Thank you. That's terrible what you went through. I am taking similar medicines. I hope it's over with in 6 weeks.
For those who have had Pinched Nerves
- Thread starter Ruthanne
- Start date
Thank you for the empathy and concern. I hope this will be better. Sometimes I think this is going to last forever..... hope not!
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.
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.
CallMeKate
Well-known Member
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic US
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."
palides2021
Well-known Member
- Location
- MidAtlantic, USA
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.
Murrmurr
SF VIP
- Location
- Sacramento, California
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.
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.
Murrmurr
SF VIP
- Location
- Sacramento, California
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.
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.
Thank you for your message. I wish you good luck with your back.
Thank you for the warning
MountainRa
Senior Member
- Location
- Upstate SC, USA
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.
). 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.
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.
stretch5881
Member
- Location
- Wisconsin
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.
Amanda76
Member
- Location
- Eastern US
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.
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.
gruntlabor
Well-known Member
- Location
- Last Frontier, Age 83
Yes, and also avoid twisting your spine
Knight
Well-known Member
Finding the cause is more important. I ignored pain in the upper part of my back until I couldn't. At the hospital original diagnosis was a pinched nerve but a CT scan & MRI showed what was thought to be a pinched nerve turned out to be my cervical spine had collapsed. Glad that the hospital doctor didn't prescribe meds & took those extra steps to find the cause.
Murrmurr
SF VIP
- Location
- Sacramento, California
So, you do your PT at home, right? Going to the physical therapist 2 or 3 times to learn what exercises to do and how to do them makes sense. Having a therapist come to your home makes even more sense. But going to the PT clinic twice a week for 6 weeks, for example, is stupid, especially when you have to drive yourself there. You've got to get groomed, get dressed, and get through traffic to get there on time when you can barely walk - stupid. It gets the facility paid, but it doesn't do me any favors.
Going to PT doesn't do a thing for me. Doing my yoga and my meditative tea rituals, lying on my inversion table, and taking my medications every day helps me get around pretty well.
I fractured my spine in 3 places over 30 years ago, and after I was well-healed from surgery I went on to physical therapy. Back then, your therapist was fully informed about your condition. They'd gone over your history, images, treatments, and progress up to that point, and tailored your rehab program accordingly.
These days, the only thing the therapists know about you is your name, DOB, and dx code, and, like a lot of other things, you get a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter "rehab" program that will bring some relief to patients with the most common ailments, such as degenerative disc disease. And, as you probably know, those particular exercises do nothing for your degenerated disc or the inflammation and nerve disturbance it can cause. They're designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, and they're very simple.
With a demonstration or two, or even just a few illustrations on a sheet of paper, you can definitely learn them and do them at home.
Sunkist
Member
That should be the case with everything.. too often, they 'treat' a symptom while neglecting to find/address the actual cause.
LadyEmeraude
Well-known Member
Ruthann, Pinched nerves can be so
problematic and I sure hope you get
some relief from yours over time. I feel
for you. I some years back had pinched
nerves in my cervical spine, it took some
months to feel it was finally corrected, that
was along with meds and PT. Sending you
a hug
problematic and I sure hope you get
some relief from yours over time. I feel
for you. I some years back had pinched
nerves in my cervical spine, it took some
months to feel it was finally corrected, that
was along with meds and PT. Sending you
a hug
Brookswood
Senior Member
I find the yoga “Child’s Pose” to be quite good at relieving my back pain. Many of the YouTube suggestions are just shots in the dark, IMO. They can make it worse if you’re not careful.
The big problem with Child’s Pose is that it is rather embarrassing to do when out in public.
The big problem with Child’s Pose is that it is rather embarrassing to do when out in public.
Brookswood
Senior Member
I would be interested in how the MILD spine surgery turned out. It’s all the rage online, but I sometimes wonder about things that get too popular too fast.
gruntlabor
Well-known Member
- Location
- Last Frontier, Age 83
Murrmurr, what are your 'meditative tea rituals' ?? if you don't mind telling us.
gruntlabor
Well-known Member
- Location
- Last Frontier, Age 83
I'm used to that, I'm Irish.
Nathan
SF VIP
- Location
- High Desert- Calif.
Years ago a PT showed me how to do the Cat and Cow positions to ease my back pain. As my PT has suggested, Cat and Cow can be done on a bed. Nowadays I practice the Cat and Cow positions in one of my Yoga classes.
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