Wish me luck (back problems)

officerripley said:
Well back from the doc; he says the next step is a pain management doc so he referred me to the one Huzz goes to (and who is actually helping him). So surgery may or may not be in the future; we’ll see. At least they finally found a med that helps with the pain in the meantime.
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Happy to hear you can get some relief from the pain. I hope you don't need surgery, I knew some people who regretted getting it for spinal issues. Thinking of you, please take care.
 

officerripley said:
I think the fact that I worked at a desk pounding a keyboard for years has something to do with my back problems.

About 3 months ago I started a walking program, 30 minutes a day; not power walking as much as just slightly brisk and done on the living room rug (so I could watch TV lol) and a cool-down period. Neither my leg nor my back hurt then ; I was trying the walking to alleviate a different health problem.

So I’ve asked all these doctors if that exercise caused this leg/back problem to come on so suddenly; all but one said no; the exception snickered and said “Yeah, don’t exercise! Ha ha just kidding.”
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yep, be careful because you'll get varying advice from physiotherapists to doctors.. but the truth is you need to exercise, and keep sitting in one place to short stints...for example 20 minutes then walk.. even if its only around the garden or around the house..but try as much as possible not to sit for long periods at one time.

An exercise which will help if the pain is bad in the morning and prevents you getting out of bed, is one I was given by the PT right at the beginning , called the Alexander technique . It's a very gentle exercise which you do before getting out of bed..

Lie flat on your back,.. arms palms down on the bed by your sides this is important.. ( you can also do this anywhere else during the day)..

Keeping your arms and hands flat on the bed..slowly raise the right bent leg so you bring it up to your chest..hold for 5 seconds.. and slowly down again. Do the same with the other leg, and repeat both sides for 10 times each.

Keep the arms on the bed.. then raise then raise both knees up..feet flat on the bed knees pointing to the ceiling . With the feet flat ..and your back flat on the bed...move both knees slowly as far to the right as you can without moving your back.Hold for 5 seconds..slowly bring them back to the middle keeping your legs together, and your feet flat on the bed..

Do the same thing the opposite direction to the left... and do these exercises for as many times as you can manage but ideally ten times ach side , you can work up to this..

Once finished slide your legs back down to flat on the bed, then roll onto your side, and get out bed with less pain.

For pain felt during the day you can use a chair seat...or a coffee table.. to release spasms or stiffness .. Lie on the floor with a flat cushion keeping your head from falling forward ...and your legs up on a flats surface above your head.. like so...

restorative_yoga10.jpg
this will help relax the stiffened muscles and release some pain
 
officerripley said:
I think the fact that I worked at a desk pounding a keyboard for years has something to do with my back problems.

About 3 months ago I started a walking program, 30 minutes a day; not power walking as much as just slightly brisk and done on the living room rug (so I could watch TV lol) and a cool-down period. Neither my leg nor my back hurt then ; I was trying the walking to alleviate a different health problem.

So I’ve asked all these doctors if that exercise caused this leg/back problem to come on so suddenly; all but one said no; the exception snickered and said “Yeah, don’t exercise! Ha ha just kidding.”
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Hope you get some relief OR! Back problems are no fun! 🌸
 
hollydolly said:
Also with regard to OA and herniated discs in the back.. you fellow potential sufferers and fellow sufferers may be interested to know that my consultant said that it's very rarely caused by previous trauma..

When we 15 my father kicked me so hard he broke my Coccyx.. and cracked my lower spine, so when I was first diagnosed at around age 50 with the OA ..I asked my consultant if that injury had ultimately been the cause now at middle age.. and he said, no, that it was unlikely, and it was very rare for any previous injury to be the cause of herniated discs..
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Maybe your soon to be ex was able to get away with so much because you were happy he didn't do the hideous things your father did? Must have seemed like a saint in comparison. 😒
 
papa tiger said:
You know the drug won't do anything but mask the pain for a bit.
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yes but you're missing the point.. Once the cortisone numbs the pain...and believe me it's like being reborn.. even if it's only a short period of time.. the relief from pain frees up the back so the patient can then resume a more normal life again, and without pain can continue working, sleeping well, moving,not taking Painkillers, .. and mostly exercising gently so if and or when the pain returns..and in some people that can be as long as many years ( for me the first one relieved the pain for 3 years)... then the patient has prepared their body and can cope better and with less stress the next time..
 
