LOW BACK PAIN

pdlinda · ‎10-23-2011

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!!

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

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

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

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

cotton4me · ‎03-09-2010

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.

HisElk1 · ‎09-29-2015

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.

pdlinda · ‎10-23-2011

@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.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

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.

Sunshine Kate · ‎03-10-2010

@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!

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

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.

kindred cats · ‎04-04-2020

@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.