What are my optios on fixing this problem. I had a fall 3 months ago, am 69 year old man.

Without doubt, the preventive aspect of crushed herniated disc, is far more important. Adults would have fewer back problems if they kept their trunk muscles in optimal condition by regular exercise such as swimming, walking briskly, running, and Calisthenic programs such as that of Canadian Air Force.

Morning time is the ideal time since the back the older adult tends to stiffen at night because of inactivity. Sleeping with back hyperextended and sitting for long periods in an over stiff chair or a badly designed auto seat is far more risky.

However, When weight bearing is resumed, a back support is usually helpful in continuing immobilization until you are restored to full health. Physical measures such as heat, cold, diathermy, or massage are of limited value; of conciderably greater importamce are active exercise to reduce the spasm and improve muscle tone.

Analegestic medication e.g. Codeine can be given the first few days for pain. However, the basic principle of theraphy is rest in a recumbent position for several days to weeks, until weight bearing is resumed.

Hope this answers your question!

REFERENCE(S)

1. bigbackpain.com, 2006. Back Pain - Causes, Treatment, Prevention, Relief (http://www.bigbackpain.com/index.html)

2. MedlinePlus, 2006. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Herniated nucleus pulposus (slipped disk) (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000442.htm)