A bit of advice on pain relief?
Posted by: TomK on 08 October 2008
I've been suffering from sciatica recently and for the past ten years or so I've had some quite nasty problems with arthritis (it goes back further than that but got bad enough to require surgery eight years ago).
I guess, like many people I'm looking for pain relief that doesn't require pumping any more chemicals into my body. A few years ago, very much against my better judgment I bought a copper bracelet and the results were positive until I realised that the irritation it caused was a reminder to take my prescribed Naproxen. Once I disciplined myself to take this as prescribed the bracelet was no longer necessary.
However somebody whose opinion I respect recommended this. Does anybody have any experience of it? Does it work or is it more snake oil?
I guess, like many people I'm looking for pain relief that doesn't require pumping any more chemicals into my body. A few years ago, very much against my better judgment I bought a copper bracelet and the results were positive until I realised that the irritation it caused was a reminder to take my prescribed Naproxen. Once I disciplined myself to take this as prescribed the bracelet was no longer necessary.
However somebody whose opinion I respect recommended this. Does anybody have any experience of it? Does it work or is it more snake oil?
Posted on: 08 October 2008 by Bruce Woodhouse
Ask a simple question. If it is so fantastically wonderful, (one minute of treatment all pain gone etc etc) then why is anybody in the world still needing painkillers?
In fairness I think it uses a similar principle to TENS machines which clearly help a (smallish in my experience) proportion of people. However I have huge doubts advising anyone to use any device that gives so little information about what it contains/does etc.
Miracle it ain't, but then what is?
Ask your doctors for help managing the pain and the problem. Tell them you want to avoid medicines if you wish, they may still have options.
Bruce
In fairness I think it uses a similar principle to TENS machines which clearly help a (smallish in my experience) proportion of people. However I have huge doubts advising anyone to use any device that gives so little information about what it contains/does etc.
Miracle it ain't, but then what is?
Ask your doctors for help managing the pain and the problem. Tell them you want to avoid medicines if you wish, they may still have options.
Bruce
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by DAVOhorn
Dear Tom,
How about the physical therapies
eg:
Physiotherapy
Osteopathy
Chiropracty
The use of mobilisation and core muscle strength execises can improve the strength and thus stability of the spine. Also improving range of mobility will improve function and efficiency. So less effort to do the same work thereby reducing wear and tear on spine.
Also swimming is a good exercise as you can exercise the skeleton and use your musculature without carrying your body weight.
Improving posture will also reduce the streses on the spine.
If your are slighly POCINE then a suitable weight reduction programme will again reduce stresses on the spine.
All of the above with out ingestion of DRUGS.
regards David
How about the physical therapies
eg:
Physiotherapy
Osteopathy
Chiropracty
The use of mobilisation and core muscle strength execises can improve the strength and thus stability of the spine. Also improving range of mobility will improve function and efficiency. So less effort to do the same work thereby reducing wear and tear on spine.
Also swimming is a good exercise as you can exercise the skeleton and use your musculature without carrying your body weight.
Improving posture will also reduce the streses on the spine.
If your are slighly POCINE then a suitable weight reduction programme will again reduce stresses on the spine.
All of the above with out ingestion of DRUGS.
regards David
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by tonym
Good advice David, although having had Osteopathy and Chiropracty in the past I'm not convinced they offer anything other than short-term relief.
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by Bob McC
I used chiropractic until it didn't work and made the pain worse. Physiotherapy ever since.
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by Wolf2
I used to have sciatic problems from drafting long hours in a chair. I went to an acupuncturist who set me up with a TENS unit twitching my leg for 30 minutes or so. That really did help, later I went to a deep tissue massage guy, That elbow of his hurt like hell as he traced the leg nerve from calf to lower back, he said it's about as thick as a pencil. Sure did the trick, he also recommended stretches which I rarely do, but I"m not drafting any more.
Don't know anything about arthritis.
Don't know anything about arthritis.
