[Vowel Lady]

Husband has had on and off lower back pain for perhaps a year...the last six months it is coming more frequently.

A few months ago he had an xray and it didn't show much of anything. He was suppose to have some sort of nerve test at that time and didn't go in. The pain got better and then he forgot about it.

Now, the pain is worse and he is beside himself. He is mostly taking Naproxen and it rarely helps. He went to my rhematologist who scheduled and MRI the other day and the results should be back shortly.

He is usually okay in the morning, but it gets worse as the day goes on. It is REALLY bad after he has been sitting down for awhile. There are times he is in agony. One time, (a long time ago), he had me take him to the ER for a shot.

Does anyone know about back pain? Particularly the sciatic nerve. I do think it can be partly influenced by stress. However, I also think there is something physically going on.

He is against taking narcotics, but might consider taking one on ocassion for really bad pain. Sometimes Exedrin helps for a short time. Why is this?

What other medications and treatments are helpful?

Thank you.

[tamiloo]

So sorry to hear your hubbie is not feeling well...pain is a hard thing to function with. My pain does get worse as the day goes on mainly because I don't slow down or listen to my pain telling me to slow down...have you tried a hot pad or ice...it does give me relief...cools down the nerves and helps with swelling, which is some of the causes of pain. I got my ice pack at a store where you can buy medical supplies. The pack is flat and about 10in. by 14in. I rotate from hot to cold every 20 minutes...hope you find relief soon.

I'm not sure why some meds work and some don't. I hope the test results will shed some light on the problem...blessing to you...and hugs to both of you!!

[Fancylady_2006]

Sorry, to hear about the back problems. I too, have had many back problems. I have also had seven back surgeries. Nothing relieves me completely. I have even had a spinal stimulator placed in my back and had it taken back out after 1 year. The best thing you can do is find out what is causing the problem. My guess is, it is probably a disc. A orthro surgeon or Neuro doctor is the best to check this out.

The pain can be very bad at times. Sometimes PT can help when a MRI is done. Some people do get relief from pain pills. I do use Narcotics when necessory. Good Luck! We do have a thread on Spinal Problems on here. Check it out.
Fancylady

[NJPain]

I am NOT a doctor, nor have I played one on tv and I did NOT stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. THAT being said.......

In my many years of experience with specifically back pain, my bet is on a slightly herniated disc that really won't show up on an MRI but will become aggrevated and painfull after physical activity.

Long term sitting, standing or whatever will bring it about. I would try to get an MRI done but when you go for it, I would try to do the worst physical activity he can think of. The worse situation that brings about the most pain. Do THAT right before going for your MRI.

Also tell him MRI's have changed quite a bit in the last 20 years. My first MRI was in a typical MRI. Looks like a big coffin and is VERY confined. They strapped me in, sent me into it and 30 seconds later I was clicking the button. NOPE, not for me.

I discovered later right down the road they had a sit down MRI. It was beautiful. I sat there and watched a huge flat panel tv during my MRI, no problems.

[Lynns409]

Hey there!
As for the Excedrin, it has both an anti-inflammatory and caffeine in it. The caffeine dilates blood vessels and allows more blood into the area. This can also bring more endogenous, or natural, painkillers to the area in pain. This is why it works on headaches! Make sure your doctor knows about this- it can indicate a pinched or compressed area of some sort.

Hope this helps!
Lynn

[Idealist]

I've suffered off and on for years with lower back pain. The first thing you need to determine is if it is muscular or spinal. If the sciatic nerve is involved it is usually spinal, where two discs are squeezing against the nerve. This kind of pain is also frequently felt down through the thigh. The specialists tell me that lower back pain can also be caused by neuralgia. In fact, in my case that's their latest suspicion. I really hope that your husband can get some relief from this, as back pain has a way of getting worse instead of better if left alone. Good luck to you and your husband!

[tamiloo]

Sure would like a report on how things are going...we do care about whats going on with you and your's...

[Vowel Lady]

Thank you very much for those very helpful reports!
It's comforting to get bits of information and to know others care.

DH's MRI results came in...two herniated disk and it is impinging the sciatic nerve.

He was given prednisone and now there is discussion of a possible epidural. He is feeling a tad better...we are both relieved about this!

Down the road, he is going to have physical therapy.

The doctor says that all should be attempted before surgery is even considered and we agree.

We are hopeful.

Thank you again!

[DM]

Thanks for the update VL~ Will keep your DH and you both in my prayers.

[Russ V]

My heart goes out to your husband. I have been battling with the same problem since 2000. I had a herniated disc at L5 S1 with impingement of the S1 nerve root. I know how terrible the pain can be. I went through all the PT and I almost feel like that made it worse. Finally, when I couldn't take it any longer I had a lamenectomy, where they go in and remove the disc material that is compressing the nerve. I had two of these surgeries within 6 weeks because my surgeon went conservative, as I was only 23 years old. I had rehab PT for about 3 or 4 months afterward. I was fine after that, aside from the low-grade back ache that results from the post surgery asymetry of the muscles surrounding the spine. In fact, after this I was in the best shape of my life. Flash forward five years, I woke up one morning on a camping trip and had the sciatic pain again. At this point I started getting epidural steroid injections, physical therapy etc. They helped in the short term, but I would have a relapse every five months or so.

Then, this time last year I had a flare up in which I couldn't stand up or walk for three weeks. I had two MRIs and a myelogram at that time, but they didn't show impingement and therefore no surgeon would touch me. I had a discogram scheduled, but after three weeks I was able to stand and walk again and resume somewhat normal activities. From then until now I was taking antiinflamatories and Cymbalta for the pain every day.

Back to the present, I had a terrible flare up in early August (the day after my 31st birthday). I literally could not walk or get comfortable in any position. My foot started going numb. The MRI showed "a large mass affect on the s1 nerve root". I went to the surgeon and now I am recovering on my couch from my 3rd lamenectomy surgery, which I had on August 22nd. I've got most of the feeling back in my foot and my foot reflex has returned. The pain is pretty much gone, aside from a jolt here and there if I twist or bend the wrong way. This is normal and goes away once the wound heals a little more.

I'm not saying that physical therapy does not play a role, but in my situation it never helped and only prolonged the pain and the inevitable conclusion. This is a problem I will deal with on and off for the rest of my life. The next time the disc herniates I will have to have a fusion, or some other as of yet developed solution. There are a few neurosurgeons that are starting to use stem cells to help repair and regrow the disc after surgery in addition to removing the protruding disc.

I know you will make prudent decisions and try the least invasive options first, but don't fear surgery. I noticed in searching the internet that there is ample testimony of people saying to never have back surgery because the complications and so on. Well, I'm here to tell you that sometimes surgery is the best option, and in my case, it has restored me to regular life. I think once you have a disc problem, it will be a recurring issue, surgery or not.

I am an educated and reasonably intelligent person. If you have any questions about my experience please don't hesitate to ask. I've been through all the non-surgical options as well as surgery. I wish your husband the best.