Thoracic fractures and osteoarthritis

[Etblue]

I would love to know the mechanics behind such awful back pain after and during good walk. I suffer from thoracic fractures and osteoarthritis in my back realising in chronic pain. I am prescribed lidocaine patches plus dihydrocodeine.... which I use sparingly. But I would love to go for a walk and enjoy pain free. Also every bra I buy becomes uncomfortable very quickly. Sorry for the rant, but just finished a lovely walk in this beautiful day and I could cry from being in pain...which will ease with rest etc.

[Nettekin]

Hi Etblue, so sorry to hear of your back problems and how they spoil your love of walking. I suffer from DDD and find that walking really is the best thing for me - "motion is lotion" and all that. I have a prescription for codeine, which like you I use as sparingly as possible. I have tried various things over the years, but inevitably find a hot water bottle the best comfort(although not of course a cure). I recently bought a "PainGone" pen from Amazon that works on the principles of TENS but haven't really used it much as (touch wood) things haven't been too bad lately. Sorry I haven't been much help, but I can empathise and do hope you can find something to help you carry on with your walks in the sunshine. Best wishes x

[Etblue in reply to Nettekin]

Thank you so very much for your concern. I had a 'mild' heart attack Oct last year so important that I exercise. I am smiling as I am sitting with a hot water bottle in situ..bliss. don't know what DDD means.. sorry. New to the site. But, it was lovely to reach out with it and lovely for your response. Feel better x

[Nettekin in reply to Etblue]

Degenerative disc disease! X

[Etblue in reply to Nettekin]

Thanks 😊

[Qualipop in reply to Etblue]

If your pain is localised to one area, try a TENS machine when you go out.

[bridgeit]

Oh this is sad. It is horrid when chronic illness robs us of things we used to enjoy. I don't have osteoarthritis, but I have other issues that have adversely affected my love of exercise, especially swimming. I can sympathise with you.I'm not medically trained. I think the mechanics of your pain might be around inflammation owing to cartilage/bone deterioration, which results in the nerves on the surface material of and tissue around the bones being aggravated. When we walk and breathe, our thoracic muscles move as does the rest of our spine; lots of movements along the spine keep us balanced, upright and stable. If you have osteoarthritis, movement aggravates inflamed areas where cartilage is damaged, and the nerves react, but not moving makes the condition worse through joint stiffening. So reducing excessive inflammation and calming nerves is probably a wise approach to managing resultant pain.

If you're not keen on taking pain-killers, my understanding is that there's no evidence-based proof that supplements can help, but that said, I know that good things have been unscientifically said about a product called 'chondromax', which is a mix of chondroitin and glucosamine which are thought to help keep joints (and vertebrae) in good order, coated and mobile. It can't reverse existing damage. Magnesium is also thought to help with both pain management and improving bone strength. Magnesium flakes in a footbath twice a week should be sufficient regarding dosage as our skin takes up what we need and no more, so there's no risk of overdose. Vitamin D and calcium levels also need to be optimal for bone strength.

To address excessive inflammation, turmeric (curcumin) is thought to be good as is omega 3 and 6. Be aware though that these should be avoided if on blood thinners, as should chondroitin. Also be aware that normal inflammation is a good thing; it helps the body heal.

As always, have a word with your GP or pharmacist before taking supplements of any kind if already on prescribed medication.

I mentioned swimming above. For general fitness and strength conditioning, it is very good exercise and might help improve muscular strength to better support your back when walking.

I hope this info is helpful and not simply repeating stuff you already know.

Wishing you less painful perambulations soon!