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by Wolf2
One stretch for us at computers and chairs all day long, is kneel down and sit back on your legs then slowly shift from side to side and feel the butt muscle pull. It's quite effective to stretch that area and thigh.
also easily done when fiddling with stereo kit , your bottom shelf of music, or picking at a spot on the carpet..... Not that I ever pick at my carpet.
also easily done when fiddling with stereo kit , your bottom shelf of music, or picking at a spot on the carpet..... Not that I ever pick at my carpet.
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by TomK
Thanks folks. You've just about confirmed my suspicions but when something hurts almost constantly over a long period of time you start to be willing to consider alternatives. I'm seeing the doc and physiotherapist next week so I'll take the brochure along with me and see what they think. Needless to say it's full of glowing recommendations, endorsements, and references to many successful clinical trials.
Incidentally the sciatica is the direct result of an injury: I twisted my back quite violently as I lost control of a load I was carrying while doing the garden. The physio called it "a classic rotational injury". Apparently I ruptured a disc in the small of my back and the resulting goo has oozed out and caused problems with the nerves in that area. It was paralysingly painful for the first few weeks but it's eased considerably now. I took Tramadol for a couple of weeks to help me get to sleep and that was weird. I'd feel mildly tipsy for an hour or two then sleep for fifteen hours. Take care if you're ever prescribed this.
Incidentally the sciatica is the direct result of an injury: I twisted my back quite violently as I lost control of a load I was carrying while doing the garden. The physio called it "a classic rotational injury". Apparently I ruptured a disc in the small of my back and the resulting goo has oozed out and caused problems with the nerves in that area. It was paralysingly painful for the first few weeks but it's eased considerably now. I took Tramadol for a couple of weeks to help me get to sleep and that was weird. I'd feel mildly tipsy for an hour or two then sleep for fifteen hours. Take care if you're ever prescribed this.
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by Dev B
Hi Tom,
My sympathies. I partially popped a disc in my spine after sport (L4/5) about 18 years ago and had surgery also. The surgery didn't really get rid of the pain and since then I had lower back pain of increasing intensity. About 8 years ago I went to see a Rheumatologist who told me I had Ankylosing Spondilytis (basically an arthritic spine). Well actually I told him after my GP could not diagnose it and I started doing some research. Since then I've had constant medication to keep on top of the arthritis and have been doing lots of sport and exercise.
I have always been pretty fit but am now the fittest I have ever been. Its important to work with weights, strengthen the core as well as cardio stuff. Also weight management and diet is very important and try to eat less starchy carbs and more veg and protein. I got myself a personal trainer for a while to ensure I was training more effectively.
Its a bit of a catch 22 when you're in pain, as you need medication to subdue the pain so you can exercise but in my case, the exercise programme contributes 70-80% of my overall well being, but I am also on some pretty intense pain relieving and disease controlling medication too (Arcoxia and Sulfasalazine).
Good luck and keep well.
regards
Dev
My sympathies. I partially popped a disc in my spine after sport (L4/5) about 18 years ago and had surgery also. The surgery didn't really get rid of the pain and since then I had lower back pain of increasing intensity. About 8 years ago I went to see a Rheumatologist who told me I had Ankylosing Spondilytis (basically an arthritic spine). Well actually I told him after my GP could not diagnose it and I started doing some research. Since then I've had constant medication to keep on top of the arthritis and have been doing lots of sport and exercise.
I have always been pretty fit but am now the fittest I have ever been. Its important to work with weights, strengthen the core as well as cardio stuff. Also weight management and diet is very important and try to eat less starchy carbs and more veg and protein. I got myself a personal trainer for a while to ensure I was training more effectively.
Its a bit of a catch 22 when you're in pain, as you need medication to subdue the pain so you can exercise but in my case, the exercise programme contributes 70-80% of my overall well being, but I am also on some pretty intense pain relieving and disease controlling medication too (Arcoxia and Sulfasalazine).
Good luck and keep well.
regards
Dev
Posted on: 09 October 2008 by winkyincanada
I'd back the device if it was made by Bedini 
.
No, but seriously...I'm with those that are advising that physical activity and general fitness are important. Use chemical pain relief only to make the physio-based therapy possible. But then, I'm no doctor. Get professional advice.
