For those who have had Pinched Nerves

Some years ago, I had sudden onset excruciating back pain that did not let up all day or night. I don't know if it was a pinched nerve or what set it off. I just now checked my records, and find that the doctor prescribed Diclofen Potassium (twice daily) and Cyclobenzapr 10 mg (3 times daily). He said these were intended for short term use, so I expected quick results, but it was more like 6 weeks before I was okay.

I had to edit this message twice for spelling errors - sorry. It should now be correct.
Thank you. That's terrible what you went through. I am taking similar medicines. I hope it's over with in 6 weeks.
 
Why robaxin? That is a muscle relaxant. Do they think it is due to muscle spams?

No PT being discussed?

I would not put much stock in the 6 week thing. Until you know what is pinching the nerve, and until you deal with that specifically, it can continue for months. Sometimes surgery is necessary, depending upon the cause.
Thank you. I read all about those issues on Google. PT was recommended by doctor. I am also waiting on my doctor to send some exercises to me that will help. I hope I get them soon. I'd rather not start PT at this time. Robaxin because I have spasms in muscles.
 
I have spinal stenosis of the L2 lower spine vertebra. I have to be careful to NOT do things like the 'cow' pose because that would compress the area (the 'cat' pose is better for my problem). Someone on these boards had M.I.L.D. procedure on their back but I forget who, I'm waiting to learn if that works out well, I hope I could get something like that because when my nerve gets pinched it makes it practically impossible to climb into bed or get up and down off the toilet. I'm worried about it a lot.

I've read that it takes 6 months for a back problem to get better. That sort of fits my experience.

When I got the problem I also had some numbness and I went to a neurosurgeon's office (mostly saw the PA) and they sent me for an MRI and they prescribed a Medrol Dosepack (6 days of methylprednisolone), and after I finished that it was just ibuprofen for a while. They also referred me to PT but I didn't do that because the last time I'd had PT for one thing it had caused three new issues. I did do a few of the PT exercises on my own for a while.
 
That spine table sounds great. Where did you get it at? The yoga sounds good but I have a hard time with doing them for 15 minutes. I'm an antsy person.
If you consider an inversion table, you'll want to check at a reputable medical site for the warnings. I wouldn't be able to use one because of dizziness it could cause (in my case due to inner ear issues.) This is what I found on a quick search, and it doesn't even mention the inner ear thing.
"Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, glaucoma, osteoporosis, or those who are pregnant should avoid using an inversion table due to the increased risks associated with these conditions. It's important to consult a healthcare professional before attempting inversion therapy if you have any pre-existing health issues."
 
Whenever I have that pinched feeling in my back, I know it's inflamed, and the area is tight when I touch it. I bend backward until the pain goes away, and then put my hands on my back to see if the area is less tight. It usually is. I also take some aspirin and rest often. I don't take other meds. It usually goes away over time. Please be careful lifting anything during this time, because that can make things worse. Hopefully, you will feel better soon.
 
Thank you for your recommendations. That spine table sounds great. Where did you get it at?
Amazon.

A large slant-board is a good substitute for an inversion table if you can manage getting up from it.
It isn't actually a board; it's an upholstered triangular-shaped thing, usually made of wood or sturdy foam.

The yoga sounds good but I have a hard time with doing them for 15 minutes. I'm an antsy person. Thank you!
Take a look at a photo of the Cow Position. Maybe it's one you can sustain for 5-7 minutes.
It requires being on your hands and knees, so I do it on my bed and it works just as well.
 
I have spinal stenosis of the L2 lower spine vertebra. I have to be careful to NOT do things like the 'cow' pose because that would compress the area
Spinal stenosis is a different issue of course. Cow works really well for herniated discs and "pinched" nerves UNLESS they are a posterior herniation or a nerve entrapment that's on the superior side of a vertebra.
When I got the problem I also had some numbness and I went to a neurosurgeon's office (mostly saw the PA) and they sent me for an MRI and they prescribed a Medrol Dosepack (6 days of methylprednisolone), and after I finished that it was just ibuprofen for a while. They also referred me to PT but I didn't do that because the last time I'd had PT for one thing it had caused three new issues. I did do a few of the PT exercises on my own for a while.
My back issues cause 4 very alarming neurological issues in my legs and feet, including temporary paralysis, which, over the past year, can last for several hours. Total paralysis lasted for weeks a few times, and I had to use a wheelchair.

I agree with you 100% about PT. It isn't at all like the PT I had 40 years ago, and it was still *pretty* good when I had to go back 20 years ago, but I did a lot of the exercises I'd learned 40 years ago at home. I don't think I'd have gotten out of the wheelchair for a 2nd time if I hadn't

But general PT is useless these days, and can definitely cause more damage. It's a scam, really.
 
