[Travis Hall]

I started having back problems last summer that slowly worsened. Pain was a pinching type and spasms (depending on the day) in the lower back, above the pelvis. It was always caused by bending over or straightening up. No pain when the back was rigid. For example, I could do pullups, pushups, overhead presses. I could not lift up a chair and put it back down. Very frustrating. Deadlifts and front squats, despite being isometric, were also out because of the direct attack on the back and significantly heavier loading.

I made an appointment with a sports doctor and began going to physio therapy regularly. In the beginning I experienced very good improvements. I no longer have any pain during regular daily activities. I have increased my flexibility and am moving better. I was performing a lot of crooked movements to compensate for my messed up back before physio, which has now been fixed.

The doctor advised if I did not experience improvements in four weeks changes to the treatment should be made. I have been going for seven now. As I have said, I have improved, but I also feel the improvements have plateaued. The vertebra is still twisted and I still experience pain when doing any serious lifting.

I have a followup appointment with the doctor scheduled to see what else can be done. I don't know what is out there though. The few times I have been injured physio has always been effective.

So I am curious about any alternative treatments that would be worth pursuing. I am also curious to hear from anyone who has had a similar injury- what did you do? I want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything that could help speed my recovery.

I need to be fixed. I refuse to be weak. Any advice appreciated. Than you.