. No, but seriously...I'm with those that are advising that physical activity and general fitness are important. Use chemical pain relief only to make the physio-based therapy possible. But then, I'm no doctor. Get professional advice.
Posted on: 10 October 2008 by David McN
When my arthritis pain becomes too much I visit a physiotherapist who uses an ultrasound machine and it is effective - for while. I asked her about the Pain Gone thing and she said that it was mini ultrasound contraption and quite useless because it was underpowered. As she pointed out her machine cost £2,000and you can get the Pen for £50 odd. If you do buy it do go to a place which gives a money back guarantee.
I use a TENS machine which I find provides effective but obviously only temporary relief.
I use a TENS machine which I find provides effective but obviously only temporary relief.
Posted on: 10 October 2008 by John M
Yes, my sympathies also Tom. I think munch can relate to as he has some horror stories about back pain (I hope you dont mind me saying Stuart)
I have herniated disc L5/S1 from a car accident and 35 years of football (we call it soccer). I had really bad sciatica and stiffness. I got heavily dependant on pain medication which is a nightmare I would wish on no one, and eventually got off. Now, fifteen years later I am playing age appropriate football (not against freaking 20 yr olds) at age 47. I still get injured, and I still feel the aches and pains, but the joy I get from still being active and able to lift my 7 year old over my head are plenty worth it.
These are the things that got me back on my feet
1) I started with Accupuncture, what was called 'trigger point' therapy to help heal my iliopsoas, which was/is very tight and pulling my pelvis and spine out of alignment.
2) I got off the pain meds. Not advocating this because I know there are cases where pain must be managed by medication, and everyone has different thresholds which I respect. I do use some homeopathic medecine recently which has helped, and that is Arnica Montana. Made from alpen flowers that hikers often use to heal bruises and trauma that occur on the trail. I admit to using ibuprofen liberally as well. No more than 200 - 400 mg when I am really in pain.
3) active and passive stretching. Active stretching against opposing force, and stretching using gravity. Active stretching I do with a nylon band and with a partner if available. I am a big fan of passive stretching because it allows me to zone out and listen to music or watch tv. Two of the most effective passive stretches I find are laying with my back flat on the floor, and my butt and legs flat on a wall at 90 degrees, so my body is contouring the 90 degrees made by wall and floor. It is important to keep your legs flush with the wall, and back pressed into the floor. Most important to keep your hips, knees and big toes in a straight a line as possible. You will probably find that one or both of your legs will want to splay out to the side. If you practice bringing them into alignment and down into your hip sockets using your inner thigh muscles, this will strengthen your core. I lie in this position for 10 or 15 minutes at a time and it works wonders.
I might even crack off 100 small sit up/crunches in this position too.
The other passive stretch is to lay flat, legs straight and then bend right knee and rest your right lower leg (calf) on a chair, so that your upper leg is at 90 degrees from your supine position (so sticking straight up) and lower leg resting comfortably on a chair, making it parallel to your body. Make sure your left leg and foot (the one on the floor) are not splayed out but aligned with your body. Make sure your lower back is flattened on the ground. Practice using your inner thigh to pull the left leg into your core, keeping it straight and aligned. Do this for about 10 minutes and switch. I find this very fruitful and simple to do, but for me it is quite a painful stretch on my injured side if i am doing it right.
4) I try to stay very active, at least doing stretching every day no matter how little, and trying to get in some kind of aerobic exercise 3 times a week, even walking, and something anaerobic 3 times if possible, even if it is just chin ups or some such. Even thirty minutes of intervals such as 1 minute of 80% max intensity followed my rest and repeat can be a great, effective work out.
5)I apply prodigious amounts of ice and cold therapy. There is a reason why you see pro athletes immersing themselves in ice baths. They even have this thing called "the glove" now that athletes use to shorten recovery and repair time. It just involves a contraption that you encases your hand in a sealed cold environment, cooling the blood and putting it back into circulation. It is having amazing results, but I digress. I just always use ice packs to great effect.
I wish you luck and hope this helps. I am in alot less pain now than I ever was before, and I am still really active. It is a slow process and I have set backs but I have never been back to the sciatic pain, and never needed any more pain meds.