[Etblue in reply to bridgeit]

Thank you. Your suggestions are very helpful. Especially, explanation re mechanics of pain source. I always like to know why, and can cope better once I understand. So sorry to hear about your condition and pain. Hope you have a restful night.x

[sallen343 in reply to bridgeit]

I take NICE recommended medication for myocardial infarction, which includes blood thinners, a and capsules of Epsom salts/Spirulina for Mg/K, Salmon oil for Omega oils and Tumeric with 5% Black Pepper. Where did you get warned off these? They have significantly improved my sleep, no more leg pain, and I have found that knee and ankle pillows, when lying on my side, also help greatly. I tore the ligaments around the Sacro-illiac joints while playing Rugby at 45. Had to stop ☹️ Acupuncture from my Club Physio was my first stop with LP back supports daily under my shirt. 30 years later and riddled with Osteoarthritis, I'll try anything and everything to stay active. PowerPlate has improved muscularture around my arthritic knees and up my back, a long-handled massager has been useful to improve circulation and application of Hemp Oil/Salmon oil/Neem Oil with a bit of Chilli Oil under Tubigrip to warm up my knees helps in cold weather. I have tried several knee supports over the years, plus Kinseology taping. My latest is Chinese stick on patches containing Scorpion Venom on my back. They work for about 12 hours. I used to have a repeat prescription for Tramadol, but have no desire to get addicted. So I have recently got onto Thunder God Vine. My Doctor has no experience of Chinese medicine, but she has no objection. An hour's Cardiac Rehab exercise weekly is great and I try to go around on my new electric bike, mostly down to my allotment and the Club to watch a Grandchild.All this while trying to get the NHS to fund knee surgery. They say if I'm capable of this, they have worse clients as priority. Catch 22!

[bridgeit in reply to sallen343]

Hi Sallen, the advice to me about not mixing blood thinners with OTC omega oils, turmeric and chondroitin came from a good pharmacist, who's advice I sought and who kindly undertook some investigation for me when I was first prescribed thinners. At the time I was taking pycnogenol rather than turmeric and was advised to stop taking that too.

That said, if an MD is aware of and comfortable with a patient's mix of prescribed drugs and OTC supplements, their advice should certainly override anything I offer within this forum! I have no formal medical training, just life experience.

I think it's good when we find things that work for us as individuals, especially with the NHS waiting lists the way they are, and I hope they do eventually get around to sorting out your knee.

[Lilypocket]

Hi sorry to hear of your suffering. My sister- in-law had debilitating back pain and took heavy duty pain killers and could hardly walk. Eventually she had an operation to have a TENS implant . She has a small control box ( like a TV zapper) with which she controls the output according to her pain.It has worked wonders for her. Obviously each case is different and I have no idea if it might help you.

Take care x

[Etblue in reply to Lilypocket]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have never heard of that particular procedure, it sounds like a better alternative to painkillers. I am pleased for you and your sister. One of the other members mentioned a tens machine and I have ordered one. Again thanks and hope you have a good day.x

[Harrysgran]

I can relate to your problem as i have arthritis of the spine . In fact it was due to my back going into spasm that led to a hospital admission 9 yrs ago that then lead them to find out i had Aortic regurgitation! ( long story! Had an AVR 6 years ago) i turned funny taking my sock off this Nov and twisted my sacro illiac joints ( at the base of my spine) and was in excruciating pain which has taken 3 months to heal. Previous to this id been attending a keep moving class at the local sports centre where i could do more aerobic type exercise and it only costs £3 for seniors. I recently bought an electric heat pad from Amazon which is more convenient than a hotwater bottle and i find that soothing. My Dr found my vit D levels were low so i would recommend taking vit D as it is recommended for all adults as we dont get enough sun in this country. Ive also taken glucosamine for years ( not sure if they help but …) . Dont forget to drink lots of water to keep the discs in your spine well lubricated and keep walking! Its hard at times and when you say you “ have a bad back” some people assume its just a bit of an ache but its more than that when you have arthritis , we have to risk assess and modify what we can do but trying to stay active ( in moderation) is so important so keep enjoying your walks but maybe shorter ones more often ? Xx

[Etblue in reply to Harrysgran]

Know what you mean re shorter walks...spirit willing,but body weak. Also,thanks for identifying with the pain. I am so grateful to this site for compassion and practical help. Thanks and regards. Hope your day is a good one for you with your health problems. X

[Ghost-233]

Hi oh I can relate. I am the same age as you and suffer similar pain.I had polio as a child and as a result have scoliosis. I have always had back pain but in the last few years the pain has become unbearable.

