Severe degenerative discs

[arvine]

I have many issues with lower back, spinal stenosis, arthritis, buldging discs, had nerve root impingement L2 L3 , last May, treated with decompression therapy can only take ttlenol as still on pred since 2016 for PMR at that time, started physio last week for glute and hamstring tear, happened 2 mos ago, but now and for long time lower back causes most pain, orthopaedic surgeon tells me hardly any disc between L3,4and 5, that s my biggest problem now, Im 86 , and do not want any surgery, even if an option, does anyone out there suffer with this and have any advice for me, it s very debilitating , especially on waking getting out of bed in mornings

[lovedoncebefore]

Hello

Not an easy solution. I use hot water bottles 24/7 heat seems to be the only thing that helps the pain. I have lower back pain due to similar issues you have along with 2 benign back tumours and slipping rib syndrome osteoporosis & fibromyalgia. I found 5 Lox herbal formula helped the pain but it then caused body itching so I had to stop taking it. I do suffer with multiple allergies. Topical max strength ibuprofen on prescription from my gp helps a little nothing takes the pain away completely. Most pain meds that have been prescribed including tramadol just cause severe side effects. I purchased a tens machine but could not reach my back to apply correctly. ...I live alone with no help. The other thing that does help is red light therapy, I purchased a floor standing one that has an adjustable head so you can stand or lay during use. I purchased mine on Amazon.

I hope you find some of the above information useful. It's not easy trying to manage pain.

Good luck. God bless 🙏

[greekqueen in reply to lovedoncebefore]

I use gabapentin maximum dose and co-codamol maximum dose and 25mg amitriptilyne but also a full length back and neck heating pad as I have neck, scapula and lower back pain and have had for years.I have also slept in a recliner instead of a bed for a year now which helps my pain on rising, including hip pain immensely, taking pain to a minimal level.

Lila

[arvine in reply to greekqueen]

thank you yes getting out of bed is worst pain, along with standing for over 10 mind

[arvine in reply to lovedoncebefore]

thank you, Om in Canada so Im not familiar with mst of those meds, and cant take abti inflammatories ie naproxen , im still at 5 mgs prednisone, I believe moist heat helps a little too, but this disease really limits our movement, quality of life, take care

[greekqueen in reply to arvine]

I can't take anti inflammatories either because of asthma and stomach issues.

The medication you are on is firstly a steroid but obviously has other uses.

Gabapentin is available in Canada, it is also known as Neurontin. It is in essence an anti-epileptic drug but also used for other reasons.

I did read though that in Canada specifically they are looking into if it is used alongside opoids that it may cause breathing problems and also if it is used by the elderly, so you may want to ask about that.

There are many other painkillers you could use and combinations of ones that I am sure a doctor could advise you on. Why should you suffer?

Using heat has helped my pain so much.

Lila

[crackers2 in reply to greekqueen]

Hi greekqueen. I have the S type scoliosis but the pain is still minimal, when I hear what others use for pain control, I wonder what effect it has on the kidney. I have stage 3.

I am so sorry for all the pain everyone is experiencing. It tough to live with that for so long.

My best wishes . ❤️

Crackers2

[Madlegs1]

I know it is counter intuitive, but getting movement into those areas is of paramount importance.

Gentle stretching exercises - see YouTube for ones that might suit.

The main thing is to be able to get enough painkillers,so as to be allow to do the exercises.

Difficult, I know, but absolutely it does work.

My problem, apart from the sore stiffness, is to get motivated.

It is really helpful to buddy up with someone - either in real time, or on zoom/ Wassap video, or even work with a YouTube video.

Once you are moving at all it does get better.

Until tomorrow morning ! 🥵

Good luck to you all. 💚

[arvine in reply to Madlegs1]

Oh tjank you, yes I am going for physio and as westher gets better be able to use my walker and go for little walks, as I said on prednisone now for 7 yrs when diagnosed with PMR so cant take anything but tylenol, and it doesnt help pain really

[Downinil in reply to arvine]

The pain is causing me to lay in bed on a heating pad. When I get up and walk the pain is a 10. It’s debilitating & I need help.

[arvine in reply to Downinil]

So sorry you are in so much pain, it sure brings us down, dont know if you have anyboptions for spinal decompression therapy facilities where you live, but idea is to stretch spine, very minimal centimetres, little at time, takes pressure off discs, not a cure but can help some, hope you find some relief

[Downinil]

Hi Arvine! I’m in a very similar situation. Herniated discs in lower lumbar L2 and 3, pinched sciatic nerve pain into left glute, incredibly debilitating.

[arvine in reply to Downinil]

Yes sounds much like issues I have had, nerve root impingement, caused stabbing pain, in groim and right front thigh, decompression over time did eventually help for few months

[Downinil in reply to arvine]

Decompression meaning?

[Downinil in reply to Downinil]

Did you have surgery?

[Downinil in reply to Downinil]

Did you have surgery for removal of a disk? Is that how you had decompression?

[arvine in reply to Downinil]

Oh nooo, want to avoid surgery as longvas possible. We have a facility that uses state of art machine, it s calibrated to target specific discs, a form of traction, but very specific, you are strapped into special apparratusbto ensure no movement in the lower back, then on a special bed, so you are basically being stretched, discs that are compromised, and only very small amounts of pressure used , stretching taking pressure off minimal centimetres each session, this is done every fay for 2 weeks, then another 10 sessions over next few weeks, many people continue for maintenance at least once a month,

[Doraflora in reply to arvine]

hello arvine. I’ve just jumped on here as I’m looking for posts re chronic degenerative spinal disease, which my husband has been diagnosed with.

He was offered surgery but they couldn’t guarantee it would be a success. He is generally fit and well, apart from a bit of pins & needles in one arm.

As he is 78, and is having a good quality of life (atm) he’s decided against surgery!

The letter came from the neurosurgeon yesterday outlining the facts. It’s pretty scary stuff. But we have to get on with life and enjoy it.

[2221 in reply to arvine]

arvine: please tell me where the apparatus is that you mentioned- which city, is it a hospital, private clinic? I need to try it. I suffer with constant pain, I mean 24/7, due to a nerve impingement

[arvine in reply to 2221]

well Im in ajax, facility in Whitby ontario Canada, may be more locations not sure though

[Downinil in reply to arvine]

I have S curve scoliosis so I don’t know if that would be an option for my conditions.

[Madlegs1 in reply to Downinil]

Definitely not!

[Downinil]

Thanks. I’m going to mention this option to my GP. I need some relief because I’m dying here!