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I'm so sorry you're going through this Officer! I hope all went well with your doctor visit and that he/she has a treatment plan that will help you. I will be sending out positive vibes for relief, healing and no wheelchair for you! I'm glad your husband is taking good care of you.

Feel Better Soon.jpg
 
I have a Teeter. it clamps at my ankles and my arms balance it. Then I gradually tip over backwards toward upside down.
It has a safety strap and I stop it before vertical. Look up at the ceiling for a minute or more then my arms balance me back
to normal. It takes a spotter at first to get The Teeter set for height, it adjustable, then good to go alone. It also has 2 side
handles for added ability to stabilize. Maybe I'm wearing a heavy hoody. The Teeter is sort of like the Monkey Bars of youth.

Gradually learn the art of balancing it with your arms, don't fling your arms up over your head. Slo up some and feel the balance.
there are Video on YouTube. Sure, body perfects but getting the idea is important. My Back usually cracks on first tilt, then shoulders as I hang upside down flexing. You set the Ankle clamps snug and you don't move much in them. Work Boots work well also. Just stay in balance when up righting also. Slo is the main word. Much safer than the Monkey Bars of Youth.


IMG_0333.jpegThe Teeter Inversion Table. Same Shoes / Boots and Shirt type is a great way to learn its great help to you. I feel like a new man after a half hour in it, get out and walk around. I teeter back for a minute and then back upright then repeat. The tools that mount on it are individually adjustable. You feel the cracks. I would recommend it for most
average people. Very heavy would most likely not be comfortable with one. Just a Thought though. It Slides / adjusts for the individual height
and locks in that adjustment with a large spring-loaded pin. Teeter needs an open 8' x 4' space. Even the garage will do. Ships free with Amazon Prime, & is easy to assemble. Our home has Lofted Ceilings and that makes it even more fun to use.

I adjust the tilt safety strap to hold before being completely back vertical. I don't feel the need to do the Bat Thing. Guess they are wise with being upside down a lot. You know imediately if it helps & you like it or not. Most average people like it. Just want to try before purchasing are many thoughts. I watched the videos and bought. I love it. Mine was less than $400 delivered in a large box. I put it together. 3 years.
now. My wife wouldn't / couldn't use it. She was very uncomfortable on it. A hunched back might not be able to do it either. Average would be the word. A fairly decent Spine needing decompression is the go for it. There are also Seat Spinal pads to set on, pre formed just set on seat for those who are at the keyboard hours. I also have one of those for my office chairs.

Setting up, not setting low to the floor, also not sloppily is the action verb. The Electric rise / lower Desk is a great work tool. + Dell 32= curved screen monitors with the Dell Optiplex Light puters.
 
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@officerripley I am so sorry for yours and your husbands suffering. I can relate. My neck has nerve problems that seem to be getting worse. I will ask in early August about the shots that help. I do not see how these back and spine problems are going to heal by themselves, and they seem to be progressive. Please keep us informed on how it is going, many of us have back/spine issues.
 
Paco Dennis said:
I can relate. My neck has nerve problems that seem to be getting worse. I will ask in early August about the shots that help. I do not see how these back and spine problems are going to heal by themselves, and they seem to be progressive. Please keep us informed on how it is going, many of us have back/spine issues.
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Chiropractor would help for your neck pain issue as I had one years back, but 'shot' also a big help. It's 'nerve issue in the neck area' that causing neck pain. In my case, Gabapentine in conjuction with Tramadol for my spine-issue(both back pain and Scoliosis). Gabapentin is all for 'nerve-pain' none other meds. over Gabapentin which I've been on for about 20-25 years.
I agree 'back pain' not going heal, but Gabapentine with Tramadol has been helping. I do not like on those 'powerful meds,' but I can function daily chores, cooking, gardening and other 'non-heavy duty' work thanks to two meds.
 
