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Margie Swindler, CG for Dick wrote: >Beth (and others who wrote about back pain) - > > Dick saw a back specialist (surgeon) last week - we didn't know Dick's GP > had referred him to a surgeon until we met and talked to the doctor. It was > an interesting experience, but not one that will offer any relief from the > pain. The surgeon looked at the x-rays for about 60 seconds and said, "I'm > afraid I can't help you." >Snipped > His only recommendation was a "corset"-type brace which might or might not > help, plus regular exercise on a stationary bicycle. He named other types of > exercise equipment, and didn't know that the difficulty a PWP has with > rhythmic motion would prevent Dick from effectively using a treadmill, > stairstepper, etc. However, Dick says he is able to use the stationary > bicycle we have stored away. Margaret also has similarly severe back problems including scoliosis. Our surgeon was equally emphatic that her spine was beyond surgical redemption. Margaret then tried the corset-type brace you wrote of, but it wasn't a success. She found that its tightness aggravated both her dyskinesia and breathing problems. Had she persisted, there is every possibility too, that the enforced immobilty of her torso would have worsened other PD-related symptoms. In the past, Margaret found hydrotherapy (where her weight is supported by the water) helpful, as well as the type of gentle exercise you mention. However, her balance and mobility have deteriorated to the point where group hydrotherapy is no longer appropriate and she had to discontinue this activity because we have no facilities for individual traetment. Take Care, Mark (CG for Margaret 65/27 yrs) [log in to unmask]