This is a first post for me. I've had back
pain off and on for a number of years,
it's been muscular, with back going into
spasm then PT and things are ok. All
that's changed recently, as I've had back
pain that won't go away, and they're
saying it might be nerve problems. An
x-ray showed L5 is out of alignment
(pushed forward a bit) and that I also
have a bit of Lordosis. I have pain
standing for over a few minutes
stationary, and can walk for about 20
minutes before the pain kicks in. I'm on
NSAIDs for inflammation/pain.
As it stands, PT for a month hasn't done
much but stop pain from increasing . I
used to be very active, and all that has
been eliminated. I should mention that I
had heart surgery a bit over a year ago,
and that took me out for a bit, but since
then, my back problems have been
consistent. The odd thing is that there
has been no trauma or accident that caused
this to happen. I'm 38yo male, and have
been in good shape all my life. I'm hoping
to get my old life back someday.
My question is, what non-surgical
solutions have people had good results
with in dealing with a similar problem? My
PT is on the fence, and wants me to speak
with a surgeon. I'm not too impressed with
what I've read regarding surgical results
and am not too happy with this as an
option. I'm trying to get a timeline
together for how long I pursue alternate
routes. I do my PT 'workout' twice a day,
and am diligent about sticking with
things.
Has anyone had a similar experience that
can help me out?
Thanks in advance!
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 880
Thanks: 20
Thanked:0
Posted: 04-23-08 20:25pm
Mrg, welcome to this forum!!!
First and foremost you need to seek the
advice of a spinal surgeon. Seek out the
best one in your area. Then make that
imporftant appointment.
To answer you question - For me epidural
injections (containing a corticosteroid)
have helped to reduce my back pain. They
do not work for everyone unfortunately.
Stay in touch and let us know what the
spinal surgeon has to say.
RichT
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mrg001
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 2
follow up... Posted: 04-23-08 22:47pm
Thanks Rich for the reply. How often do
you get injections? Are they administered
in the doctors office or at some sort of
facility?
Thanks.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 880
Thanks: 20
Thanked:0
Posted: 04-24-08 06:04am
Hello Mrg,
I receive my epidural injections at the
spine instutute that I go to. The doctors
have their offices there, and also an
excellent facility within the institute
for giving the injections.
I received my first epidural injection on
April 27, '07. That injection was given
at the L3/L4 location to reduce the
inflammation of a pinched nerve. The
nerve was being pinched due to the
associated bulging (perhaps ruptured)
disc. At the time the pain was radiating
from my back down into my right leg. The
lower part of my leg had a tingling
sensation. A week after the injection the
pain in my leg was gone. A month after
the injection the tingling sensation in my
leg was gone. Today I still do not have
any pain or tingling in my right leg.
The end of August or early September of
'07 the pain in my lower back at the L5/S1
location was getting worse (Slipped
L5/S1). So my PM doc gave me another
injection in that area. It worked very
well.
By the first part of April '08 the pain at
the L5/S1 location was again getting
worse, so I had another injection. It has
worked very well. I now have almost no
pain, unless I overdo my gardening
"exercises".
Some thoughts - Mrg, I'm convinced of two
things regarding whether an epidural
injection will work or not. It is
essential that the doctor use a fluoroscpe
when making the injections so that he can
"see" the exact location in your back
where he needs to place the
corticosteroid. Would be impossible
without the fluoroscope. Second, the
doctor must have the expertise to be able
to guide the needle to PRECISELY the EXACT
location where the inflammation is in ones
back. Without a doubt my PM doc is an
expert!!!
Time will tell when I will need another
injection. He and I estimate it will be
in about another six months.
Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to
give you some of the details.
If you have any questions let me know.
Also, DO seek the advice of a spinal
surgeon about your own situation. AND
then seek the advice of a second spinal
surgeon.
