrying a full pack , although a 22ltr day pack fully loaded (6-7lbs) isn't a problem for me! Then there is always the possibility of using a baggage carrying service like Jacotrans to assist you for your camino.
If you do require any further info you can PM me and I will do my best to help . b
Hi Darlene,
Welcome to the Forum!
You and your husband will find a wealth of information here in the varous topics and threads to help you plan your own caminos.
Many of us who walk are well over 60. Scan this earlier Forum thread filled with relevant tips for our older age group.
Happy planning and Carpe diem!
Margaret Meredith
Hi Darlene,
Welcome to the Forum!
You and your husband will find a wealth of information here in the varous topics and threads to help you plan your own caminos.
Many of us who walk are well over 60. Scan this earlier Forum thread filled with relevant tips for our older age group.
Happy planning and Carpe diem!
Margaret Meredith
So sorry about the delay in answering missed the posting. Not to my knowledge LVDWD but that doesn't necessarily mean I hadn't ! I found it impossible to stand still without bending my knees to relieve the pain, walking long distances put pain into my knee joints. Now no pain any where. Look into it see what your doctor thinks good luck to you.Thanks for the response, wow done under local anaethesia. Sound awesome I will look it up. Surprised that I have not heard of it before. Yes my problem is generally L4 L5. But also have problems at L3 L4.
Did you have the stenosis in the foramina or the canal?
You've got lots of new friends here at the forum too!Thanks, Margaret, excellent link! Sure is encouraging! AND love your following line:
A smile returned by a new friend is one of the Camino's many joys. Just try it!
I have been reading for a few months and finally got up the courage to post my query. Looking forward to meeting all my "soon to be" new friends!
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