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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Back Pain, Spial Stinosis, Bone Spurs, Arthritis
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Back Pain, Spial Stinosis, Bone Spurs, Arthritis
by iona, Apr 26, 2000 12:00AM
I am an 79 year old woman who has put up with severe back pain for the last 5 years. It is worse when I stand for very long or when I first wake up in the morning. The pain radiates down my legs. I have trouble walking very far. I've been on medication (oruvail, vioxx, relifin), and I have had 3 epidurals (cortisone), 2 in the upper back and 1 in the tail bone area. I got only temporary relief and the medication gave me stomach problems. The orthopedic dr. I saw doesn't recommend surgery because it would be too extensive and might not even help. I walk a mile every day. I still drive. I live alone. I have good bone density and am in very good health. I have had 3 MRI's in 5 years. The last one was not different than the one 2 years before. I have been told that I have thinning of the discs, i.e., bone rubbing on bone, or compaction. I've heard about a surgery to relieve back pain by removing bone from vertebrae at the base of the neck. Can you please tell me what to do for some pain relief? I can't sit home and wait to die, but I can't stand the chronic pain or the thought that there is no relief. I wear an elastic belt, with magnets in the back, around my waist. That gives me some relief, but not much. I am on an HMO (Secure Horizons), so I have to get a referral to see another dr. and he has to be one who is in the same group, or I have to change primary care physicians (which I don't mind doing, if I can find someone who can effectively treat my back). I also have the option of going with a PPO, which would cost more, but give me more choices. Can you help me? I get the feeling that because of my age no one wants to bother with me, but my pain is very real and it keeps me from doing what I want to do (traveling, shopping, standing in the kitchen and cooking, whatever). I'm told to be happy for what I do have, I could be worse. That gives me little satisfaction. Thank you for your input.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Apr 26, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Iona:
I am sorry to hear about your back pain. As you know, surgery is usually the last resort, and often does not correct the pain fully. I can't give you advice as I have not seen the MRI or done the physicial exam. If surgery is out of the question because of a medical condition or age, there are options. First, if the steroids helped some, then there might be hope that rehab might help things. I would check this avenue out. Second, there is a new type of adhesive used by the neuroradiologist that might help (no surgery) if the problem is a disc. If a second opinion is needed (which is probably a good idea) then I would go out of the group and find someone independent.
I don't think I would settle for "I'm sorry" at this point. Surgery may not be an option but there are other options.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I am sorry to hear about your back pain. As you know, surgery is usually the last resort, and often does not correct the pain fully. I can't give you advice as I have not seen the MRI or done the physicial exam. If surgery is out of the question because of a medical condition or age, there are options. First, if the steroids helped some, then there might be hope that rehab might help things. I would check this avenue out. Second, there is a new type of adhesive used by the neuroradiologist that might help (no surgery) if the problem is a disc. If a second opinion is needed (which is probably a good idea) then I would go out of the group and find someone independent.
I don't think I would settle for "I'm sorry" at this point. Surgery may not be an option but there are other options.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I have developed heart burn, which even comes on when I bend over, not just after a meal. Also, I get very short of breath when I walk very long and I have to stop and rest. I broke my hip 3 years ago and had successful surgery; screws put in with no negative results. (Just thought I would mention this in case there is something here that isn't obvious to me.)
Thank you for the information.
IW
Rehab is as you describe. You should get a referral from your neurologist or neurosurgeon to one in your area. They will help with muscle strengthening excercises and other ways to maximize motion and minimize pain. Your neurologist should be able to give you a referral to a neuroradiogist in your area that performs adhesive vertebral reconstruction.
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your back pain. Thinning of discs can be reversed with a system called Chi Gung. It incorporate breathing exercise and posture practice which actually gently expands disc clearance and space.
Discs are very mechanical in their nature.
Email me and I'll send you some information that will help I am sure.
***@****
Nick Garrett. Trainer for the Australian Olympic squad.
you sound like a very sincere lady and i hope you find your solution quickly. i would like to suggest to you that you try chiropractic. although many healthcare professionals are reluctant to refer to a DC (doctor of chiropractic), the medical literature has shown that it is an effective method for treatment of back pain. massage therapy, accupuncture, and yoga are some other complementary therapies that may benefit you as well.
I am sorry that chiropractic and massage didn't help you. At the risk of seeming pushy, I would suggest you try another DC and do a bit of investigation into his/her background. Also, please tell me what technique your DC practices. Physical therapy is still your best alternative to surgery.
There is a new diagnostic tool the doctors have used this year that could have helped more than MRI to get a handle on my long-term disease of my spine. They can now do a movement x-ray and see how the spine works in motion and where passages for nerves are compromised in any way. This video-xray technology can achieve a clear diagnosis.
The severity of my situation was not addressed until someone decided to position me in the different postures of "doing life".The spinal cord was being compressed. This was not revealed in regular xray or MRI.
I endured by the grace of God. I am very determined and had to seek help when I no longer was feeling pain...I was having long spells of no feeling..a place worse than pain.
I hope this helps somebody. I,also, accepted that I will have pain..and I've made and continue to make accomodations to do life. Currently, I'm painting a room in my house...in very small sections over many days. The room is getting painted and I'm enjoying a great sense of accomplishment.
My doctors have worked with me on pharmaceuticals to assist when pain reaches 10...my first line of attack is a hot shower and a heating pad, however.