Chronic Lower back/hip/joint pain. Looking for advise on how to deal with it.

[Ruth91]

Hey guys,

I've been living with Chronic lower back/hip/joint pain since I was 8 years old however the doctors have never been able to figure out what's going on. I'm now 24 and the doctors are just as baffled as they were initially.

When I was 8 I had an x-ray which appeared to show some sort of fluid on my hip/back, however this has never been seen again on any X-Ray, MRI, C.A.T scan or anything.

I've been in and out of hospitals throughout the UK. Last year I had to take 4 months off of work due to being unable to even move from bed, I had to go back and live with my parents as I was unable to do anything for myself.

I've been taking Tramadol on and off for the past year and taking Co Codamol and Ibuprofen (since 2006) when I've not wanted to touch the Tramadol (I'd rather leave it for days when it's really bad as I am aware it's highly addictive and taking it too frequently could diminish it's ability to knock the pain on the head).

Even then there are days that it's so bad that the Tramadol has no effect. I've also been on and off of Diclofenac Sodium as the Doctors didn't want to cause problems for my stomach with the Ibuprofen and so on.

I also have a problem with the muscles in my legs, doctors told me that they never managed to catch up with how quickly my body grew as a child so I have to do daily exercises to try and help with the constant tightness, especially in my heels and calves (I managed to tear my Achilles Tendon a few years back from just walking around Paris).

I'm not looking for someone to tell me what's up but I'm just wondering if anyone has any methods of dealing with their pain that they could share with me as it's reaching the point where it's getting increasingly worse. I currently live in China and it's very hard for me to explain in detail to my doctor whats going on. A lot of things get lost in translation.

[earthwitch]

I think if I were you I'd be off to a rheumatologist asking to be checked out for ankylosing spondylitis or spondyloarthritis generally - that can start in childhood as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It also generally appears in people before they turn 30. Achilles tendonitis is so common with it, that it along with the lower back pain it is a real red flag for spondyloarthritis. I'd say to check this out first, because if it does happen to be this, then it can be quite effectively treated. Antiinflammatories (NSAIDs) would normally give significant relief, but even strong painkillers like tramadol and codeine wouldn't knock the inflammation that is the major cause of the pain. So if you get better relief from ibuprofen or diclofenac than you do from tramadol or codeine, then thats another pointer towards an inflammatory condition.

Apart from that, keep up the regular (but gentle) stretching exercises (every limb, not just the feet) and as much gentle low impact exercise as you can (walking, swimming, etc). If tendons flare, then alternating ice and heat may help.

[Boozybird]

Hi Ruth, sorry to hear of your long term pain problem. Some great suggestions below. Can't be easy trying to make any headway living in China unless you're fluent in Chinese? Have you tried the acupuncture in China? I had it in Singapore - they take it very seriously. Also I loved their form of reflexology...

I know you're not looking for solutions but have you had your vit B12 tested checking for pernicious anaemia - it can cause neurological problems if not detected?

Best wishes,

[Marylyn]

Ruth your pain sounds neuropathic.Ask a Dr for Serum & active vitamin B12,folate,ferritin,iron,MMA levels.There is an epidemic happening world wide due to misdiagnosis as Drs are not aware of the debilitating long term effects of vitamin deficiencies.Chelated magnesium is helpful with muscle weakness,cramps,twitching & irregular heart rate.Check b12awareness.org for facts or "diagnosing & treating vitamin b12 " online. Sadly my hubby & I have long term nerve damage thanks to flawed low range Vit b12 range.Below 450 nerve damage has already caused permanent nerve damage.Lyrica may help your pain as it addresses nerve pain.Find a holistic dr as it took me 15drs including 7 specialists 2 brain & thyroid scans,battery of blood tests 6 mths later before I got an answer to prayer a diligent holistic dr who nailed it in 2 visits Vitamin b12 deficiency with genetic mutation MTHFR.You can't believe the difference it has made to my life now after 15 mths off back to my workplace as a midwife.

[Coastwalker]

Have you ever had your vitamin D levels checked Ruth91 ?.

Being Low or deficient in vitamin D can cause lower back, hip and joint pain.

I cured my lower back, hip, joint pain and stiffness etc., with a 5000iu dose of vitamin D3. vitamindcouncil.com (for information on vitamin D and safe modern doses.)

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin, many say they feel better after soaking up some warm sunshine, unfortunately some do not absorb vitamin D, even in hot sunny countries, those with dark skin absorb it less than fair skinned.

Achilles tendon can be down to magnesium and vitamin D deficiencys.

Though do check it yourself as it might also link with other vitamins or minerals also.

[Hidden]

Hi Ruth,

Have just found your post. I have had ,since a very young man, similar symptoms to yours.

Having visited a pain clinic recently ,I was prescribed "Pregabalin" this has helped enormously with the pain.

Hope this may be of some help to you.