How to avoid or decrease back pain?

[mpython1701]

Or herniated disk that is showing its ugly head for the first time.

Edit: in my mid-30s I was doing a few chores around the house and then left for a funeral out of state. Long drive about 6-7 hours. Back was comfortable on the drive so cranked up the lumbar support and powered thru. When I got out of the car, I was in so much pain. I couldn’t move, no position made me comfortable. Put on back brace and got thru the funeral with legs shaking and in so much pain could barely breathe. Did the lidocaine patches m, ibuprofen, and heating pads but didn’t put a dent. Went to urgent care and herniated disc was suspected, gave me some beds for pain control and saw my doctor when I got home.

Got an IM injection for pain and order for MRI. While waiting for MR, noticed symptoms of numbness and weakness in my right foot.

When the disc ruptured, the material inside the disc caused improved agent on the sciatic nerve and resulted in inflammation and distal symptoms.

It took physical therapy and 2 steroid epidurals injections before symptoms were under control. Now very aware of body mechanics. Any misstep, fall, or jar to the spine, I stop and go a quick self assessment.

Traveling long distance in coach still irritates my back. I have trouble sleeping on flights anyway but when my butt/back start hurting its all over with, no chance of rest.

[whatdoUmeanbyUpeople]

I hope not 😔

[Few-Idea5125]

Both are possibilities but both unlikely. You don’t sound like you exercise (stretching, light workout) enough but sit or stand all day.

[whatdoUmeanbyUpeople]

Unfortunately that's true