Back Troubles

[dalejrfan71]

Hi all,

I've been having really bad back pain for the past 6 months and I've also noticed something else as well. My back pain keeps me from sleeping most nights. My wife works mornings at a grocery store, so when she gets up I make her breakfast. Then after she goes to work, I try to get some sleep.

My concern is that when my wife gets up and I hug her, we see eye to eye. Normally I'm a good 6 - 7 inches taller than her, but lately we're almost the same height. Does anyone know what the hell is going on with my back? The pain is so bad sometimes that I have to take 2 Oxy IR's instead of 1 for the pain. I called my arthritis specialist today and his secretary said if there is no change in 2 weeks, to come into the office and see him.

What else could I ask him that could work for breakthrough pain. I don't want him to think that I am doing drug seeking behavior, I just want relief from the pain. My wife watches me in pain and she feels useless because there isn't anything she can do to help me. I tell her how much she does help me by just loving me even though I might never be able to work again. I know how lucky I am to have her in my life, I've heard of alot of times where the spouse leaves the person because of what I am going through.

I am the luckiest SOB in the world to have her, she is my angel and my savior.

[tired2]

Have you ever saw a Orthopedic who specialies in backs or had a MRI done ? I would do that first . Just for the record most only want to do a x-ray . I will tell you it will not show everything so make them do an MRI. I have had back problems all my life along with surgery so I totally understand back pain. I have no clue as to why you lost 6-7 in. if you are standing straight . You can see a pain management doctor also they work on helping with pain . Please be carefull with pain meds they are so addicting . I'm now trying to get off and it is no fun.

God Bless

[dalejrfan71]

I'm going to ask my specialist what I can do for my back and what treatments are available.

[Robert_325]

I agree with the obvious question .... that being where did the 6-7" of your height go? It either has to be in a curvature in the spine like an "S" normally at the base of the spine or else you're back is curving forward at or below the shoulders. I don't see how it could be anything else with your arthritic conditions.

The ortho surgeon is where I would go too. He/she may even want to bring in a Rheumatologist as well with the arthritis. They should be able to determine what is happening VERY quickly with something as significant as 6-7". That's enough height where it will show up with tests ... it has too I would think! Hang in there. I know it hasn't been easy on you lately. God bless.

[dalejrfan71]

Thankfully my wife is more than understanding with what I am going through. I've tried to sleep at night but I end up tossing and turning and with my wife working mornings I'll end up keeping her awake. Thats why I don't sleep at night. According to my drivers license my height is 175cm. Earlier tonight my wife measured my height with a tape measure, my height was 172cm. The pain in my back in not only in my spine but also in my back muscles on either side where it hurts, is this normal?

[dalejrfan71]

If my spine is curving, is there anything that can help it, like a brace?

[Robert_325]

It's tough taking someone with lots of issues and pin pointing a specific problem, especially on a forum. Things like the pain in your back muscles along with the pain in your spine are hard to diagnose here without looking at your medical history, test results, etc. That could be due to lots of things.

If your spine is starting to have a curvature YES a back brace could help. I'm kind of surprised that hasn't been mentioned if it's that bad. I'm not saying it would cure anything but it might make things a little easier for you. Perhaps it would ease up the pain some where you might be able to sleep a little more easily. Let us know how things work out for you. God bless.

[dalejrfan71]

Would surgery be helpful or a waste of time. What about heating rubs like Rub A535? Would that help with the pain in my back muscles? I know that I can't take medications for muscle spasms as I am taking narcotics and mixing them would be bad

[tired2]

I would really think twice about surgery I have had back surgery and I wish to this day I never did. Have you seen the Orthopedic yet or had test if not then do not even thing about surgery . I still suffer to this day I can't even sleep all night and times I can't even move in bed. My pain is also in my muscles . Back pain will radiate to other area's . I have pain in my hips and down my legs . Please do not jump into surgery . Do you have a diagniosis from a specialist ? I had three herniated disc back then and they worked on two . What part of your back is the pain at ?

Mine was in the lumbar L2-3 L3-4 and L4-5 they worked on L2-3 L3-4 would not work on more than two at a time. The healing time is long and as you age the other disc will weakin. I also just found out that my Thoracic also has a herniated disc .

They have cortisone shot also along with other things. Since I really don't know your medical issues I really can not tell you much. Just avoid surgery and if you need it get several options from other specialist.

