Endless Back Stories. Support For Back Pain and Sciatica. Thread 8.

[MatildaTheCat]

Sadly there seems to continue to be a need for this thread as many of us continue to suffer from back related pain. There are many causes, the pain and misery is shared here and hopefully some comfort derived from knowing we are not alone. We are strictly non competetive and newcomers most welcome.

We can offer advice on medication and effective drug combining plus other methods of pain management.We have used different treatment options from hydrotherapy and physio to surgery. We can share our experiences of navigating the big and baffling medical world, both private and NHS as well as issues around work, being a parent while managing pain and disability, and the impact on the relationships around us. Not to mention the pain of dealing with claiming disablity benefits. . We are not doctors just people who have trodden the painful path of obtaining a diagnosis and dealing with our conditions.

Between us all, we have a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, and more than the practical advice, the jargon and information, we know what back pain is like, how much is affects everything around us, and sometimes, all we need is to have people listen who Get It.

If you have advice, need advice, need a hand to hold, want to do some shopping another skill obtained along the way , then come in. We are friendly. We talk a lot. Come in, have a and say hello

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Cauda Equina Syndrome. A must read for severe acute pain with Red Flags. Please Read

Constructive Rest. A Simple Exercise Anyone Can Do

I think it's important to get a diagnosis first (easier said than done i know as I am in the process at the moment), my dad has a back condition and has injections done every few months as surgery is a last resort and his consultant made certain he knew what the problem was before injections were administered as by doing the wrong type wouldn't have helped at all and could make things worse, he is currently having injections into his joints like matilda mentioned and he gets a new scan each time to make sure they are injecting the right place and the correct number of injections as this changes every 6 months. If you have some spare cash I would use it to get a scan to see what the issue is then u know what you are dealing with if it flares up, I am going through my gp and so far all they have offered is different pain killers and a fit note they ate not great with back pain. Hope you get it sorted soon

Thanks both for your very sensible advice. I've calmed down a bit from my near-hysterical frustration with it all this morning

Matilda you can literally turn up at that clinic and have your consultation and injection in the first appointment. I've had the injection before, as I said, but not in my back and imagine that as you suggest it needs to be more of an exact science for it to be successful. I've had such good experiences with it before in other areas I was a bit giddy at the prospect of an insta-remedy.

However. I'm going to book in to see a chiropractor early next week and see what he says. I know that going through my GP will take months before anything happens and I just can't bear the frustration of it all.

I'm also aware that I'm sitting too much and need to make some lifestyle changes that will help.

Really appreciate your thoughts

Just thought I'd check in with a little update after all the help and support given when I first fractured a vertebrae four weeks ago. I really did appreciate that early handholding and hope you are all bearing up and managing well.

I am quite surprised at how much I have been able to do and how every week has been an incremental improvement. I've cut the pain relief from 2 x 500mg Naproxen and 3 x 60mg/1000 co-codamol to 2 x 250 mg Naproxen and 2 x 30mg/1000 co-codamol daily. Have been back at work for two weeks. Whilst it was a bit of a challenge to get the GP to agree to a referral to a consultant I was referred and the appointment came through very quickly.

Does make me cross that the GP said they'd only usually refer if I was still in pain after 8 to 10 weeks when the wait is 8-10 weeks. Especially as the procedure the consultant has recommended needs to be done within 8 weeks of the fracture!

The consultant was very very nice and helpful. The Xray has shown that the fracture is severe - the disc has collapsed more than 50%. Having MRI next week to get an idea of discs, etc.. However, due to my young (55) age the consultant has recommended a procedure called kyphoplasty(injecting the vertebrae with cement after inserting a balloon to get it back to its normal shape and height is the best way I can describe it). Has explained that it will minimise compensation in the discs above and below and that he would recommend for someone as young as me with osteoporosis because it will help prevent structural problems later on and help prevent further back pain developing. Has also referred me to a rheumatologist to make sure optimum treatment is being given for the osteoporosis. I get the impression he was quite surprised that I had as little pain as I do but has advised that this is also a good idea because it is likely to prevent long term use of NSAIDs which are the painkillers that seem to work best for me.

