Spine Issues

[DesertDeuces]

Hello, My spine was recently x-ray'd due to sudden, extreme pain in my thoracic spine. Come to find out, the problem is in my lumbar spine.

I'm wondering what's going on with my spine with regard to how it might progress, if anyone has something similar to my issues. Here's what the x-ray report says:

1. Multilevel severe degenerative disc disease.

2. Mild to moderate levoconvex scoliosis.

3. Severe osteopenia and minimal atherosclerosis

Might this mean my spine is kind of collapsing? I'm just wondering about returning to work this afternoon. I'll be working part time - sitting just about all the time, and I'm kind of worried about if this might put a strain on my back causing more pain. Or, I hope that sudden pain doesn't come back.

If anyone can share their experience with these conditions, please, I'd sure appreciate it.

Thank you

[Dolores2]

Have you tried a donut cushion, D.D.? They certainly take pressure away from the base of the spine. Make sure you get a soft one; I got mine from Amazon for about £10 + postage.

[PainConcernHelpline Moderator Community Champion Pain Concern]

Hi DesertDeuces ,

Thank you for your post and sorry to hear about your spine problems.

It sounds like you would like to get a better understanding of your condition and your options for work in the future. I'm wondering if you had a chance to discuss with your doctor about what your x-ray report means? If not, it would be useful to schedule a visit or even a call to discuss what implications these findings would have on your work and how you can best take care of youself.

To make sure you ask the right questions and get the most out of your doctor's appointment, take a look at our leaflet on managing your healthcare appointments here: painconcern.org.uk/managing...

Separately, you may also find it helpful to reach out to an Occupational Therapist. They can give you tailored advice on how you can alter your workspace to best suit your needs. For instance, if you could benefit from a specialised chair or standing desk to reduce the strain in your back, etc.

I hope this helps and congratulations on the new job! Hope you will enjoy it.

Best,

Moderator 3 on behalf of Pain Concern

[DesertDeuces in reply to PainConcernHelpline]

Hello, I replied to your post, but I can't find my reply. Sorry.

Yes, I am very concerned about the future of my condition, especially since I didn't do anything strenuous to cause the excruciating back pain that immobilized me for a couple of weeks.

My doctor requested physical therapy from my insurance. Haven't heard anything yet.

Unfortunately, my workspace is terrible for my back. I sit at one of those high dining room tables with the high wooden chairs. It's very painful. I stand virtually all the time I'm at work. I have a bruise on the back of my thigh from the first day of sitting on one of those wooden chairs. Since I was off work for 5 months due to shelter at home orders, I'm afraid to ask for anything. Another reason I'm afraid to ask for accommodations is that my age is really catching up to me. I'm making mistakes on simple things and forgetting a lot of stuff. I'm scared every moment at work. I'm 73, too young to be so forgetful but I'm also in lots of pain and I really need my job. As you see, I'm rambling right now. I'm just very scared. And with a new heart condition on top of it!

[Saz2603]

Hi i have severe degenerative disc disease and have suffered for around 7 years now, i had to finish work about 5 years ago as it just wasn't possible to sit for too long or walk much, too much sitting on your lumbar area isn't good and makes things worse. I lived on medication for many years, slowly going higher and higher to now living on morphine as well as many others. I hasd a spinal fusion 3 years ago which just made me worse. So if you can avoid surgery then I would. Good luck hope you get some relief x

[DesertDeuces in reply to Saz2603]

Thank you for your information. I'm so sorry to hear that you're suffering so much, too. Thank you for your advice about surgery.