layton

Mathew, here's why we all suck. Most of us who ice climb get like 1 trip a year and wind up leading WI5 after we've warmed up. Then we wait 11 months to go again and wind up where we started. Happens to me every fucking year. Then there are those who just are comfortable leading harder than 2s, 3s, or 4s. It's not because they physically can't. It's funny. There are a few climbers who just don't have "the fear" when doing shit like ice-leading or run-out alpine. Like their internal survival desire isn't as strong as the regular population. You're obviously one of them, and it's hard to understand why others don't think like you do. If I wasn't afraid of falling b/c of the random chance of the ice failing under my picks or getting too pumped while placing a suspect screw, I'm sure I'd be leading WI7 after only a few days on the ice.

It may be what you want, Kat. It's super light touch therapy. I don't know who's good though. Google it and seattle. Massage therapists and chiros do it mostly.

Here's the trick about the surgery: After the initial pain from having surgery wears off, lots of people have relief....for a while. Then the back pain comes back and they are back to square one. Finally, the pain gradually goes away. Research has found that in the long run (2-8 years) that adjunct therapy with exercise provides the same long term results as surgery. Of course there are those who are "fixed" by one trip to the chiro, and those that are "fixed" by getting their surgery. Even things like if you have a job or not (no matter how happy you are), if you smoke, and how much education you have seem to effect the outcome of low back pain. Back pain is f'd up! So after I wrote my 1st post I was in screamin' pain. I hooked myself up to a IFC machine and CRANKED it way above what I would a patient, and hung out for about 20 minutes! Of course I'd never do that to a patient, I was just experimenting on myself. After I turned off the machine, all I could feel was the phantom tingle from the electrodes (I didn't burn myself if you were wondering). I knew that my back was finally loose as could be so I grabbed someone in the hallway and had them crack the crap out of my back and pelvis. By the end of my self-treatment, I went from a 8/10 pain to 1/10 pain and 7 hours later still feel pretty darn good (1/10).

Kat, some people swear by it, some think it's complete b.s. It's up to you to decide for yourself. It's relaxing at the very least. It's based upon the concept that the healer can feel a CSF (spinal/brain fluid) pulse and that the bones of the skull aren't fused, but able to move and be changed position. There's no way to really prove or disprove their theory which leaves them exposed to severe criticism, but provides a shield for their theory at the same time. I do know that there are thousands of awesome success stories that people have only been helped by this technique. So, like I said...it's really up to you. Personally, if I thought I needed it, I'd swallow my skepticism and try it.

wholesome fullback

Too bad I didn't run into you guys, I was there too.

Got ya with my polish bob immitation!

I'm on the right eating a birthday cake barehanded, Pete's on the left just hangin' tough.

Actually your post was really helpful. It does sound like the disc is impinging on your nerve roots and that if nothings worked after ~6months of trail and error, you should opt for surgery. Talk to PTs and Chiropractors about who's the best surgeon. They're the ones cleaning up the mess and should be in the know.

Bad Boy Bubby!

I saw that guy falling off a hard climb at Smith. I would have said hello, but he was too busy yelling at Fred. What a douchebag!

Jesus christ you guys are so fucking annoying. I hope someone bolts the shit out of every "secret" stupid crag you losers like to wank at the base of and posts a huge online topo for everything. Then maybe when you bickering fucks are done, you can go climb some mountain routes.

Damn, wish I got on this thread earlier! Iluka's post about the neurological deficits vs. pain relief is right on, as is PLC's about herniations not always corresponding to the low back pain. Same goes with spondy's. Stenosis and osteophytes usually do correspond to the pain, however. But if it's so bad you think you need surgery, I'd concider it too. Get a 2nd opinion with another surgeon no matter what you do!!! Low back pain still remains a mystery for the most part. No one is really sure what causes it. My back is killing me, and I expect to be on the floor in pain for the next 3 days. The best thing found to help with chronic low back pain is lumar stability core strengthening exercises, not surgery. Sometimes massage does the trick, sometimes a chiropractic adjustment does the job, sometimes ultrasound/hotpacks/EMS...etc does it, but in all honestly acute recurring low back pain is a bitch to treat, kinda like the common cold. Do you have progressive or severe neurological deficits?

but boy can they run

I dunno, I have pretty serious over-pronating feet. Also, it doesn't look like there is a lot of cushioning, I wonder how they'd run on concrete/asphalt? Sounds like a specious claim to me.... Back it up? Anyway, I'd love to try a pair out. Look it up yourself, I don't have the time. Basically cultures that don't wear shoes don't have foot problems...even though lots of them would be qualified as serious over-pronators. Try strengthening your ankle wuss. You muscles and ligaments are all the cushioning you need. That said, running on concrete with those shoes would take a long time to get your body used to.

rubber stretches

Possible the best running shoe design ever. Yes it looks weird, but almost no one would have foot problems if we all wore them.

dude, crop that 1st shot closer in and it would be a lot funnier

On my never ending quest to find the best approach shoe, I came across Patagonia's new line of shoes. I got the fin. Pros: Iron Clad Warranty-I've pretty much destroyed every approach shoe I've ever worn after one season. Hopefully patagonia's excellent construction reputation will outlast their best warranty of any outdoor company. I expect to get at least 5 years out of these if I have to exchange them for a new pair after I've abused them. Light: less that 2 pounds Eco-friendlier: made of recycled material. Cons: fucking expensive. I had a gift certificate. But the warranty and expected lifetime should offset the price, as all of their clothing usually does. Not waterproof-I think this is a pro. Every shoe is gonna get soaked, might as well have it dry quick. Narrow in the forefoot-when will shoe manufactures realize that the widest part of the human foot is the toebox? Come on! It will help with technical scrambling and climbing though. Still, I'd rather have a nice wide toebox. So if you can afford it, i think these shoes are a good investment since they are really well made, feel comfy, climb fine, are light, and have a kick ass warranty. I returned a 10 year old jacket to them...at THEIR REQUEST. Seriously, I walked in wearing an old jacket of theirs, and they told me to return it! I got a brand new jacket, and since prices went down since I bought it, I got a free raincoat out of the deal...plus a $50 gift certificate I applied towards these shoes. Can't beat that!

I was zombiefied from a trip to seattle and back after school and needed to spray.

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/60159?utm_source=EMTF_Onion

No more rhyming, I MEAN IT! .....

I forgot my approach ridlen, so I may be biased

Thanks for all the input, and especially to Kat for her offer for me to sleep in my truck. Kat, I don't have a parking brake, do you think that's going to be an issue in Seattle. I know you're crippled and all, but could you put a brick behind my wheels before I go to sleep? I'll give you some magic beans.... Archenemy, thanks for the offer. PM sent. I need connections in Seattle fo sho -Mike