I take co-codamol for pain and also use an electric heat pad which I use every time I sit down. Last year I had CT guided nerve root injections and it definitely helped I am due to have another lot next month. The people treating me have been wonderful and I have nothing but praise for our NHS.

Try the heat pad ( much easier than filling a hot water bottle) and perhaps ask if these injections would be suitable for you.

Good luck I hope you get some relief soon.

[Etblue in reply to Ghost-233]

I am sorry to hear about your pain and that you had polio as a child, especially as I have until my middle 60's enjoyed good health, with some periods of back pain. But not that which I know experience. Will ask the Doctor about injections once things are less busy...many of the Doctors are off sick. Take care and hope you have a peaceful day x

[Qualipop]

The mechanics are most likely to be that arthritis in your spine or extra bone after healing has caused a certain vertebra to catch on a nerve where it exits your spine. Most but not all pain is caused by facet joint arthritis. You've seen the little sticky out bits of bone either side of a vertebra. If they get inflamed or gro bigger they can touch the nerve as it passes underneath them. When you move, your spine moves slightly and makes it worse. That's a very simple explanation- there are far more possible problems like a dried out disc which narrows the space between the bones,a herniated disc where it swells and pushes out to the side (* again where nerves pass). Why not simply ask your doctor to explain it to you with diagrams or even seeing your own x rays. I have spondilo listhesis. Just the slightest movement of my spine causes agonising electric shock like pains down my legs. I knew what it meant but couldn't work out exactly why it was so painful so last week a physiotherapist showed me the last MRI scan I'd had and pointed out exactly what was happening. It really does help to understand things. Walking and light exercise really does help to lubricate joints and keep the supporting muscles strong even though it causes pain in the short term so don't give up but do ask for an explanation.

[Etblue in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you. I also have osteoporosis and( I am not sure if the Doctor said spondylitis or spondilosis). Also rotor cuff injury +spine spurs. My shoulder has dropped slightly. Pheww what a menu!!!. So I just say a 'bad' back. Thanks for your time and consideration. The people on this site are amazing. I feel I have learned so much and understand my condition better which will help me cope better. My Doctor's are really kind and caring, but I hate to be a bother. But, will have that conversation when they are less busy. Regards and thanks x

[LaceyLady]

When we sleep our spine relaxes and the discs re-plump. When we rise the weight of our body eventually squashes the discs, we can be taller in the morning on rising.I use arnica gel rubbed into my areas with aches. The medication has to go through the digestive system first and thus the medication has to be stronger.

You will need to look at your diet, some foods exacerbate arthritis. Bone breakages, have you had a bone density X-rays? These can show osteoporosis. Lack of density can also cause pain. Good vitamin and mineral supplement may help.

[LaceyLady]

My mother was riddled with probably rheumatoid arthritis, in EVERY joint, she was really crippled. Sadly she was brought up in a poor family, diet was really deficient. When first married would do without to feed us..She passed with an aortic aneurysm, which can be inherited condition.

[Etblue in reply to LaceyLady]

Thanks, so sorry to hear about your mum's disease. Luckily, I was brought up with a healthy diet and have been a vegetarian most of my life. I do have osteoporosis and density tests were stopped about 8 years ago. Unfortunately, I opted for herbal medicine rather than HRT during menopause, which, with hindsight was the wrong choice. I do take supplements. I feel good today and will take up suggestions offered on this site. A few short walks today. Knowledge of the mechanics has been empowering. Thank you and keep safe. Kindly regards x