Lower back area

[JDQuinn75]

Well now that the cooler temps have arrived here where I am so has the pain I’m my lower back in the lumbar spine area. It’s been there all week this week. Some days are better than others but I’m guessing I’m going to feel it more this winter than last. It seems as each winter passes, each one is worse than the winter before. I’m just hoping it doesn’t hit with avengous .

[kohai]

Hey JDQuinn,

I can empathise with you on this. As soon as the cold reaches any of my joints, I feel intense pain, but especially in my lower back. Like yesterday for example, the pain started around 5pm-6pm but was manageable, by about two hours later, I could barely stand for a few minutes let alone walk. It was like feeling the shockwaves from every step going straight to my lower back. It really was becoming more unbearable through the evening. All I could do was take the anti-spasm medication and strong pain meds, and lay as still as could, while propped up in bed and either fall asleep or wait for it to ease up.

Does any of that sound familiar to what you're experiencing? Or is what you feel with you feel in your lower back completely different??

I recently invested in a heated electric blanket so even on the coldest mornings/evenings I can still get immediate warmth straight to my back, and to be honest, its a nice break from Tens patches and heat packs.

Do you mind ice I ask what your doctor /specialists have advised for you? and if you feel your lumbar pain is getting any benefits from it?

[JDQuinn75]

Kohai, There been times mine has brought me to my knees. I also have it in the middle of my spine as well. It’s drugs don’t help . In fact I’ve yet to find anything that will ease it just a little. So so I keep fighting this and push myself or just sit around when I don’t want to or can’t do to having things to do. What is the answer? I’m so tired of this. I have thought looking into a wheelchair. But I’m in my early 40s and don’t want to have to do that unless I have no choice but to. And I refuse to be operated on when I comes to my spine.

[bleebo001 in reply to JDQuinn75]

Hi there, I have extensive osteoarthritis in hips, back and knees in particular and have had 2 hip replacements. My lower back issues are particularly severe when they flare up and render me totally immobile and in excruciating pain. I can only sleep in a chair and shuffle around on crutches. Fortunately these do not happen too often. Specialists do not wnt to operate as the disc damage is not considered severe, however they press on femoral and ciatic nerves so very painful. My saving grace was pregabelin, a neuro-suppressant which reduced the nerve pain significantly allowing me to function again. GPs are not particularly proactive in prescribing this but is you have a lot of nerve pain it is far more effective than anti inflammatories or strong painkillers. It is also less harmful.

[JDQuinn75 in reply to bleebo001]

Bleebo001, Have you thought about looking into a wheelchair for yourself? That may help you more than using crutches, at least ease the pain a little bit more than it is now. It may be to your benefit and help you in the long run as well . I have on several occasions have thought about looking into a light weight wheelchair to keep on hand for my worst days. I have days I can barely walk without the pain dropping me to my knees. A titanium rigid is the lightest. I’ve looked at prices on those for myself. This past summer wasn’t to comfortable for me either. So I know the winter months will be just as bad if not worse. We the patients need to look out for our self if our doctor won’t do anything for us. All I can say is to hang in there. J.D. Quinn