Paco Dennis said:
@officerripley I am so sorry for yours and your husbands suffering. I can relate. My neck has nerve problems that seem to be getting worse. I will ask in early August about the shots that help. I do not see how these back and spine problems are going to heal by themselves, and they seem to be progressive. Please keep us informed on how it is going, many of us have back/spine issues.
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The injections help, but the relief is temporary, and you're usually limited to only 2 or 3 treatments in your lifetime because, the way it was explained to me, spinal nerves will find new pathways that are resistant to treatment.

Most spinal surgeries are for correcting severe posture issues like kyphosis, scoliosis, severe stenosis, and life-threatening organ-crowding...and fractures, too, of course. There's only a couple of surgeries that can help with issues that specifically cause nerve pain, and these days, surgeons hesitate to do them. I think they're seeing that these surgeries can cause new problems down the road.

And, yes, almost all spinal issues that cause pain are progressive.
 
This is very sad news, officerripley, backs are complicated,
when they cause trouble, I hope that you get some sense
and some easing of your pains.

Mike.
 
Murrmurr said:
Most spinal surgeries are for correcting severe posture issues like kyphosis, scoliosis, severe stenosis, and life-threatening organ-crowding...and fractures, too, of course. There's only a couple of surgeries that can help with issues that specifically cause nerve pain, and these days, surgeons hesitate to do them. I think they're seeing that these surgeries can cause new problems down the road.

And, yes, almost all spinal issues that cause pain are progressive.
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My two neighbors got surgery on their back problem. Both needed to use 'cane' to walk around after surgeries, although Ortho-Surgeons promised them to get better. Knowing the true fact, what other options are available? Injection on the back if the pain got progressive that makes me worry. There are few 'pain management clinics' nearby my home and once I consulted one of 'pain-managements/Injection' and appears to me 'pretty decent' as seeing a lot of patients waiting on the lobby/waiting area to get Injection done.
 
Amanda76 said:
My two neighbors got surgery on their back problem. Both needed to use 'cane' to walk around after surgeries, although Ortho-Surgeons promised them to get better. Knowing the true fact, what other options are available? Injection on the back if the pain got progressive that makes me worry. There are few 'pain management clinics' nearby my home and once I consulted one of 'pain-managements/Injection' and appears to me 'pretty decent' as seeing a lot of patients waiting on the lobby/waiting area to get Injection done.
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I had 3 injection procedures over a 4yr period.

The first time, I was almost 100% pain free for about 5 whole months. It was heavenly! I was about 60% pain-free for another month or two, and then it gradually wore off over the next couple months. It was effective for a total of 9 months. I loved it.

The second time, the guy who did the injections missed the target. Not his fault, but no relief.

The 3rd time, I had significant relief for about 3 months and minimal relief for another 2 before the chemicals wore off completely.

My insurance limits me to 3 of these injection procedures, and that's what pain management recommends because problems can arise after 3 treatments. The procedure I'm talking about is called RFA; radiofrequency ablation. It isn't a simple cortisone injection like people get in their joints.
 
Murrmurr said:
The 3rd time, I had significant relief for about 3 months and minimal relief for another 2 before the chemicals wore off completely.

My insurance limits me to 3 of these injection procedures, and that's what pain management recommends because problems can arise after 3 treatments. The procedure I'm talking about is called RFA; radiofrequency ablation. It isn't a simple cortisone injection like people get in their joints.
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I believe my second insurance, BCBS is the same, only 3 treatment allowance, although I didn't get an injection, ... just 'consultation' which of course the Dr. advised me to come back to get an Injection which appears to me 'pretty pricey,' ... not Medicare paying for, not sure tho'.

Just curious what medications you've been on after the Injection?
 
officerripley said:
Well wish me luck at the doctors this morning. As bad as my back is (several herniated discs, quoted one doc, “Your back is awful!”), I’m afraid I’m going to end up in a wheelchair soon, so scared.

I’m lucky in that Huzz is taking such good care of me—he’s a better nurse than he is a patient lol—but his back and neck are bad too. Really worried.
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Medical Marijiuana might be an answer to your issue. First, you need to talk to your primary dr.

