I went through back surgery in '96. Had my job too long, great retirement, to walk away from. It was an on the job injury and they really tried to jerk me around. I fought till I changed sections and am happy now. They told me to go home cause "you are not fit for duty". I invited the Supervisor to the parking lot to see who was fit... request denied!
To the younger group..... DO NOT GIVE THEM TOO MUCH Cause if you do get hurt they will treat you like used T. P. Do your best and save the really good part of yourself for off hours! I always thought "work hard and you shall be rewarded"... . maybe in the old days!
Mike
DOC, There is a dynamite book on stretching... yes stretching, helps me A LOT. "Stretching" by Bob Anderson. Turns out the author teaches these technics to pro sport guys. You can find it at any major bookstore. Man is the only animal that does not properly stretch upon waking up... check out the dog or cat.