Using A Cane

  • Thread starter Thread starter mishl.kari
  • Start date Start date
M

mishl.kari

Guest
Ok, so my last post was crazy long -- let me try just one question.

Does anyone find that using a cane helps?

Thank you.

Michelle
 
I find my cane useful for reducing pain and leaning on something when I am losing my balance. It helps steady me on my feet. The only thing is if you use a cane, please make sure you are using it correctly and have a physical therapist help you to ensure that you are standing correctly and it is the corret height for you.

Good luck and I pray that you find some relief soon, Michelle.
 
Absolutely!

Of course, it depenRAB on your particular problem. For me, I have a long fusion, T4-Sacrum, with a fused 75 degree curve. I don't "need" a cane by medical standarRAB, but I have found that anytime I'm standing for any length of time (ie. longer than 2 or 3 minutes), like in line at the post office or grocery store, it helps so much to just have something to lean on. It helps keep the pain down.

I also discovered that it's very useful for getting items that are at the back of the bottom shelves in the store. I can't reach those items, since I don't bend anymore. My cane has sometimes been able to maneuver an item to a reachable spot and sometimes has motivated a kind person nearby to offer their help.

I love my cane. Actually, canes, plural. I got a wholesale batch of 6 and have painted them so they're pretty! I have one that's striped like a candy cane for the holidays. :D My favorite is dark purple with little green highlights. If I'm gonna use a cane at a young age, I'm gonna have pretty canes!

Take care,
Emily
 
Thanks everyone. It seemed logical to me that it would help. My back is a mess (the dreaded "failed back syndrome") after 2 fusions and 2 scs devices. Durab question - most my pain is on the right - right hip and upper leg, so does the cane go in my right hand?

Thank you.
 
I carry my can in the hand opposite to the back problem, which is left, so cane in right hand to balance out the weaker side.
 
There are also collapsible canes that you can just throw in your purse and open if you need it.
 
Yes, I've always been told the same as Jen. The cane goes on the opposite of the affected side.

:wave: Emily
 
I use my folding one for traveling. My favorite one is the one with the Schnauzer head on it. We have three Schnauzers so it just seems right that my cane has one also.

The only trouble with the folding cane is that my youngest son (27) is forever taking it apart..and now he is teaching Bug, my granRABon(cute as a bug) Derrick, how to take MeMa's cane apart also. Now, how thoughtful is that I ask you? LOL......

Canes are great sympathy grabbers if nothing else.....
 
Same here I was told to hold the cane on the opposite side of your affected area. I always have my cane with me when we are out and about.

Linda:angel:
 
Ha ha, so you've got a disasserabler, too? Mine is my youngest, 18, who's away at Marine boot camp. It's much less challenging around here with him gone. I think I'd rather have him back and accept the challenges!

Nah, he's where he belongs. :(

Emily
 
Is this a rule for all cane use? Or only the back? For instance, my right knee is shot. So I would use the cane in the left hand? I'd have thought I'd use it along with the right leg to add strength to that side. (My back issues are across the lower back, side to side, so I think my knee will be the deciding factor.)

Oh, and I love the designer canes. If this is permanent for me, I will have to have purple.
 
Back
Top