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QUESTION:
I started with pain on my right lower back, mid buttock in August.
Finally went to the doctor in December. He recommended physical
therapy which I started in January and have continued.
After third PT treatment I had an episode of back spasms that ended
with pain on both sides of back. Doctor recommended muscle relaxant
and the severe pain eased in about two weeks. I've had three more
incidents of spasms since then but none had the lasting pain that the
first did.
Even when my back is not is spasms I am still in pain. The location
varies. Sometimes lower right or left and lately towards the middle.
I've had a lumbosacral spine x-ray and an MRI of my lumbar spine.
Both were negative.
My doctor is convinced I strained a muscle and that it will take a
long time to heal. My therapist isn't so sure and thinks I should
have shown more improvement by now.
I go to therapy twice a week and faithfully do my exercises twice a
day. My therapist recommends ice, my doctor heat. I've been using
both. Heat is more comforting but I don't know that either helps
much.
I just don't know what to do. This is running my life. I can't be on
my feet for more than 30 minutes even with my back brace. I have to
walk like a 90 year old woman when I do walk. I have to think about
every move I make for fear of sparking another spasm.
I find myself getting very depressed. Mostly because I don't know if
what's happening to me is unusual or not. Sometimes I'm afraid I'll
be like this forever.
Does this sound like the normal progression?
ANSWER:
no one in their right mind wants to be a member. Many of us in this here
have had similar problems and worse for many years so we know how much pain
affects your life. Rest and stretching exercises will probably give you
more relief than anything particularly rest. The back has a way of healing
itself most of the time.
With a lot of back pain x-rays and MRIs don't always show everything,
herniated disks for example. The extent of my condition didn't show up until
my doctor performed a discogram. He injected dye into the disk which
simulates the herniation under exertion. As I am sure you know each person
and condition is different so make sure you have a doctor you trust on your
side. Confidence in the person treating you is very important.
So don't give up. It can be depressing, living with pain but you will
likely be back on you feet in no time. If that doesn't happen then at least
you have us in this ng to comfort you.
I have back pain on and off for 30 years with 2 surgeries. I can tell you
what works for me.
Norflex a muscle relaxer.
Vioxx an inflammatory drug.
Sleeping on your side with a small pillow between your knees.
COLD compresses 4 or 5 times a day if needed. NEVER HEAT... you want to get
rid of the inflammation and cold works much better.
Remember your back muscles are always working, sitting, standing, laying
down, your back muscles will always be working. They will keep working until
they just give up and "die". Average recovery time is usually 6 - 8 weeks.
Steroid injections do help most people maybe even a epidural. That is where
your doctor should be starting. Physical therapy does not work for a lot of
people and for me makes things worse. If it hurts when your doing your
exercises don't do them it just makes things worse most of the time, but do
get some exercise if it's just walking. Sitting is a killer.
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