Comments on: Relieving arthritis in the lower back?

By: deltaqueen

deltaqueen — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:16:11 +0000

Oh my Nikki, I am so sorry, because I know the exact pain you are speaking of.
Heres where this answer gets complicated and almost unbelievable……..For 2 yr after I had MRI’s done for the exact same symptoms I was told the exact same about the arthritis, by 2 differant doctors, an Orthopedist and a GP. As my leg and hip pain worsened I finally ended up in the ER, and was told by an ER Doc who saw my MRI on the hospital computer that I clearly had a herniated disc and it had herniated into my sciatic nerve. Mind you this is the only MRI I have ever had.
The ER doctor, told me that for some reason Orhthopedist don’t like to diagnose disc problems like this because the don’t like to do the surgery. The ER doctor called in a Neurosurgeon and I was in surgery the next day to remove the disc, which actually "blew up" it was so big. In the recovery room I felt 80 percent better, however, I am now on total disablity due to Permanent Sciatic Nerve damage. I have to go to Pain Mangement Clinic, and physical therapy and my life is totally and forever changed. I’m 43.
Please, Please, Please see a Neurosurgeon and have them look over your MRI. An arthretic back does not cause the leg pain you describe it is your sciatic nerve and I am sorry, I can’t tell you anything to alieviate your pain that you aren’t already doing except increase your pain meds temporarily. You needent worry about addiction rightnow with the pain you are in the meds go directly to the pain. As long as you take them as prescribed you have nothing to fear. If you don’t you just may end up taking meds in the future and forever.
Feel free to E Mail me if you have questions and I honestly hope that you find relief for your pain soon, I know the misery you are in right now.
P.S. I would steer clear of any Chiropractors right now!!!!!

By: Janice 10

Janice 10 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:16:11 +0000

What are your Dr.’s recommending you do for the pain? Pain Medication? I would seek out a Pain Clinic and get there recommendation for pain relief. Hope you are feeling better soon. Best Wishes!

By: frogginmama52

frogginmama52 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:16:11 +0000

If you are having pain in your legs,then the artharitis is worse than they say or else it is a vertebre problemI was born with a deformed 5th lumbar & it caused all kinds of changes to my lower back,until my discs were bulging & my nerves were irritated to the point of my legs going paralized.
I ended up having 2 major surgeries & I feel for you with the leg pain!At leastIi can walk,but with a cane ,& sometimes I have to use a wheelchair for long hauls.
I would get a second opinion.

By: gator.girl09

gator.girl09 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:16:11 +0000

are you sure that it is just arthritis? maybe you also have a pinched nerve. pinched nerves in the lumbar spin (lower back) can cause pain radiating down the outside on your legs. try elevating your legs and applying ice or heat to your back whichever comforts it more. feel better soon.

By: KittyKat

KittyKat — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:16:11 +0000

My cousin had something like this off and on for years and one day, it hit her so hard and she couldn’t do anything and had to take leave from work. Her doctor tried several things trying to find relief for her with little or no success, then one day they sent her to a new doctor.

That doctor used a laser to burn the nerve endings on each side of her back (did one side then she went back a month later and had the other side done). She is now back to work and doing great. The doctor told her sometimes the nerves will regenerate as they sprout new roots (like tree limbs do) but if they do, they will go in and do that area to give her relief.

This was in Columbus OH and I have no clue what kind of doctor she went to or what the treatment is called, all I know is she is working again at the factory and doing quite well since that was done earlier this year.

Hope you can find relief ~ daily pain is a hard thing to deal with.