Chuck stay positive,sounds like you are. I understand about retirement, did so 5 years ago. When I started my first clubs DCI990 were stiff flex. My current clubs are AP1's senior flex with jumbo size grips. Retirement can suck.

Retirement was the best thing I ever did. Have been to travel to so many great places all over the world and met so many great people. TT included. What a great life. Planned accordingly and really enjoying it since I made that decision in 2011 at 65. My problem is heredity. Scoliosis, according to the MRI I had Saturday morning. Hoping the neurosurgeon can come up with a game plan to provide some relief. Guess golf is not the right fit and is catching up with me. Hakuna matata. Guess we will know something Thursday.

"Nobody told me there'd be days like these" is more than just a song, it's a way of life as we age. I can sure sympathize. Roll Tide!

Chuck, wish you luck with your health. It’s said by many and its true. The game doesnt change, the player does. I experienced that quite a bit over the last 2 years. I hope you find your way back to fun and good scores.

Good luck with recovery

Hello Chuck Z
I have always enjoyed your post. Lots of wisdom in them. Now that I have retired, I'd love to chat in person someday. Best of luck with the back and hips. Any kind of surgery is no joke. I have a feeling you'll beat this. Happy New Year sir!

Play Well,
Steve S.

FYI and update. Just got back from meeting with the neurosurgeon. Went better than I expected. When dealing with the back, we always expected the worst. I do have scoliosis which comes from aging, having degenerative disc issues and as I found out a weak core. He was very positive, which gave me some relief on the front end in saying that he does not feel surgery is the answer at this time, because it is a very extensive serious surgery. He is referring me to Doctor who specializes in sports therapy. He is a former competitive swimmer who works with athletics with these issues and has very good results thru therapy. He feels that thru the strengthening of my core they could have me back to playing golf in about four weeks, once the treatment begins. I am looking forward to seeing this Doctor and moving forward with the next step. Happy 2023 to me. This has been a very good week. Even found my car keys which I misplaced on Dec 30th. Did take my wife with me, but got the I told you so about exercising, yada, yada, yada. She is a exercise nut and is in worse shape than I am. Nough said. Hakuna matata.

Things moving along. Have appointment with Physical Therapist, Wednesday morning for evaluation to set up plan for pain management and with Doctor Wednesday afternoon for evaluation and further x-rays for injection to ease pain in lower back. Wednesday, January 11th, 2023, a new beginning. Might be back on the links sooner than I expected. Can only hope.

Am excited with my first visit with the Sports Clinical Specialist this morning. Will be seeing him twice a week. Starting with the basics and that is at the hips and will be working up to my back. Keeping it simple. This dude has worked with golfers at Temple and Rutgers, as well as other Athletes. Also worked for the Philadelphia Eagles. I do like his plan of attack and hoping to getting back to hitting wedges in about six weeks. Good chemistry and session. Going in for pain management this afternoon. Glad to get the ball rolling.

Good to hear that surgery is on the backburner for now. If therapy will do the job that will be awesome for you. Keep at it and you'll be back on the course in no time.

According to all the information I get on this type of surgery, it should have been done when I was very young. At my age it is not recommended. I have mild scoliosis and the rehab consists of two visits a week and home exercises thru February. Will meet with the pain management doctors, again, in mid February, to evaluate my rehab and determine if injections will be necessary. A slow process but absolutely no surgery, which I am thankful for. Just a mindset to stay with the exercise program. My clinical sports specialist feels the back pain has been affecting my hips as well. I am excited and looking forward to a good spring.

Keep us posted Chuck and I hope you'll be back in the swing in no time.

PT going well. Have set up lessons starting March 14 - 25, once a week for two hours, after PT completed. After layoff since Dec 12th, should help me get back into swing. Trying to get mentally motivated and use to exercising every day.

Sounds like things are going as planned and you'll be ready to go once the nice weather comes around.

Good luck, Chuck. Hope all goes well for you. You always came out on top with your other issues, so I know that you will get thru this one too.

Sorry to hear about your problems Chuck. I hope you get back out there as soon as possible. Getting old is not for sissies. I am 75 and have been playing for 43 years. I consider any day I can play a great day. I will be praying for you. I believe with all the advances in medicine you will be back.

Sorry Chuck to hear about your problem.
Stay positive, there is always a solution.

I was having a similar problems, ( arthritis, many herniated disc on my lower back, sciatic nerve). I did not know what to do. I saw many physicians
What helps me most was:
1) medication for controlling arthritis, injections in my back, and one injections in my right hip. I had many problems to solve.
2)Stretching every morning and doing stationary bike every day.

I know that is very painful. I remembered few month ago, when I want to go get my mail at my postal box located a short par 4 from my home, I was not sure I was able to come back from there. I was bringing my cell to call my wife or a cab in cas)
Now, I am able to walk with a lot less pain and able to swing a club.
Your approach seem for me the good one.
Good luck and I know you will win.