Hope your feeling better?

Good Luck and God Bless

[dalejrfan71]

I do see an arthritis specialist and I am planning to see him next month to get his opinion on what to do. Through him he put me on Oxycontin 5 & 10mg's, plus he put me on Oxy IR for breakthrough pain.

[tired2]

What test have you ever had done??

[dalejrfan71]

My arthritis specialist sent me to have a bone scan done last november.

[tired2]

Oh my god you name it...x-rays ,MRI with contrast and without , Mylagram (not sure if I spelled it right but close) nerve test ,Idet . I also have had cortisone injections , acupunture . Like I said you name it I had it done.

I also have arthritis in neck which they found out thru MRI. I was told that I had Fibromalagia .

I started taking Vic's ,Oxy, Fentynol patch then Morphine 30,60,90 for 3 yrs. next I new the pain was still there and I was in Detox .Well came out and doctor put me on back on Vic's 7.5 for the last 1 1/2. He refused to give me more since I went to detox. My other doctor gave me Klonopin. They barely took the edge off . I have heard and read that the pain pill can actully give you cause pain . Well now was put on Subutex 16mg and Suboxone to withdrawal from the Vic's . What I din't know was that I now have to withdrawal from them.

That's when I found this sight and Robert and Melinda who are a God send .

So now I'm tapering off the Sub's not fun by no means . So Please do not think pain pills are the answer .You body will build up a tolerance to each dose and the pain will still be there. Excercise is the best thing you need to strenghthen you core muscles along with the others this will make your back stronger.

I still workout...well till this detox to get off the meds. You will never want to go thru this trust me.

Hope you get well...Take care

[Robert_325]

I do see an arthritis specialist and I am planning to see him next month to get his opinion on what to do. Through him he put me on Oxycontin 5 & 10mg's, plus he put me on Oxy IR for breakthrough pain.

I'm glad you are seeing your specialist about your back this next month. Is that the orth surgeon or rheumy?

It's really impossible for anyone on a forum to tell you whether surgery is best for you or not. Some surgeries are a success and some are not. No one but your dr and you can make that decision about you. I know that I've had ortho surgeries that helped me and one in particular that I wish I had never had. So you've got to make the decision based on the information you receive and the advice of your dr.

It really obvious you have serious degenerative disc disease. I know in my case that my back is not going to get better, it will only worsen over time. So I try to get in some moderate exercise to keep my back as flexible as possible. There is only so much we can do for ourselves. It's NOT something we can fix on our own by lifestyle change or even with pain meds. That is where the decision for or against surgery comes into the picture.

I know you've been through a lot based on all you've shared on your posts. Sometimes it's difficult to understand why we end up with all these problems and others don't seem to have any. You're lucky to have a great wife who seems to understand and stick by you. Understanding and compassion from those we love helps as much as any medication. I can only wish you the best of luck in your treatment. I will pray for you as I really don't know what else to suggest. God bless.

[dalejrfan71]

My specialist is a Rheumatologist. He is unfortunately retiring in december as he is getting older. I'm going to ask him if he can refer me to another Rheumatologist. I bought some Analgesic Cream for my back, what are your thoughts of this product.

[Robert_325]

My specialist is a Rheumatologist. He is unfortunately retiring in december as he is getting older. I'm going to ask him if he can refer me to another Rheumatologist. I bought some Analgesic Cream for my back, what are your thoughts of this product.

I'm glad that you are seeing a Rheumatologist. My rheumy pretty much saved me from my other drs when I was at my worst. I finally used him for everything that was wrong with me. Hope you have good luck finding another dr. It's a drag to have to replace a dr that you trust.

There are lots of creams available out there. I say if it helps use it! But I have no idea what you're using.

My rheumatologist had a special cream compounded for me years ago. I no longer have the prescription or I would give you the info on it. I remember it was a keta-profen compound. Don't recall the exact % of what medications were in it. Obviously by its name you can tell it had some ibuprofen that helped with inflammation. You might want to ask your rheumatologist about doing something similar for you.

Rheumies who know what they are doing can RX some very effective compounded creams that lower the amount of pain meds you may have to take. It won't replace pain meds but they can definitely help. I seriously doubt with all your problems that any over-the-counter cream is going to help you a great deal. God bless.

