[JJames]

Before leaving for a vacation trip last week which I knew was going to require a great deal of walking I purchased a cane. This was quite a blow to my 39-year-old pride that I purchased and actually used this the entire time!

While I was at the "store for the elderly" I also found a back brace made of a soft material with a lumbar cushion which straps tightly around my lower back and abdomen. The moment I strapped it on I was amazed at how much easier and less painful it was to stand! I have since found that it makes both standing and sitting much more tolerable. This is the first such device in my long battle with my back issues which has given me any real relief other than the hydro-heat I always lie on.

Although I was amazed, and am finding that I have continued to wear this more and more constantly I am also a bit concerned. Will this create other issues with weakening the muscles which were previously working at keeping me up when standing and sitting? I have not had a chance to ask a doctor about this yet, and was wondering if anyone had ever been told anything one way or the other about this.

I certainly plan to ask one of my doctors (either my PC or surgeon) the next time I speak to them. I'm just asking if anyone had been advised one way or the other on this or if I am being overly concerned. I have not used the cane since the vacation - mostly due to the whole pride "thing" but also because I don't walk all that much.

Thank you for any thoughts or opinions.

Jeff