My indecision is that actually, I'm not in pain that isn't manageable haven't had any today yet and have done the laundry, wiped down the kitchen, etc. and got up quite easily this am. I am quite relieved at how much I am able to do four weeks in. This procedure needs to be done within about 4/5 weeks for maximum benefit from it so there isn't a lot of wait and see time.

Does anyone have and knowledge/advice about this on here.

Nope that sounds pretty new to me ... I was only 49 at time of my op and it never came up for me. Sounds better than disc removal though I'd need to research it first. If you are not in much pain I'd think twice about getting anything done though .. most people in here are the perfect advert for leaving it alone .. once they open you up anything can happen (not in a good way).

I am keen to see if anyone else has had this done though .....

It doesn't have anything to do with the disc(s). It's about rebuilding and stabilising the vertebrae to prevent future kyphosis and the pain associated with that.

It's a decision made difficult by the fact that I'm not in much pain - one if the reasons for doing this procedure is because it has a high success rate vis pain.

Part if my understanding is that doing it links I with the interactions (negative) between the omeorazole to protect my stomach when using NSAIDS and the bisphosphonates to deal with the osteoporosis.

I've four weeks to research this. Eek.

It sounds as if it might be worth considering in terms of avoiding future back issues caused as a knock on from this injury. Tricky to predict and it's not a procedure I've heard of. I would definitely be doing a lot of research and asking a ton of questions before saying yes. It sounds like quite an invasive procedure, did he discuss pros and cons? Also possible long term problems?

Glad to hear how well you are doing after such a short time.

Yes. It's done under GA, tiny slit to insert a hollow needle and balloon to deal with the collapse - then a fast (15 min) setting putty is injected to maintain the upright shape of the vertebra. Done as a day case. No driving for a couple of days, complete rest for 24 hours, off work for two weeks. Risks look very minimal. It is supposed to bring almost instantaneous relief to pain but that isn't really my issue. My issue is preventing destabilising of the spine around it over the next few years and the problems that might occur. Together with helping minimise need for NSAIDS and omeprazole which interfere with the bisphosphonates. Risk is cement absorption in the longer term and them whacking the needle into the spinal canal but that looks very minimal esp in the hands of a very experienced team.

Very much want to see the rheumatologist first and talk through with my physio. He said if it were him and if he had my history/medical conditions he would have it done in a heartbeat to maximise quality of life and osteoporosis outcomes.

Always hard in a surgeon v physician debate. I think this is to protect the longer term deterioration of the spine and probs that might cause. Weighing the risks of the procedure against the inevitability of that. My vertebrae are all vulnerable; this I think gives them a fighting chance of not deteriorating more than they otherwise will and maximises the efficacy of the osteoporosis drugs.

Phew! Have to say I was surprised at the helpfulness compared to the GP whose attitude was a bit "whatever, don't know" "here are more pills" "have time off work"

Hi, I have a quick question if I may.

DP had an L5/S1 discectomy at the end of Nov (about 12 weeks ago). All went extremely well (I was previously on the thread). He really was sat in the cinema for 2hrs less than 10 days post op. He was walking comfortably for almost an hour at a time at 3 weeks post op (surgeon gave him a target of 30-60mins by 6wks).
He is off all pain meds except when his physio causes him pain - they sound as tho they are being brutal with him tho! He is also still on a bit of cocodamol to manage withdrawal rather than pain (16-24mg codeine per day).

Anyway my question is this - I would like to book DP a Swedish massage,but I would like it to be a surprise so I can't ask him directly. Anyone know if this is safe? On the list of contraindications it says 'recent surgery' but what classes as recent and is an appendix gonna be a bit different to spinal where one of the focal points of the massage will be the muscles of the bag and legs. I assume the legs can only be a positive as he still suffers numbness although reduced, and cramping when he has been on his feet to much. Im a bit worried about the back part tho and how knowledgeable the massuse will be (as opposed to should be).