[dalejrfan71]

The Cream I bought is the drug store brand of the same thing made by Rub A535, only half the cost. It has the exact same ingredients as the name brand.

[Robert_325]

The Cream I bought is the drug store brand of the same thing made by Rub A535, only half the cost. It has the exact same ingredients as the name brand.

I'm sure it won't hurt you. But honestly with all of your conditions if an over-the-counter cream really helps your condition then you probably don't need the oxy. I'm serious, you can drive yourself crazy buying all kinds of wonder-cures, topical gels or whatever. I have been there, I bought all kinds of things that did nothing for me out of sheer desperation. Think about what you're buying is all I can say. NO over-the-counter cream from a drug store ever worked at all for me. God bless.

[dalejrfan71]

The one thing I am going to do is find exercises that I can do to help my back. The good thing about the cream I bought is that it has a lifetime guarantee. If it doesn't work I can get my money back.

[dalejrfan71]

I tried using that Analgesic Cream I bought. It didn't do anything for my back but it hurt like hell when it heated up. I do have sensitive skin like if I use the wrong soap in the shower that has perfumes or colours I break out in a rash. I'm going to return the cream tomorrow and get my money back.

[dalejrfan71]

I went to see my Rheumatologist last week about my back troubles. It turns out that I have the first signs of scoliois. Does anyone have any insight for me what the Hell scoliosis is? I am very concerned as I am gonna be 38 in about 2 months. Lately my body feels like an elderly person. Thank god that they make car seat covers that have heating coils in them. My wife and her mom bought me one as an early birthday present and it is a god send. Before my back was screaming even while driving, now that I have this my back feels a lot better while driving. I also use a heating pad at home, when I don't use it i.e going to the bathroom, my back feels like it's been put on the rack and pulled apart. My wife recently got full time where she works, which means her benefits through work go up three fold. Hopefully they'll cover physiotherapy which I will gladly try in hopes it will help my back.

[Robert_325]

I have congenital scoliosis (born with it). Have that along with Rheumatoid Arhritis, Osteo Arthritis and degenerative disc disease. All three together make for a wonderful back. My rheumatologist sighs when I come in. That's one of the main reasons I became so addicted to Roxicodone. But let me tell you my friend, the pills aren't worth it. My pain is less without the meds. Won't try to sell you on NO PILLS but will answer your question.

With scoliosis you'll normally develop a "S" curvature in the base of your spine. Over time you'll even lose some height if it's a dramatic enough curvature. Your rheumatologist probably told you there isn't a whole lot they can do for it. He's basically right. The degenerative disc disease usually goes along with it if it's congental like mine. You'll develop deg disc disease if you don't already have it now.

Best thing you can do is some light "core" exercises. You can build the abdominal muscles and the lower back muscles with a light workout and still not make the current situation worse. The last thing you want to do is sit around saying, " I have scoliosis so I can't use my lower back." I've had it for 56 years and I played competitive sports until I was in my late 40s. Exercise is the best thing to keep it from dominating your existance. God bless.

[dalejrfan71]

Would physiotherapy be a good start for exercising my back? My back muscles are so out of shape it's not funny. I was going to start swimming as well but unfortunately my financial situation limits that. I am on a disability pension because I cannot work. If I could find work that didn't involve lifting or sitting for long periods of time, that would be great. As for the weight issue, I am maybe 50 lbs overweight. I have tried losing weight, but with the irritable bowel syndrome, plus my biological father was a big man as well.

I saw my dr today and he is gonna refer me to a clinic that specializes in helping people lose weight. I definetly DO NOT want to be on narcs for the rest of my life for pain relief. I also have bad knees and bad hips do to osteoarthritis, as long as I can remember I had problems with my knees as a child. I wasn't a good runner which meant I sucked at most sports. I did have x-rays on my knees and hips recently. When I went to see my dr for the results, the first thing he asked was "did you have problems with your knees and hips as a child?" I said yes, the asked why, he said that the x-rays showed signs of long term bone damage of around 30 years. I am gonna be 38this year. Thank god my wife is the most understanding person in the world with what I am going through. If I didn't have her in my life I'd probably be dead by now from a really bad diet, plus she told my dr about me having sleep apnea. When I had a bad attack of pancreatitus 2 years ago, she kicked me in the ass, figuratively speaking when she found out why. She has giving me a huge reason to live and to kick my arthritis to the curb so I can get on with my life hopefully pain free as much as possible. In our marriage the roles are reversed, she is the bread winner and I am the stay at home body. Since I can't work, I do housework to help out, which is not a threat to my masculinity as I know that my wife appreciates what I do very much.

