Wellness

[smoochy]

new onset within past few weeks of excruciating low back pain. Debilitating. Xrays show sacroiliac joints with arthritis, inflammation, subluxation. C-T scan next week to make sure there's not a compression fracture. Doc has me on tramadol for pain. Do any of you ladies have this problem? How was it treated?

[Stevie Nix]

I've had everything done over the last few years - injections, x-rays, ct scans, MRI.  Ultimately 2 lumbar fusions.  Currently on Tramadol as I still have back pain.  Hope your issue not the same as mine!

[smoochy]

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@Stevie Nix wrote:

I've had everything done over the last few years - injections, x-rays, ct scans, MRI.  Ultimately 2 lumbar fusions.  Currently on Tramadol as I still have back pain.  Hope your issue not the same as mine!

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yikes! You have been through a lot. My ortho suggested PT but I declined. Can't imagine how that would possibly help. I will likely be referred to the pain clinic for an injection. Did those help you?

[stevieb]

Worth considering is a lower back support belt. Not a cure, but might help.

[geezerette]

I've had similar issues for years and treat with chiropractic.  Sometimes I have flare ups and need decompression/traction therapy.  I'm undergoing a series of those right now.  It's a slower process, but it works for me.

[PhilaLady1]

I've got nothing to offer to you but my sympathy. I hurt my back about 20 years ago and I am well aware of the pain. I thank goodness I'm okay now.
Feel better soon!!!

[Stevie Nix]

Initally, several years ago, yes, injections did help.  More recently, no, did not help.

[Ainhisg]

I have SI Joint Disorder.  After a bad fall late in '21, my right joint wouldn't stay in position.  I didn't connect all the symptoms I was having, which started months after I fell, to the fall until I saw a new osteopathic PCP in the spring of '23, who suspected what was wrong, put me on muscle relaxers, and sent me to physical therapy.  

The physical therapist diagnosed the issue and had me purchase an SI joint belt, which I wore for 9 months 24/7.  She designed an exercise program for me that I faithfully followed.  Once in a great while, it would get out of place badly (no idea why that would happen), and I would have to see my osteopathic PCP for an adjustment.

But between the exercises, the osteopathic adjustments, and the muscle relaxers, I am now good 99% of the time. A percussion massager helps, and then I have the exercises I do when I feel like the joint is going out again.  I have not had an osteopathic adjustment for over a year now and am able to manage my joint issue at home with it causing little discomfort most of the time.  It does hurt at night if I sleep on one side too long, but I just turn over, and then I'm fine.

Do not rule out PT!  I can't imagine injections, surgeries, and all the things people go through when just strengthening the core can help control and/or fix the issue.  There's no guarantee, but there's not with injections or surgeries either.  And once something's fused, it can often cause problems in other areas because of compensation.

[lynnie61]

@smoochy   Try the PT.  I don't have back issues but a few summers ago, I had a terrible knee issue (no idea what I did).  It was very painful, and a few weeks of PT worked for me.  No knee issues whatsoever, in three years.  I wouldn't rule out PT without trying it.  Your insurance should cover most of it.  

[geezerette]

I have to agree with the others recommending at least trying the physical therapy.  

My adjustments just weren't enough with my latest flare up but when I started the decompression therapy it really helped reducing the worst of my pain.

I also wear an SI joint belt.