I have herniated disc L5/S1 from a car accident and 35 years of football (we call it soccer). I had really bad sciatica and stiffness. I got heavily dependant on pain medication which is a nightmare I would wish on no one, and eventually got off. Now, fifteen years later I am playing age appropriate football (not against freaking 20 yr olds) at age 47. I still get injured, and I still feel the aches and pains, but the joy I get from still being active and able to lift my 7 year old over my head are plenty worth it.
These are the things that got me back on my feet
1) I started with Accupuncture, what was called 'trigger point' therapy to help heal my iliopsoas, which was/is very tight and pulling my pelvis and spine out of alignment.
2) I got off the pain meds. Not advocating this because I know there are cases where pain must be managed by medication, and everyone has different thresholds which I respect. I do use some homeopathic medecine recently which has helped, and that is Arnica Montana. Made from alpen flowers that hikers often use to heal bruises and trauma that occur on the trail. I admit to using ibuprofen liberally as well. No more than 200 - 400 mg when I am really in pain.
3) active and passive stretching. Active stretching against opposing force, and stretching using gravity. Active stretching I do with a nylon band and with a partner if available. I am a big fan of passive stretching because it allows me to zone out and listen to music or watch tv. Two of the most effective passive stretches I find are laying with my back flat on the floor, and my butt and legs flat on a wall at 90 degrees, so my body is contouring the 90 degrees made by wall and floor. It is important to keep your legs flush with the wall, and back pressed into the floor. Most important to keep your hips, knees and big toes in a straight a line as possible. You will probably find that one or both of your legs will want to splay out to the side. If you practice bringing them into alignment and down into your hip sockets using your inner thigh muscles, this will strengthen your core. I lie in this position for 10 or 15 minutes at a time and it works wonders.
I might even crack off 100 small sit up/crunches in this position too.
The other passive stretch is to lay flat, legs straight and then bend right knee and rest your right lower leg (calf) on a chair, so that your upper leg is at 90 degrees from your supine position (so sticking straight up) and lower leg resting comfortably on a chair, making it parallel to your body. Make sure your left leg and foot (the one on the floor) are not splayed out but aligned with your body. Make sure your lower back is flattened on the ground. Practice using your inner thigh to pull the left leg into your core, keeping it straight and aligned. Do this for about 10 minutes and switch. I find this very fruitful and simple to do, but for me it is quite a painful stretch on my injured side if i am doing it right.
4) I try to stay very active, at least doing stretching every day no matter how little, and trying to get in some kind of aerobic exercise 3 times a week, even walking, and something anaerobic 3 times if possible, even if it is just chin ups or some such. Even thirty minutes of intervals such as 1 minute of 80% max intensity followed my rest and repeat can be a great, effective work out.
5)I apply prodigious amounts of ice and cold therapy. There is a reason why you see pro athletes immersing themselves in ice baths. They even have this thing called "the glove" now that athletes use to shorten recovery and repair time. It just involves a contraption that you encases your hand in a sealed cold environment, cooling the blood and putting it back into circulation. It is having amazing results, but I digress. I just always use ice packs to great effect.
I wish you luck and hope this helps. I am in alot less pain now than I ever was before, and I am still really active. It is a slow process and I have set backs but I have never been back to the sciatic pain, and never needed any more pain meds.
Posted on: 11 October 2008 by tonym
I've also been troubled with episodic back pain for many years - the result of heaving car engines out of Minis and the like during my days as an unpaid car tuner and race mechanic.
These episodes follow a common course. Something, and it could be as minor as stretching when getting out of bed in the morning, triggers off severe spasm and pain, rendering me completely incapacitated for several days. Pain killers and the application of cold compresses (frozen peas are a good emergency source of cold compress) to reduce inflammation help initially, then there's the six-week recovery period during which I suffer with severe sciatica.
A couple of years ago the problem persisted well beyond six weeks, so my GP referred me to a back specialist. After MRI scans the consultant confirmed the disk involved was unlikely to settle on its own and suggested a Discectomy, where the portion of the disc which is bulging out and pressing on the sciatic nerve is removed.
