Saw my doctor yesterday...

[pippin]

... about the issues I've been having with my lower back pain and degenerative disk disease. I go in for an MRI on monday, but with the multi level degeneration, having a fusion would require a multi-level fusion which will just cause instability in my back.

So, I'm pretty much NOT a candidate for surgery to fix this pain. After the MRI results come back, we're going to start looking at long term pain treatments, and injections of steroids into the area to relieve some pain and inflammation...

[L Stegall]

Lisa, sorry to hear that you are having such back problems. My yoga instructor told me she got into yoga originally because she had been referred for back surgery and didn't want to do it. Don't know if yoga would help with pain management for you, but might be something to explore.

[David_3]

Ouch! Back pain is the worst. You have my deepest sympathy. Hopefully you will be able to come up with an effective treatment.

Good luck!

[TXhummer2]

I'm getting my second MRI in the last 4 years for the same reason next week. You may need to see about VAX-D (Vertabral Axial Decompression) also known now as spinal decompression. Not cheap, but may be worth it. My wife had a fusion in 1992 after all her lower discs were gone. Don't wait that long, please!

[NathanJK]

I have one herniated and two degenerative disks...its been quite a while since I visited a doctor though, I found that sleeping on my back was the single best thing I could do for my back! I used to always sleep on my side or stomache but I switched and now my back only hurts if I do something really stupid. (ie: lift heavy things with my back repeatedly) I hope you are able to find a similarly simple solution to a rather unpleasant problem. I personally am hoping to put off surgery until they have perfected replacement disks. I figure if I can only wait 20 more years or so...

[pepper52]

I herniated two disks while in the service and I can understand your pain and problems associated with back problems. I opted not to have surgery after consulting with three specialist. I strongly suggest that you make an appointment with a Physical Therapist to learn how to stretch and strengthen your back. If you follow their exercise routine and their guidance on how to perform your daily routines it will make a difference. I can't tell you how to relieve your pain. Pain tolerance and your choice of meds or no meds is very personal and only you can make that decision. The only other advise I can give you is to take your family with you to the doctor. Let the medical team explain what is happening to you and why you may (will) be cranky and what changes you will need in your life. When family and friends understand you problems they will be your greatest supporter. Good luck on your MRI. You can and will adjust to this problem.

[pippin]

Roy -

I go to PT once a week and a personal trainer twice a week. I'm getting strengthening and stabilization of the core, but the pain has not subsided. I'm suspecting I've got a collapsed disk based on the fluoroscope I had last week. But, I'm no medical professional, but the pain I'm feeling right now does NOT feel like it is muscular.

Thats my issue. So far everyone suspects it is muscular, but I think otherwise. Hence, the MRI on monday (which I hate)

[pepper52]

That does not sound good. I hope they can find the problem with the MRI and start you on a regimen of care that will help you. Best of luck on Monday.

[mgadell]

My MRI for the same kind of situation is scheduled for the following Monday (Dec. 17). X-ray doesn't show anything but some "minor bone degeneration" in the lumbar spine. It's been three months now since I had the first of the debilitating spasms. I've had PT, chiropractic, stretching, core strengthening, acupressure, etc. In fact, I used to be a yoga teacher. My doc is also talking about "image-guided" steroid injections, based on the results of the MRI. Good luck on your MRI, and I hope the imaging yields some information that leads to a beneficial treatment. (And I wish the same thing for myself!)

[AndrewCCM]

Something that helped my back problems immensely was building up my stomach muscles and stretching my hamstrings. May sound odd, but strength in the stomach is imperative to a strong back.. Loosening of muscles in your legs seem to help pressure on your back as well.

Just something I wanted to pass along, not anything scientific that I know of...Just worked pretty well for me after going through PT...

[Teddington]

Lisa, good luck with your search for relief. Back pain is no fun. I know you'll be in the prayers and thought of all TPF'ers.

[Tim-in-TX]

Wow! I had no idea that DDD was so wide spread! I was diagnosed earlier this year when my back completely seized up. Doc said that I have two disks degenerating and 2 disks that are bulging. I asked the Doc about surgery, but he said surgery was not necessary right now (if not now, when?). I just want to stop hurting all the time.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by Tim-in-TX

Wow! I had no idea that DDD was so wide spread! I was diagnosed earlier this year when my back completely seized up. Doc said that I have two disks degenerating and 2 disks that are bulging. I asked the Doc about surgery, but he said surgery was not necessary right now (if not now, when?). I just want to stop hurting all the time.

After they get all the Physical Therapy $$$ out of you they can first.

I ain't kidding btw.

[pippin]

depends on how severe it is. you can have bulging disks without herniation. I had herniation thus the surgery