Bad back and bad knee?!

Bad back and bad knee?

For 20 odd years I suffered with chronic back pain, eventually an MRI revealed a bulging disc at l4. Fortunately a couple of cortisone injections and the chiropractor seem to have sorted it (still said with crossed fingers after a couple of years being mainly pain free)

Thing is during those years I learnt the bend your knees not your back lesson really well, and I constantly watch what I do with my back, don't want to ruin things now it's OK.

I'm now waiting for an MRI to confirm a meniscal tear in my knee, and I have a large Bakers Cyst, together these have given me leg swelling, from knee to foot, and a great deal of pain, and I can't bend my knee to far.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation, so can anyone share some hints and tips for coping with this unholy pair?

It's not a cure all, but consider massage as an alternative therapy, along with what your doctor suggests. Lymphatic drainage massage can help with the swelling, and a very experience massage therapist can work with your chiropractor to strengthen muscles that have weakened due to an unnatural posture (which was unconsciously caused by the bulging disc). It may not completely solve the problem, but may very likely relieve some of the problems you are having. It may also be partially or completely covered by insurance if your doctor prescribes it.