topic Re: LOW BACK PAIN in Wellness

LOW BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:33:26 GMT

I'm having a problem with lower back pain on my right side. I was diagnosed with scoliosis in that area about 25 yrs ago and I've managed to function without pain all these years because I lost 100 lbs (and kept it off) and I have a pilate-type exercise routine that I use regularly.

Also, I had my right hip replaced in 2017 and my right knee replaced in 2019.

I live on the 2nd flr with 27 steps going up to my apt where I've lived for 25 yrs.

When I go shopping, I use a "Trolley Dolly" cart to get all the groceries upstairs.

About 3 wks ago, I shopped at Costco and had to make 4 trips upstairs with my items as I wanted to keep each trip as "light" as possible.

I began experiencing terrible pain in my lower back where the scoliosis is and I am still suffering. I cannot use NSAIDS (stomach issues) and will not consider any "pain meds" as they cause constipation.

I've had a few tries at PT that essentially accomplished nothing. I'm using alternate heat/ice and BioFreeze. I'm also using Sombra and Arnica that relaxes the muscles.

I do my own housekeeping so I'm active each and every day. In other words, I can't "rest my back" for long periods of time.

Any suggestions for anything "holistic" to help me???

The pain I'm experiencing now is not "manageable."

Many thanks!!

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

Goodie2shoes — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:38:33 GMT

My only recommendation is for you to see your doctor. Best of Luck to you.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

Winkk — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:41:38 GMT

I would ask my ortho doc that did your hip and knee replacements. It could be anything.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

cotton4me — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 22:17:51 GMT

It could be the way you have to twist your back to pull the Trolly Dolly. I know some photographers who used to carry equipment in a wagon until it began causing them back problems because of the way they have to twist around to pull it along. They have since switched to baby strollers. I know you can't push things up the stairs but just a thought as to what might have brought it on.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

HisElk1 — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 23:15:55 GMT

I'm sorry to hear about your low back pain as I have experienced that issue.

Have you considered trying a chiropractor? Maybe you have a friend(s) that could refer you to one.

I have found great relief once I found the right one to help with my lower back pain.

You might look on Ebay or Amazon for a portable tens unit; my chiro gave me one for my birthday and it works wonders.

Just a few suggestions and hope you can find relief soon.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 23:28:53 GMT

@Winkk Thanks for the suggestion. I called my surgeon's office and they referred me to a spine surgeon in the same group. It's an excellent ortho practice that I've used before.

I have an appt TMRW at 10:45. This surgeon's welcoming "blurb" emphasizes that he considers ALL REASONABLE OPTIONS SHORT OF SURGERY to treat conditions, so I think that's a great approach.

If he wants to do some diagnostic tests on that area, that would be fine.

I feel much more confident now that I will get some good treatment options and management skills on how to handle this situation in the most effective way.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

Scooby Doo — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 03:08:13 GMT

I was offered injections in my back which may or may not work. That's pretty much what they do nowdays instead of prescribing pain drugs.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

Sunshine Kate — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:06:44 GMT

@pdlinda

Even though you've been to PT before and it didn't help --maybe try again at a different facility or different physical therapist.

Every time I've tried PT it has been a godsend.

Good luck!

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

wagirl — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:57:58 GMT

How about trying chiropractic? There are many types of chiro drs. and the way they do things. I go to one that uses a hand held punch like thing so not any hard twisting or cracking and no neck twisting. I have a bum right hip/lower back area that I get worked on about 2x a month. Medicare does cover most of it too. I think my co pay is $25. Have gone to the ones that use some force to move stuff around, but at my age--70--that is a little too much on my body. And I live in a 2nd story apt too, and use one of those carts but not for my heavy duty shopping---I have my groceries delivered.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

kindred cats — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:46:14 GMT

@pdlinda

Glad you got an appointment so soon. I'd expect a CT scan or more for evaluation. Perhaps they can relieve the pain with proper injections into the site.

I really hope you can avoid spine surgery. My DH has had numerous and most results are not favorable. It's not my opinion, it's from various doctors and surgeons. However, some do very well. There are always exceptions.

I certainly wish you well.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

chrystaltree — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:55:05 GMT

My recommendation is that you see a doctor. Preferably an orthopedic doctor but you can start with your PCP and to Ortho. Also to get some imaging. Stop diagnosing yourself. You have no idea what is causing your pain. It could be a number of things but probably not related to scoliosis.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

ccassaday — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 23:55:56 GMT

A few months ago I was having back spasms in the same spot. I don’t know if it was conicidence but I used those disposable heat patches from Walgreens. It was better in a few days.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

ALRATIBA — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 17:49:55 GMT

You should definitely see a pain management doc.

After my GP saw all my scans and x-rays .... he sent me to pain management doc, and physical therapy.

How to manage the pain .... depends on the cause.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

Shelbelle — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 18:27:40 GMT

After an mri, friend of mine went to pain mgmt doc for her spine pain, now gets injections every 4 mos or so and feels so much better. There are different kinds of injections.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

qualitygal — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:58:48 GMT

See your doctor

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

GoneButNotForgotten — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 04:10:06 GMT

to the op: I really feel sorr for you. I have very bad pain in my lower back and a few other areas. The only thing that really knocks it out is an opiod, although I want to give PT another try. A few months ago I had plantar faciatis and, to my amazement, just a few weeks of phyical therapy took care of it.

I hope you get the pain relief you need; there isn't anything much worse than what you're suffering from.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

tends2dogs — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:02:14 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@Winkk Thanks for the suggestion. I called my surgeon's office and they referred me to a spine surgeon in the same group. It's an excellent ortho practice that I've used before.

I have an appt TMRW at 10:45. This surgeon's welcoming "blurb" emphasizes that he considers ALL REASONABLE OPTIONS SHORT OF SURGERY to treat conditions, so I think that's a great approach.

If he wants to do some diagnostic tests on that area, that would be fine.

I feel much more confident now that I will get some good treatment options and management skills on how to handle this situation in the most effective way.

I just came across your post and after reading, wondered how you came out with your appointment. My DH is currently going through tests for lower back pain he has had for a few months. Tomorrow he gets an MRI. His PCP also ordered x rays, CT scan, fecal occult, labs (for inflammation and infection) and he is scheduled for a colonoscopy in November.

I am anxious to hear what your doctor came up with for you. Back pain really effects every day living.

@pdlinda

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

Gigiggigi — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 01:29:51 GMT

Lower back pain can be incredibly debilitating. It can make simple movements like walking, sitting, or standing extremely painful, as it often affects the nerves. If pain medications aren't providing relief, it could be a sign that the issue is chronic, which makes it important to see a healthcare professional. They can accurately diagnose the root cause and provide you with the right treatment before the problem worsens. Don't hesitate to seek help taking care of your health now can prevent more serious complications later. Take care of yourself!

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

CaliGold67 — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 01:37:32 GMT

Oh my do I feel you! I learned from my Dr. that going Downstairs is much harder on the back & knees than going upstairs. Sounds like your building lacks an elevator. Rough. is there anyone you can pay to bring your groceries upstairs? You should avoid the downstairs traversing. I've used a back brace for years, mainly for stabilizing my spine when I'm active doing chores etc. Amazon has some decent adjustable ones around $50-$75.

Re: LOW BACK PAIN

katie1859 — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:12:16 GMT

I have back issues from arthritis so it was recommended and I am doing it. Like in Japan I bought a floor futon and I sleep on the floor. Heavily layered for warmth and comfort but I will tell you that my pain has diminished greatly. I am a back sleeper and an 8 hour sleeper and sleeping on a surface that makes my spine rest and align has worked.