[dalejrfan71]

What exercises would be good to strengthen my back muscles?

[mitchigan]

Has your doctor tried steroids? I had a recent MRI for terrible, cronic pain. Couldn't stand for more than 2 or 3 minutes without pain. For me, pills were really not an option. Tried some Methyl Prednisolone (steroid)...worked great! Not a long-term solution as can only be used a couple times a year due to side effects, but felt MUCH better after a day or so. Steroids are the BEST anti-inflammatory around. Ask your doc about a "steroid pack". It's a five day course and gave me great relief! If you take too much you'll end up looking like Jerry Lewis did when he bloated-up. Longer term solution, which I am using now, is an injection directly into the spine to the offending nerve. My last MRI showed 4 fractured thorasic vertebrae and five bad lumbar discs, along with very bad spondylosis. This treatment got me back to playing golf! What amazes me was I had to go thru 4 doctors before one suggested this. All too often, many doctors just go the pain pill route. Remember, doctors are like auto mechanics...some are better than others!

[dalejrfan71]

My doctor is great, he knows what I am going through and he knows I am not faking this. My rheumatologist sent me for a bone scan last year. It show bone degeneration in my hips and knees as well as the starting signs of scoliosis. I also have really bad pain in my lower spine near my pelvis.

Right now I am taking Percocet 5/325mg and Oxycontin 5mg for pain. My arthritis pain is so bad that if I sleep longer than 4 hours I wake up extremely tired. Some days my back is in so much pain that my wife has to help me sit up in bed as my back is locked up and in excruciating pain.

Unfortunately I cannot take NSAIDS as they irritate the hell out of my stomach and cause wicked bloating. I am 38 years old and I feel like I have the joints of a 60 year old. I am going to see my doctor next week so I was going to ask him about signing a contract with him about painkillers. Is this a good idea?

[dalejrfan71]

http://bl137w.blu137.mail.live.com/m...fb8eac17386611

This is a picture my wife took of me while I was doing back stretches. She said that it looked like I have a hump in my back. What do you think? Input would be appreciated. I saw this picture and it worries me that my back is screwed.

[melinda7.5]

What exercises would be good to strengthen my back muscles?

Hi Dale
I have DDD and I do 8 minute abs I swear by them, just give them one week and I know you will get some relief...
Talk to you later, Melinda

[dalejrfan71]

I am still having wicked back pains that are affecting my sleep. I haven't slept in 3 days, my back feels like it's being stretched and torn apart in 3 ways. I am seeing my rheumatologist on October 8th. Are there any prescription muscle relaxers out there that I could ask him about? I was also gonna ask him about increasing my dose of Oxycontin for pain relief so I can sleep at night.

What do you think I should do?

[firewalker6]

What exercises would be good to strengthen my back muscles?

Hey Dalejrfan71, I'm 38 yrs old myself and born with scoliosis and ososis, my back pain is so severe that I can hardly move at times. Going to the chiropractor and being giving back massages and therapy. Like you, I have been taking Lortab's and somas for 15 yrs. it's not going to get better even with surgery. A specialist told me to excersize and continue with the chiropractor care. I have 2 (two) herniated disc in the cervical spin (c-6&7) and two in my lower lumbar L-4&5. I also have bone spurs between c-2,3,4,. In my thoracic part of my spine, T-4,5,6 vertibrae's are twisted to the right, and the T-9,10,11, are twisted to the left. My whole back feels like it is in a vice! I don't know how You feel, but it IS painful and I can sympathize with you because we almost ( if not the same ) have the same things wrong with us, and also with the therapy I recieve, I'm given traction to my neck and my lower back. M.R.I's are the only detection to exactly pinpoint what is going on in your parts of the back. If you haven't already, I would talk to your Dr. and have hime put you on Lorcet Plus 7.5 - 650mg and soma 350mg, and get away from those oxy's. I have lost some of my dear friends from that medication from taking two at a time or two within a 30 min time period. Peace-Out BRO. and I know what your going through with sleepless nights, and can't hardly lift anything like I use to. Firewalker6