I was informed it would still take several weeks for the pain to subside, but in the event when I awoke from the operation the pain had completely gone and never returned. Yipee!
Since then I've only had one other episode, and so I returned to the consultant. I explained I was religiously continuing with the exercises given to me by the Physiotherapist on discharge, but these were difficult to do properly because of the pain. The consultant smiled and said "Well stop doing them then!". End of problem.
Back problems are extremely common but we all suffer them in different ways. The only consistent advice seems to be - sit properly, bend properly, exercise your trunk and abdominal muscles and if something you do causes back pain, stop doing it. I also find if I start to suffer a spasm then a long gentle stroll helps considerably in easing back tension.
These episodes follow a common course. Something, and it could be as minor as stretching when getting out of bed in the morning, triggers off severe spasm and pain, rendering me completely incapacitated for several days. Pain killers and the application of cold compresses (frozen peas are a good emergency source of cold compress) to reduce inflammation help initially, then there's the six-week recovery period during which I suffer with severe sciatica.
A couple of years ago the problem persisted well beyond six weeks, so my GP referred me to a back specialist. After MRI scans the consultant confirmed the disk involved was unlikely to settle on its own and suggested a Discectomy, where the portion of the disc which is bulging out and pressing on the sciatic nerve is removed.
I was informed it would still take several weeks for the pain to subside, but in the event when I awoke from the operation the pain had completely gone and never returned. Yipee!
Since then I've only had one other episode, and so I returned to the consultant. I explained I was religiously continuing with the exercises given to me by the Physiotherapist on discharge, but these were difficult to do properly because of the pain. The consultant smiled and said "Well stop doing them then!". End of problem.
Back problems are extremely common but we all suffer them in different ways. The only consistent advice seems to be - sit properly, bend properly, exercise your trunk and abdominal muscles and if something you do causes back pain, stop doing it. I also find if I start to suffer a spasm then a long gentle stroll helps considerably in easing back tension.
Posted on: 14 October 2008 by --duncan--
Tom, take a look at an article I wrote about helping people with back problems. It is mainly aimed at GPs but perhaps you can get something useful out of it as well. There are also some exercises to try, illustrated with video clips.
Posted on: 14 October 2008 by TomK
Thanks Duncan (I presume that's you!). I'll read it in detail later. I'm already doing most of the exercises you refer to and have found them to be quite useful. More effective however has been some of the stuff the physiotherapist has been doing to me. Yesterday she spent a while apparently using her knuckles to try to dig a hole in the small of my back. She seemed to be concentrating one a particular vertebra and although it was quite painful to begin with, it eased quickly and when she'd finished my range of movement was about double what it had been. It was painful last night and today but still more flexible than before.
To be honest I'm hoping that this is a "finite" problem i.e. it began with an injury, is undergoing treatment at the moment, and will end in a few weeks. At the moment I'm not giving much thought to the prospect of it being a long term thing, particularly at the levels of pain I experienced at the beginning. I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it.
Cheers.
Tom.
To be honest I'm hoping that this is a "finite" problem i.e. it began with an injury, is undergoing treatment at the moment, and will end in a few weeks. At the moment I'm not giving much thought to the prospect of it being a long term thing, particularly at the levels of pain I experienced at the beginning. I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it.
Cheers.
Tom.
Posted on: 14 October 2008 by John M
Nice article, Duncan. Made me remember that I have found warm baths with epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) to be very relaxing and aids in my recovery.
I also like how you addressed the emotional/psychological factors in back pain.
Hope you get well soon, Tom.
John
I also like how you addressed the emotional/psychological factors in back pain.
Hope you get well soon, Tom.
John
Posted on: 14 October 2008 by PJT
noratriptaline is very effective for nerve pain
Posted on: 15 October 2008 by BigH47
You can also drink Polish Vodka if all else fails!!
I sympathise I too get bouts of back pain, not so much since changing jobs (semi-retirement).Not lifting heavy test equipment and boxes in and out of a small van helps. Like Tony I don't lift engines any more either.My near constant though is a "crunchy" neck and general tension across the shoulders and neck.Physio didn't work and Chiropractic just emptied the wallet.