Do you think I should knock the idea on the head or do you think it will be OK? What would you do.

My honest answer, and I've no idea what a Swedish massage involves, but having had a moderately achy back for years and now a fractured vertebrae, I wouldn't let anyone but a health professional working from a recognised health care provider anywhere near me.

Why don't you phone his surgeon for a definitive answer?

Swedish massage sounds like what most people think of as a normal massage.

Unfortunately I don't have the contact details as he didn't have the op locally.

Hi ladies

Is anyone else on the thread trying to get serious about alignment and posture?
I have been told that I have plateaued and need to strengthen the muscles that hold the shoulder blades back. I am quite motivated because when I had my ultrasound my right arm blood flow basically doubled when I got my arm into the "good posture" position.
But I have also accepted that exercises done once daily cant counteract the harm done in the other 23 hours of the day....

Apparently my recent tendonitis was down to poor posture and the fact that my bum has dropped and my glutes are non-existent. No you can't entirely get back what is lost (unless you are young) but keeping up the daily exercises is essential. I have soon come to regret any periods of "can't be bothered" so mostly do them every day. Hopefully nothing else will drop now lol. I can recommend Alexander technique for posture, etc. Very useful.

I have just started alexander technique too.seems to be good

Am wondering how to justify continued use of mumsnet though!

I'm a total believer in Alexander Technique. It's not really something anyone could argue with and when you do manage to lose unwanted muscular tension it's just amazing how different it feels. I hold tension in my jaw even when I'm asleep and AT has helped but it's been a lot of work.

The shoulder stuff makes sense. It sounds as if other muscles need to be trained as well? Could you see a specialist physio or rehab therapist to help you retrain your habits? It is also helpful to build small exercises or habits into your daily routines to avoid that 23hours of the day thing. So a couple of stretches when you get up, boil the kettle, go to the loo...you get the idea. You can always follow these with a nice AT lie down.

thanks Matilda.

It's so hard to right the right person isn't it?
I finally got to a competent NHS physio but she'll sign me off soon.
My pilates instructor was a pain in the neck (literally ) last Saturday - challenging why I wasn't going certain exercises where you lift up the neck from lying prone or supine. "I don't know but after eight months the professionals all agree I shouldn't do this" wasn't enough... (I was quite upset).

Where you do find a trainer who isn't going to just give you stupid weights to lift? I have a scoliosis so it would need to be someone fairly bright....

The only person I really trust is my osteo but she's a "mechanic not a driving instructor" as I think she'd agree herself...

We hear you Triggs ... I thought my physio was ok until I found a better one. And I've had that exact same attitude to exercising which laid me low after I foolishly went along with it so you were better than me in sticking up for yourself.

I think you need to look for a trainer who specialises in injuries/back issues. At least you have your osteo which is a start eh?

Hello. This thread has just appeared in Active Conversations. I'm dropping in very briefly to say that I suffered a crippling bout of sciatica about four years ago, and one of the most depressing things was that when I went in search of internet support groups, I was appalled to find that some people had been suffering severely for months or years. There wasn't at that time a support thread on this forum, or if there was I didn't find it.

When I was at my most miserable, lying on a sofa in the only position that wasn't excruciatingly uncomfortable, despite every drug my GP could dispense and a Tens machine, wondering if my life would ever get back on track (and panicking that my business was going to go down the pan without me) one of my sisters reminded me that people who post on support forums are de facto the ones that are suffering. Those who get better and get back to a normal life stop posting - because they no longer need support.

I'm one of them. The middle of the sole of my right foot is still numb and tingly, and probably always will be. However, I am now completely functional again. I'm afraid I can't tell you why the pain died away again, I wish I could.

