Back problem...

I have had this ongoing problem for a long time with my back. I don't know how I got it. I played sports in high school, gone to concerts and been tossed around, fallen God knows how many times...you name it.

I noticed it in the Summer of 2008. I sneezed, and the pain shot from my leg straight into my back. I was laid up for a few days, given motrin. My second episode happened closer to christmas, again, given more motrin, and this time was told to try some PT. I did that for a few weeks, it subsided. I had good days and bad days. I had empire insurance at the time, and they would not approve an MRI, and there reason was I didn't do PT long enough.

In July of 2009, I was going through security coming home from Vegas with my husband. I was being searched and the gaurd twisted me around, and I got that striking pain once again.

When we came home, my husband insisted we go to the doctor together. He explained for me that this was bad, and something isn't right and wanted to know why an MRI can't be taken. We were referred to an orthopedist who was able to get me the MRI. That was another battle I won't get to much into.

I get the results and it should I had 3 herniated discs in my lower lumber (L-3-L5 for those that know disc terms). "nothing a little more PT can't fix" says the doctor. I swear it made it worse. I go back to the doctor and he recommends the steroid shots. "I stick a needle in your back and we hope for the best". No joke, my husband is a witness.

Recently it got worse, and I thought it was all stress related from the wedding planning and my old job. I get tingling and numbness down my right leg and the pain gets so bad I can't lean on the palm of my foot. I get stiff, and when I'm driving for too long (and I'm talking 10 minutes long), I cramp up so bad, I sometimes cry. The right side of my butt hurts too.

I am now on Aetna, so I was able to go to LI Spine because I hear great things about them. They took another MRI because the one I had was old and it looks as though the pain worsened.

They are giving me an EMG next week, and I am really nervous. I asked my boss to cut me to part time because the pain gets so bad, and I feel bad coming in late, taking time off for doctors and therapy, and all the medicines I've been given are tearing a hole in my stomach. I never used to vomit out of no where before. They too recommend shots, but explained it a lot better and sounded a lot reassuring and were very very nice. It says what I have is sciatica.

Anybody else have this problem? Anyone have some natural remedies they do for the pain? If you have received these shots, do they work for you?

Re: Back problem...

I am pregnant and yesterday I twisted my leg in the oddest way and I experienced a similar pain. This is common for pregnant women. I am ok now, but the only thing I could do is wait for it to pass (unbearable-I was in tears) or use a heating pad. A heating pad (and heated car seats when in the car) certainly give some form of relief. I hope it goes away on it's own. We are firm believers in modern medicine when necessary but I am not taking anything now for it. DH said I could take a muscle relaxant if I was not pregnant, but that is obviously not an option at the moment (and plus he says those make you dopey, so no thank you!). An alternative route could be a chiropractor. They can manipulate your spine in a manor to help alleviate this. Maybe you should check it out. I have never gone to a chirocpractor so I can't say if it helps. Like I said, I prefer modern medicine over homeopathic/holistic/natural approaches, but obviously being pregnant makes me look at them a bit more seriously. I am a bit afraid to go to a chiropractor honestly. I hope I have helped somewhat and not confused you more. Feel better soon and good luck!

Re: Back problem...

Message edited 8/13/2011 1:27:06 PM.

Re: Back problem...

yeah, i definitely cringed at every part of that. jeez. i'm so sorry you went through that, but I will definitely keep that doctor in mind. thanks!

Re: Back problem...

Your story sounds very similar to mine, although I never played sports or had any major trauma to my back. My Drs. believe that my problem is genetic. Bad backs run in my family.

If an MRI showed 3 herniated discs, it's no wonder you are in so much pain. Please, take it from someone who has been where you are right now...the pain will get better, but it will be back. PT made my back much worse, too. DON'T sit around and wait for this to go away. Definitely see a spine specialist. If you are experiencing tingling in your leg or foot, that's indicative that the disc is leaning on your sciatic nerve. Seems harmless enough, but if you leave it be for too long, you could suffer permanent nerve damage.

When I herniated my L5/S1 disc, I was about 4 weeks pregnant. No one would touch me BECAUSE I was pregnant. I lived with the most excruciating pain imaginable for 8 months. In that time, my disc "exploded", or that's how my surgeon described it. I now have permanent nerve damage in my right leg because I had to wait for so long to get treatment. It's not terrible--it could have been much worse--but I do trip over my right foot every so often.

I'm in NC, so I can't recommend anyone for you, but PLEASE, don't take this laying down. There's so much they can do to help you, there's no need to live with the pain