I sympathise I too get bouts of back pain, not so much since changing jobs (semi-retirement).Not lifting heavy test equipment and boxes in and out of a small van helps. Like Tony I don't lift engines any more either.My near constant though is a "crunchy" neck and general tension across the shoulders and neck.Physio didn't work and Chiropractic just emptied the wallet.
Posted on: 16 October 2008 by jcs_smith
quote:Originally posted by TomK:
I took Tramadol for a couple of weeks to help me get to sleep and that was weird. I'd feel mildly tipsy for an hour or two then sleep for fifteen hours. Take care if you're ever prescribed this.
I use Tramadol for back pain and it’s really weird. It feels like the pain is still there but you’re slightly to one side of it, observing it almost rather than feeling it. Strange description I know but I can’t think of another way of putting it. Also if you take too many, which sometime I do because the pain can be so bad, it doesn’t really do anything for the pain but you feel really sick. Needless to say you’re perception by this point is all over the place so of course you can’t drive.
I also sometimes find that with Tramadol I feel extremely lethargic next day – it can be a real struggle getting out of bed. Another problem is that if you have to take them two days in a row, they are much less effective on the second day.
I’ve also tried acupuncture – I know people who swear by it but it doesn’t do anything for me. The only things I find that help are chiropractors, exercise (low weight, high volume back exercise to keep the slow twitch muscle reactors going) and avoiding or cutting down on certain exercises or movements. For example I’ve given up boxing and striking martial arts – the twisting causes too much pain, I’ve also severely reduced the frequency, volume and poundage of deadlifting. So belatedly I’ve given up some of the things that are most important to me. The wear and tear that comes with age really sucks.
Posted on: 20 October 2008 by Onthlam
quote:Originally posted by John M:
Yes, my sympathies also Tom. I think munch can relate to as he has some horror stories about back pain (I hope you dont mind me saying Stuart)
I have herniated disc L5/S1 from a car accident and 35 years of football (we call it soccer). I had really bad sciatica and stiffness. I got heavily dependant on pain medication which is a nightmare I would wish on no one, and eventually got off. Now, fifteen years later I am playing age appropriate football (not against freaking 20 yr olds) at age 47. I still get injured, and I still feel the aches and pains, but the joy I get from still being active and able to lift my 7 year old over my head are plenty worth it.
These are the things that got me back on my feet
1) I started with Accupuncture, what was called 'trigger point' therapy to help heal my iliopsoas, which was/is very tight and pulling my pelvis and spine out of alignment.
2) I got off the pain meds. Not advocating this because I know there are cases where pain must be managed by medication, and everyone has different thresholds which I respect. I do use some homeopathic medecine recently which has helped, and that is Arnica Montana. Made from alpen flowers that hikers often use to heal bruises and trauma that occur on the trail. I admit to using ibuprofen liberally as well. No more than 200 - 400 mg when I am really in pain.
3) active and passive stretching. Active stretching against opposing force, and stretching using gravity. Active stretching I do with a nylon band and with a partner if available. I am a big fan of passive stretching because it allows me to zone out and listen to music or watch tv. Two of the most effective passive stretches I find are laying with my back flat on the floor, and my butt and legs flat on a wall at 90 degrees, so my body is contouring the 90 degrees made by wall and floor. It is important to keep your legs flush with the wall, and back pressed into the floor. Most important to keep your hips, knees and big toes in a straight a line as possible. You will probably find that one or both of your legs will want to splay out to the side. If you practice bringing them into alignment and down into your hip sockets using your inner thigh muscles, this will strengthen your core. I lie in this position for 10 or 15 minutes at a time and it works wonders.
I might even crack off 100 small sit up/crunches in this position too.
The other passive stretch is to lay flat, legs straight and then bend right knee and rest your right lower leg (calf) on a chair, so that your upper leg is at 90 degrees from your supine position (so sticking straight up) and lower leg resting comfortably on a chair, making it parallel to your body. Make sure your left leg and foot (the one on the floor) are not splayed out but aligned with your body. Make sure your lower back is flattened on the ground. Practice using your inner thigh to pull the left leg into your core, keeping it straight and aligned. Do this for about 10 minutes and switch. I find this very fruitful and simple to do, but for me it is quite a painful stretch on my injured side if i am doing it right.
