Question
Hi, my name is Elizabeth, I am writing regarding my 43 year old mother, Ann. She has been working in housekeeping at a hotel for 5 years & over the last couple of years her back has been getting very sore & stiff. She has now been diagnosed with Diffuse posterior disc bulge L4 - 5 L5 - s1 with grade 1 degenerative spondyloliathesis at L5 - s1. She is now looking at back surgery. I guess my question for you, is what are the causes of this injury? We know that it is only due to work but would like an opinion. My mother goes to work & comes home. There is nothing in her life that involves anything at all strenuous besides her job. I would be very greatful to hear from you.
Kind Regards,
Elizabeth

Answer
Hi, Elizabeth.

If Ann has been doing repetitive tasks that involve leaning forward, she has probably formed a tension habit in the low back muscles.

Tight back muscles can cause discs to bulge, in addition to stiffness and soreness.

This is not a situation that calls for surgery as the first attempt at a remedy.  Surgeries don't have a very good track record of success, in any case.

The first attempt should be training in muscular control to allow relaxation of the involved muscles.  Then, she would do well to do somatic exercises on a daily basis to maintain her suppleness, so she doesn't have this kind of problem in future.

Please see my articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4.htm.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold