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i'd like to talk to people who also have lower back trouble. i have all the "osises" you can have and haven't found anything to help yet. i recently had two x-stops inserted and my back is worse than it was. neither vicodin nor fentanyl (spelling) patches work. i am going to try an epidural and my cnp wants me to look into kyphoplasty. i'd like to know someone else's opinion about it. also re laminectomies and vertebroplasty.
Exercise Surgery Back pain Fentanyl Allergies Fosamax Vicodin Pain Osteoporosis Acupuncture
I would try acupuncture - it helps with pain management.
I have scolosis, stenosis and spondylosis....so I know about the "osises". I have had good luck with seeing a Pain Management doctor. Have had nerve root injections, facet root injections and also the IDET which is the cauterization of the nerve root endings. They last for a year or two and then I have them over again. It's a good way to avoid surgery and I have been happy with it. Medicare and my supplemental Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance covered all the costs. Check with a reputable Pain Clinic before you go the surgical route. Here's link to the nerve cauterization procedure..
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/50034.php
I haven't had the surgeries that you have had.
I tried Acupuncture because I was having reactions to most of the meds. that the doctor tried - including some for other than osteo.
Acupuncture helped me with various pain including migraine headaches. At some treatments, the pain went away completely; others, it lessened. Surprisingly, it also helped my digestion. The first few treatments were to "open up the energy channels" and to treat specific problems. After that, they were more specific (aimed at particular pains and/or problems, usually 3 things at a time).
If you find the right acupuncturist who takes your insurance, you're all set - your insurance co. can tell you what is covered. I went to a Chinese acupuncturist, who charged full price & also went to an American one who gave me a price break.
It just feels like a pressure or slight pinch when they tap the needles in, except certain points did hurt (by the nose, for allergies) when the needles were put in (I was warned ahead of time) & I did have a choice & I could ask them not to do the same points the next time. There is more than one point along a meridian, where the needle can go, but the closer to the problem area, the more effective it is supposed to be.
It works for some people & others say that it doesn't. I went the first time because I thought "what the heck - I might as well try it", & I'm glad I did.
I have had very good luck with the big theraputic ball. I went to a Physical Therapist, and he recommeded a couple of daily excersices. I've been doing them for about 2 years now, and it only takes 10 minutes.
Hi Gravelgertie,
Can I ask are you taking any bisphosphate treatment?
I have severe kyposcoliosis and have never experienced any pain with it, until I started fosamax. I then had constant lower back pain to the point where I had to give up work. My doctors did not connect the two, unfortunately neither did I at the time. I eventually stopped the fosamax because of stomach irritation and lo and behold the back pain went!
Of course this may not be your problem but I thought it was worth a mention just in case.
Kind regards Loods
Biphosphates are a particular type of drug commonly used for osteoporosis. The one I was put on, fosamax, seems the first level of response to someone newly diagnosed, or at least it is in the UK. In fact I didn't know there were any other choices at the time.
I was told to stop taking the drug by my Doctor due to my indigestion/acid reflux problem and the back pain went as a consequence. At the time I did not realise that the side effect of this drug was possible bone/joint pain - surprisingly it seems my Doctor didn't either!!!! She just kept dishing out the pain killers and gave no explanation as to why I had suddenly developed back pain.
I just thought that if you were on this form of treatment you may not have considered this could be why you are experiencing pain?
I can't speak about the surgeries or the acupuncture, but stopping the Fosamax and relieving the back pain makes sense to me. I've never taken Fosamax, but I know it causes horrible gastric symptoms in some people. And I do know about gastric problems. I can tell you from personal experience that if you get a severe case of gastritis, it shows up first as a backache...a really, really bad one. And the only way to stop it is to treat the gastritis or eliminate the cause of the gastritis. I won't bother to go into the other symptoms of gastritis, but the backache is usually the first symptom. And it continues until the problem is treated.
You might try Dr. Franks Joint and Muscle Spray. We have been amazed at the way it helps. I think sometimes the problem is inflammation and that could be what this spray helps. You just use a few sprays in the mouth several times a day. Don't give up-just keep using it. I buy it from Amerimark because they have no shipping. It costs $20.00. Hope something simple like this will help you too.
I too, have suffered from lower back pain, having to lie down in the midst of cooking a meal or washing dishes due to the severity of the pain, or frequently bending over or leaning on the counter to ease the strain.
Recent experience suggests my particular difficulty has been postural-- specifically, a forward tipped pelvis, and I have discovered how to improve this structural difficulty by strengthening my buttocks, abdominal muscles, and hamstrings, and lengthening my quadriceps (front thigh muscles).
I found this by purchasing the materials from a way-too marketed organization (to the point of annoyance and frustration) called The Healthy Back Institute. You can find it on the net. I spent $107 and asked them not to contact me ever again with their marketing, and although I found dealing with them difficult, they have indeed left me alone after my purchase, and I am extremely happy with the results. (This organization was suggested by an acquaintance.)
Their materials can help one "diagnose" other postural difficulties such as a backward tipped pelvis, uneven hips, and forward leaning upper torso. Exercises are shown for each problem. My back pain eased after four or five consecutive sessions, and when the pain recurs, I recognize the odd orientation of my hips, correct my posture, and do a few of the exercises. I also do most of the exercises during my almost-daily morning stretching and strengthening sessions at home.
I believe the two individuals who are "The Institute" are P.T.s or sports therapists. Their advice is not wacky or dangerous, but actually quite practical. Their materials include some motivational advice which you can ignore, as I did. Your pain and desire for improvement will be all the motivation you need, and the exercises do not take much time.
I would never suggest this ultra-hyped company, except for the fact that I am currently without pain. The first few days without pain had me giddy with relief. As a generally skeptical individual, I couldn't believe it could be this easy to correct something that caused such extreme pain. I'm still amazed and delighted. Wishing you the best of luck.
gail
I am new to this. What is "osises"? I had chronic lower backpain and have kept it under control with a few trips to a good chiropractor, a monthly massage, and doing core exercises. I also, at the recommendation of my doctor, put "superfeet" supports in my shoes.
gravelgertie; In regards to "kyphoplasty", I have also researched that. It sounds good if done within a couple weeks of the fracture. The down side that I read about is that if several vertebrae are weakened from bone loss and you fill the fractured one with a cement then the adjoining weakened bones are highly susceptible to fracture from butting up against the now hard area.
http://spinalfracture.com/understand/understand3.aspx?gclid=CNDLlIawqJwCFRk pawodem44jA
gravelgertie; I think some of the exercises are to support our weakend bones as in 'brace' them. I know any exercises we can do that strengthen our ankles and legs to give us support from falling takes the danger level down of fracture from falling.. I also have the lower back pain and I do an exercise where I sit on the floor and brace my shoes on the carpet in front of me (tennis shoes so do not slide) then push my lower back area against the wood frame of the sofa holding the flexed muscles to build those muscles. Repetitions then, like pilates.
(three postings is a charm). I have -3.2 dexa at my waist line. I am able to ease sporatic back ache by supporting with a household belt snugged up. I do this prior to any activity that I think will put strain on it. Also sometimes I wake up with a backache and I put it on at that time and soon the ache is gone. I am still able to golf and ballroom dance with no pain from that. However, I sometimes also wear the belt when I golf , with no aches. A proper golf swing should not include twisting at the waist. I feel if mine aches its more from a long course and the 'plodding' that I might do as I get tired, putting jolting action to the spine.
i don't know why but it took me a long time to get your message to come up. anyhow finally got it! interesting information.....i have a belt/support that i haven't been trying lately. guess i need to do it again.......i'll let you know if it works. sounds like you are coping pretty well!!
I had a laminectomy about 3 years ago. For me it was a great decision. I am able to run again (although I have lost some speed). I watch my distance carefully, but I live a relatively pain free life back wise.
thanks for the input........that is one of the things i am going to look into........i don't think i'll ever RUN again but it sure sounds good to feel good again.......i'll keep you all posted.
Dear gravelgertie:
There was a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine that reported the the outcome of not having "kiphoplasty" (cementing the verterbrae) was no better than doing the procedure. I think KMFDallas also reported that article on this website. You might do a search if interested.
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