4) I try to stay very active, at least doing stretching every day no matter how little, and trying to get in some kind of aerobic exercise 3 times a week, even walking, and something anaerobic 3 times if possible, even if it is just chin ups or some such. Even thirty minutes of intervals such as 1 minute of 80% max intensity followed my rest and repeat can be a great, effective work out.
5)I apply prodigious amounts of ice and cold therapy. There is a reason why you see pro athletes immersing themselves in ice baths. They even have this thing called "the glove" now that athletes use to shorten recovery and repair time. It just involves a contraption that you encases your hand in a sealed cold environment, cooling the blood and putting it back into circulation. It is having amazing results, but I digress. I just always use ice packs to great effect.
I wish you luck and hope this helps. I am in alot less pain now than I ever was before, and I am still really active. It is a slow process and I have set backs but I have never been back to the sciatic pain, and never needed any more pain meds.
Dev-
Not really what I wanted to hear.Had my first Epi Steroid injection today.Bathing L3 to L5S1.
My Dr. suggested that fusion will happen. What concerns me is the fact that you have confirmed what he stated.The prog is 50/50 at best.2 days of surgery and it is a crap shoot.Looking into the new disc replacement surgery at UCLA.Not a happy camper...:\
Posted on: 20 October 2008 by csl
i have two herniated discs. skip the surgery and follow john's advice. stretch, ice aspirin. the back will come around in few months if you are serious about helping it out.
best of luck,
chris
best of luck,
chris
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by Onthlam
quote:Originally posted by csl:
i have two herniated discs. skip the surgery and follow john's advice. stretch, ice aspirin. the back will come around in few months if you are serious about helping it out.
best of luck,
chris
Chris-
For me it has been 6 years of trying to work it out without surgery. It hurts like hell..
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by csl
my response might have been a bit simplistic. for me it really comes down to keeping inflamation down. there are dietary approaches that can assist in this as well. i have consulted with a number of doctors regarding surgery and none of them have offered any convincing evidence that this is the right path, at least for me. posture, and a consciousness regarding posture is pretty critical. both awake and sleeping. old habits are hard to break, but keeping your spine in a position that is not exacerbating the problem can have a huge positive effect on the problem.
best of luck.
best of luck.
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by Dev B
quote:Originally posted by Marc Newman:
Dev-
Not really what I wanted to hear.Had my first Epi Steroid injection today.Bathing L3 to L5S1.
My Dr. suggested that fusion will happen. What concerns me is the fact that you have confirmed what he stated.The prog is 50/50 at best.2 days of surgery and it is a crap shoot.Looking into the new disc replacement surgery at UCLA.Not a happy camper...:\
Dear Marc,
I wish you luck - the lower part of my spine is fused also. The key thing to move forward in my experience is exercise and mobility - as I mentioned I am probably the fittest I have ever been, mainly out of the requirement to keep my back supple.
regards
Dev
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by Onthlam
Today finding a bit less pain at times.When i stand up straight it is best.Still, a few days more to go...
Marc
Marc
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by John M
quote:Originally posted by csl:
there are dietary approaches that can assist in this as well.
grapeseed oil, flax oil, check all allergies, avoid nightshades. These are some of the ones I know. There are some incredible topical chinese herbals, but this is probably the last thing someone wants to hear when their back is screaming at them. I have great sympathy and wish the best of luck for anyone going under the knife. I respect a person's decision to find their own solutions, especially after years of pain - so my utmost sympathy and respect to munch, dev, marc. My cousin actually had spinal fusion and is in recovery. Not pretty. On the bright side, my best friend is back to almost full activity after having a rod put in his neck. He was a volleyball player and after a spike, he landed and his legs went numb. He was paralyzed for a few days. The docs went back and forth and finally he had spinal surgery/reconstruction. They told him he would never run or play sports again. Now a year later he is running, playing non contact sports and feeling great, except for a slight limp that will heal over time. Scary, but the surgery and a positive outlook worked for him.
John