Previously, my Geatriac Dr. suggested me to look at Medical Marijuana when I expressed my concern 'conspitation' caused by Tramadol and other aged-related.
He printed-out the Dr. who prescribes it, but so far my pain caused by Scoliosis with Gabapentin and Tramadol has been manageable. But, down the road, I need to see Medical Manarijuana Dr., although whether my second Health Insurance will pay for it, at least half its cost.
 
hawkdon said:
Well damit it happened again, just folding clean towels and
made some sort of bad movement that cause a twist pain
in right wrist.....lordy wish I could get past this, gone on for
a month I think......got to make some more calls tomorrow I think......I think I need a cast on my wrist.......shut........:cry:(n)
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Don, maybe try wearing wrist braces for most of your day going forward. I'd like "a word" with your doctor who won't refer you to a pain management provider. I would lodge a complaint against him/her at least.
 
hawkdon said:
Well damit it happened again, just folding clean towels and
made some sort of bad movement that cause a twist pain
in right wrist.....lordy wish I could get past this, gone on for
a month I think......got to make some more calls tomorrow I think......I think I need a cast on my wrist.......shut........:cry:(n)
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Raddish Rose is right, the doc will probably recommend a wrist brace, and those are very likely covered by your insurance.

Has your doc ordered images?
 
Murrmurr said:
The injections help, but the relief is temporary, and you're usually limited to only 2 or 3 treatments in your lifetime because, the way it was explained to me, spinal nerves will find new pathways that are resistant to treatment.

Most spinal surgeries are for correcting severe posture issues like kyphosis, scoliosis, severe stenosis, and life-threatening organ-crowding...and fractures, too, of course. There's only a couple of surgeries that can help with issues that specifically cause nerve pain, and these days, surgeons hesitate to do them. I think they're seeing that these surgeries can cause new problems down the road.

And, yes, almost all spinal issues that cause pain are progressive.
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Exactly what I was told too...

In my back I was allowed 3 spinal cortisone injections... each one gave relief for less and less time. The first for 3 years +... and I was able to continue working with no pain.. the second for 18 months.. then the last with hardly any relief at all...
 
Amanda76 said:
Medical Marijiuana might be an answer to your issue. First, you need to talk to your primary dr.

Previously, my Geatriac Dr. suggested me to look at Medical Marijuana when I expressed my concern 'conspitation' caused by Tramadol and other aged-related.
He printed-out the Dr. who prescribes it, but so far my pain caused by Scoliosis with Gabapentin and Tramadol has been manageable. But, down the road, I need to see Medical Manarijuana Dr., although whether my second Health Insurance will pay for it, at least half its cost.
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Marijuana helps me about 50 percent of the time and the other 50 percent makes me feel worse (anxiety, nausea, headache).

A fun fact: when I asked my primary care doctor about using marijuana along with the pain meds he was going to prescribe, he smiled sadly and said “I cant even talk to you about that since, even though it’s legal in this state, it’s not legal federally. Sorry.”
 
mrstime said:
My eldest was very tall for her age, when she was still a baby I'd get dirty looks from people who did not approve of me carrying that big kid. there were times when I would need to pick her up when she was 5 and 6. however she was nearly 5 foot tall then. All 3 of our kids were tall for their ages, just not as tall as the first.
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5 feet tall when she was 5 years old ?...wow ! how tall is she now ?
 
officerripley said:
Marijuana helps me about 50 percent of the time and the other 50 percent makes me feel worse (anxiety, nausea, headache).

A fun fact: when I asked my primary care doctor about using marijuana along with the pain meds he was going to prescribe, he smiled sadly and said “I cant even talk to you about that since, even though it’s legal in this state, it’s not legal federally. Sorry.”
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Appears to me this, Medical Marijuana efficacy depends on person to person.
From the very reliable sourse, I heard that the nurse, in her late '50s working in the large hospital whose work is on her feet almost all day long, 8-hours stretch per day. After she got Medical Marijuana with rx'ed pain med., she got almost 'pain-free' without any negative side effects.
So, reading your post, just wondering whether I need to put myself in Medical Marijuana with Gabapentin(#1 nerve pain med, as far as I know), not now but in future, .... probably 5 years later, since both Tramadol and Gabapentin is minimum dosage, two 50 mg. Tramadols and 400 mg. Gabapentin.
 

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