I hope everyone here will eventually get remission from the pain too.

That's it. Best wishes to all of you.

Welcome Alpaca ... there are a few of us have been here for a while .. maybe even years lol so you are not alone. I had surgery in 2007 and at best am 80% fit (though it took me 3 years to acheive it) but have bad times as you describe above too with spasms or nerve pain, etc. My left leg is still quite numb but its better than pain eh?

thanks Matilda, Ally and Apocalypse. What you say is definitely true of my condition (TOS). Many people get it mildly and never need to post, others stop posting when they either get better or commit to taking a break from typing.

Re a trainer who specialises in injuries and back issues. I wonder how I can find one? I live in a "triathlon town" where there are lots of super-sporty people wanting to run fast or build muscles fast. Fewer people like me. Does anyone have one, and if so how did they find him/her?

oh and Matilda I also carry tension in my face/jaw.
Am expecting all the wrinkles to drop away as a result of alexander technique!

I was really lucky with my therapist. She used to teach me Pilates pre back injury but also does private one to one. I contacted her about 18 months after my first injury and after two surgeries and found that she was actually a qualified rehab therapist which is similar to physiotherapist but more focussed on injury recovery. She also does a lot of rugby recovery work. Anyway she has been amazing and also does a mean massage. It's not a lovely experience to receive her massage but definitely gets rid of all my tight spots for a bit.

It might be worth asking around for recommendations or at a local sports club. The thing is that a personal trainer may or may not be right for you,mits just all about the person and their interests. However, they are very much looking for clients so should be happy to meet and discuss your issues. If you don't feel they are getting you then move along.

I'm not sure if my wrinkles have dropped away yet, maybe I need to practise my AT a bit harder.

Alpaca it's always very nice to hear from people who have recovered. Apparently almost everyone does recover spontaneously from disc prolapse if they wait long enough. It's just enormously difficult to do that waiting. Many people have posted on here over the years, some do decide to stop posting and concentrate on their lives and some must have got better. Some of us have chronic pain or conditions which mean that back and leg pain will remain a feature of our lives so sharing ideas and experiences is great since I don't know anyone in RL who has similar problems but have met a fair few on here. Sometimes the Internet is actually properly helpful and more than looking at pics of cute kittens.

so rehab therapist is actually a thing?

God, the things I didn't know this time last year :) :( :_

This is the degree she has. I guess because I was very into keeping fit before my injury it appeals to me. She's certainly extremely body aware and treats me as a whole rather than a specific injury which I've found physios tend to do.

End of the day I think it's all about the right person. Some swear by their chiro, osteo or physio...I've not had any joy with these but maybe I just found the right person and it clicked.

Hello, newbie here. Sorry that all of you find yourselves here too. Can I join even though it's really my neck rather than back? Been told I have a trapped nerve c7 which is causing my horrendous neck, shoulder arm and hand pain. It's been nearly a month and I'm feeling quite down with the fresh realisation this isn't going to be a quick few days/weeks problem.

I'm on naproxen and pregablin (300mg/day). Wk 3 of this I felt so much better but this wk I feel worse again, pretty much worse than/as bad as in the beginning

Don't know if the pain is really worse or I've developed tolerance to my meds maybe.

Thankfully got insurance through dh's work which is paying for chiropractor but really not sure it's doing anything.

Wondered about asking GP for referral for mri but chiropractor advised against mri.

Sorry for long post just wanted to get it out somewhere.

I wouldn't be having any chiro treatment without an MRI. Will your insurance not cover this? I don't know much about necks but without the MRI you don't have a diagnosis....could be a disc bulge or a bone problem or something else again.

There is a school of thought that MRI leads to more intervention and no improved outcomes but on the other has the patients having the MRI could well be suffering worse and have more severe medical needs.

You are on serious meds, 300mg pregablin is a big dose so if you still have severe pain ask for the MRI ASAP.