Lumber Decompression and PMR

[Johnday]

Hi everyone. I'm looking for help connected to yesterday's post by Enfin headed PMR/PRED and in particular PMRpro's reply. In mid November I had a follow up appointment for lumber compression (had successful surgery further up the spine 4 years ago) but advised him that I was managing the condition ok. Mid December I was diagnosed with PMR (still in shock - where did that come from!). Was put on 15mg Preds and doing ok but is now overshadowed by the pain radiating down the left sciatic nerve, which is the most intense I've ever experienced. PMRpro's reply explaining how vasculitis (didn't know PMR was that) and it's effect makes me wonder if that is affecting the sciatica. Any help or suggestions gratefully received. Oh, first post so: Male 81,hobbling,fed up.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd suspect that low back muscle spasm may be even more likely. The sciatic nerve often runs through the middle of the piriformis muscle so if it is tight it can cause sciatica. That is quite common alongside PMR. I used Bowen therapy, a friend found Bowen and acupunture both helped. Here I get therapeutic massage and release of myofascial trigger points - a bit ouchy at times but it works very well and is bliss afterwards!

[Johnday in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for that, but alas no the problem is caused by boney outgrowths(osteophytes)in the lumber discs trapping the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome has been ruled out. But wondering if PMR is exacerbating the nerve inflammation.

[Carriemetz in reply to Johnday]

Ouch. Bony outgrowths not going to respond to exercise any time soon. Good luck with finding some pain control, so it doesn't rule your life!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Johnday]

I doubt that PMR is increasing the inflammation there - though never say never. PMR leads to inflammation in sort tissues surrounding the joints but not nerves as far as I know.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Johnday]

John, you might give a TENS unit a try. It may not provide complete relief. It might just take the edge off. I'm told by a couple of friends (one with spinal arthritis, one with fractured vertebrae after auto accident) that it works better after a couple of weeks. You can buy one online at a fairly reasonable cost. Used as directed, there's no downside - no side effects, not a drug, not surgery.

Hope you can find some relief soon...

[jinasc]

I would give Acupuncture a whirl. Just make sure you get a registered practioner.

[Purplecrow]

I recently tried Gabapentin for nerve Pain, and was surprised to find it works.

I’ve struggled with low back pain through all the treatments for stenosis, SI joint inflammation, etc. Now, it seems, plain old osteoarthritis of the degenerative sort, is the name of my play buddy.

I’m trying homeopathic tabs containing arnica to see if any relief lives within that approach.. also been using Voltaren rub, which helps. All remedies are temporary, but even short periods of pain relief are welcome.

[Johnday in reply to Purplecrow]

I haven't tried Gabapentin but used Pregabalin with success prior to previous lumber surgery. However, this time the pain is considerably worse and 400mg of Pregabalin daily along with Co Dydramol is not even touching it. So tapering that off. However thanks for the response .

As you say " plain old osteoarthritis of the degenerative sort " is the villain