Hello Everyone,

I am new to this board. Had my first c-spine surgery in 1997 with an ACD/F at C5-7. Lumbar has been a problem and recently 'went out' on me. I am in excruciating pain. My old physiatrist doesn't take my insurance any more. The new physiatrist can't see me until the end of this month. Goig to the ER is in my opinion a waste of time.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how long this lasts until it gets better on it's own? Any suggestions for home remedies? I can't lay on my back, can barely walk, moving sends a jolt...you all know the symptoms I'm sure.

Any suggestions anyone can provide are appreciated!

Tinker

Go to the ER. The ER is not a waste of time for folks whose PCM show no concern for the sudden debilitating condition you are in. Sounds like you have a disc buldge at L5-S1 or L4, what ever the size of it now, it can get larger after the first incident. I understand that some people (20's to 30's in age) are able to reduce it with PT. But you will not know if an MRI is not done before and after your PT. Do whatever it takes to find out. Be forceful when speaking to your Doc. They are not paying for the MRI, your INS company, that you are paying prem's for is. Just need PCM to refer. I knew I have a problem in my neck, but just worked out with weights a few times a week. But one day several years later, I took a few steps and it hit me hard. The pain was unbearable. It tooks 3 weeks to get back to work, but still in pain, but walking (happened many times, afraid to go anywhere for fear it would happen in public). It only got worse and put strain on rest of my back. I let it go, so the lack of excercise from the L5, eroded the L4 disc and I started feeling a stabbing in my back and neck started killing me. So I ask for a Full spine MRI. I have herniated disc in neck and protruding disc. Protruding disc in Throacic spine, and herniated and proruded disc in the Lumbar. Saw a surgeon and still under care. Be proactive know what is going on with your body and why, don't let these overworked Doc's tell you it is just muscle strain. I have not slept a decent night since I can remember. If I move at all in my sleep my whole back from top to bottom, sends me in orbit, feels like my spine itself is being crunched. If my husband touches me slightly with his foot, back spams in neck and lower spine practically make me scream out loud. Don't wait to get this taken care of. Sorry for the lenght, just want you to demand. We all tend to try to forget the problem when we get mobile for a bit again.

Has your GP referred you for an MRI or anything? In my case, I went to my GP first, who ordered the MRI. After she saw the MRI results, I then went to a spine doc (office complete with pain doc and PT). My GP will also order PT for certain things. Rather than going to the ER, I'd recommend seeing your GP first. You may be able to get some necessary diagnostics done before seeing your new pain management doctor. You may also be able to get some effective pain relief from you GP.

For home remedies...try cold packs. You can buy large flexible ones at the drugstore (for under $30.00), and use those for temporary relief. Sometimes heat helps as well, or alternating cold and heat. If there is some inflammation, you can try ibuprofen or naproxen for a few weeks. Gentle stretches may help as well. If you can curl your back at all to help open up some space in your spine, that is like one of the exercises my PT recommended. Lying on a swedish ball helped too.

Good luck,

Kay

I have to go the home remedy route. I have Lumbar spondylosis, L5-L3 herniation and osteophytes at L5-S1. I am on a mild muscle relaxant (that does not help) and T3 (minimal relief).

I use hot baths, hot wraps (damp rag with 3 drops of clove oil, 3 drops of peppermint) warmed up in the microwave. Ice (all the time) and the only way I can get some relief is laying in the fetal position.

I have heard that emla cream is really good for nerve pain (surface) and that lindocaine patches might help. My problems is I do not have access to those meds.

Good luck in finding some relief. I find that going to the sauna and hot tub is very theraputic (while there) and using a tens unit sometimes helps.

I wish that I had some good answers for you. I find that a hot tub helps for awhile. But after being out of the hot tub for an hour the pain all comes back.I hope that you find your answers as well as I hope to.I feel for and am kinda in the same boat.Good Luck!