I have spinal stenosis of the L2 lower spine vertebra. I have to be careful to NOT do things like the 'cow' pose because that would compress the area (the 'cat' pose is better for my problem). Someone on these boards had M.I.L.D. procedure on their back but I forget who, I'm waiting to learn if that works out well, I hope I could get something like that because when my nerve gets pinched it makes it practically impossible to climb into bed or get up and down off the toilet. I'm worried about it a lot.

I've read that it takes 6 months for a back problem to get better. That sort of fits my experience.

When I got the problem I also had some numbness and I went to a neurosurgeon's office (mostly saw the PA) and they sent me for an MRI and they prescribed a Medrol Dosepack (6 days of methylprednisolone), and after I finished that it was just ibuprofen for a while. They also referred me to PT but I didn't do that because the last time I'd had PT for one thing it had caused three new issues. I did do a few of the PT exercises on my own for a while.
Thank you for your message. I wish you good luck with your back.
 
Whenever I have that pinched feeling in my back, I know it's inflamed, and the area is tight when I touch it. I bend backward until the pain goes away, and then put my hands on my back to see if the area is less tight. It usually is. I also take some aspirin and rest often. I don't take other meds. It usually goes away over time. Please be careful lifting anything during this time, because that can make things worse. Hopefully, you will feel better soon.
Thank you for the warning ⚠️
 
I am currently dealing with pain in the back of my right hip (basically my butt 😟). I’ve been told my Piriformis muscle is pressing on my sciatica nerve. The pain runs down to the inside of my knee and on to the inside of my right foot. The doctor hasn’t been much help.
I do gentle stretches, heat compresses, use OTC pain medication sparingly. Some days the pain is barely noticeable, other days it nags at me constantly and interferes with my sleep.

I have used a massage therapist for many years. She specializes in trigger point therapeutic massage. It helps but temporarily.

Like @Murrmurr, I’m not impressed with physical therapy. I had experience with it years ago for a shoulder problem. I decided I could do the same things at home without emptying my wallet.
 
But general PT is useless these days, and can definitely cause more damage. It's a scam, really.
I respectfully and wholly disagree. Last year, I had a sudden back spasm, worst pain of my life! After a week of that, went to dr, had an x-ray and it showed Degenerative Disc Disease, very common in older people. Dr said we can do surgery (No), shots (No), or physical therapy. I chose the PT.

It was like magic! Within a week, I was able to walk without pain. Gentle stretches with strengthening exercises. I continued to do them at home. Have gotten lazy and the back pain is chronic but not as bad. I know if I went back to doing it, it would be better and I would be much stronger. It's on my list of things to do this month, when the work on the house is finished.
 
I respectfully and wholly disagree. Last year, I had a sudden back spasm, worst pain of my life! After a week of that, went to dr, had an x-ray and it showed Degenerative Disc Disease, very common in older people. Dr said we can do surgery (No), shots (No), or physical therapy. I chose the PT.

It was like magic! Within a week, I was able to walk without pain. Gentle stretches with strengthening exercises. I continued to do them at home. Have gotten lazy and the back pain is chronic but not as bad. I know if I went back to doing it, it would be better and I would be much stronger. It's on my list of things to do this month, when the work on the house is finished.
It's best to set your mind, that you "must" do your stretching and exercises every morning, to keep your standard of living. Don't allow yourself to make excuses.
 
There seems two different issues with which you've been changing.
One is 'Leg pain' on which your doctor prescribed med., Gabaspentin and two more rx meds.

However, the doctor didn't bother 'Pinched nerve' if you really have one(never know without proper diagnose).

As for X-ray and CT-scan, you need to go to Ortho.doctor. Primary Doctor is NOT Spine-related issue to deal with.
He didn't order them(probably not in his field as a Primary doctor).

In your previous post, there is 'Tailbone Pain.' My late husband had one one month before his passing from cancer. He could walk without pain, but he got Tailbone-pain only when he was laying down in bed). Any pain meds not helped him relieve pain. I really doubt my late husband had 'pinched nerve.' I can guess that, but I hesitate it.
 
Whenever I have that pinched feeling in my back, I know it's inflamed, and the area is tight when I touch it. I bend backward until the pain goes away, and then put my hands on my back to see if the area is less tight. It usually is. I also take some aspirin and rest often. I don't take other meds. It usually goes away over time. Please be careful lifting anything during this time, because that can make things worse. Hopefully, you will feel better soon.
Yes, and also avoid twisting your spine
 
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