Haha, "Back In The Saddle", get it? Ahh, never mind, I was never cut out to be a comedian. Well the good news is that after getting an MRI it shows that I don't have a herniated disk after all. Even then it looks like I may still be at risk for one in the future if I do not watch out. But what I do have is some abnormal growths on my spine that are pinching off the nerves causing the same symptoms. Currently I am going to physical therapy five times a week to help alleviate the problem and hopefuly bypass the need for any surgery sometime soon. Part of this treatment includes traction on my back in a machine that looks and feels like some sort of medieval torture device to add more spacing between my vertebrae. Below are a few pictures documenting my experiences. Keep in mind the MRI scan that I have here does not really show anything. The scan series that are from head to toe that show my problem are a little personal and I left them out. If I can get some pictures of me on that machine I will see about posting them here too.

A sample of one of my MRI scans:


My prescribed pain killers:


Me caught at work while I was on my medication:


Please note that the alcohol was included in the above picture as a visual joke only. Alcohol should never be consumed in conjunction with perscription drugs during the entire treatment process. Mixing alcoholic beverages and medications can be dangerous or even lead to death. Only ever consult your doctor about any possible exceptions. The cigarettes are not prescribed and unfortunately were not part of this joke. Smoking is a very bad habit that I need to quit.