Can not get comfortable, position ideas?

[Health4good]

Can not lay on my back due to possible herniation on L5. Can only lay on my stomach for so long. I can't move well at all from the intense pain on my lower back shooting down my left leg especially. My lower back and butt cheek tighten and spasm when lay on my side. How I am going to lay down for an MRI tomorrow, I have no idea. So again is there a position one can use to get rest? I'm at a loss and so over the pain. Thank you very much for any support.

[Health4good]

Ok, well they changed it to an X ray because of pre Auth for insurance didn't happen in time, ugh! But I have to tell you, I SO wish I could show you the  X-ray because it looks freaky on my right hip, like several blades are coming out of it. The tech kept asking me if anything traumatic happened recently like I had fallen, or anything. Which nothing has. I go to my Dr. tomorrow, very curios what he will say.
Thanks for the steroid info! Again, you are so very helpful!! Very grateful for all you have done to help!! Can pics be posted on here? I'm thinking not? Hopefully it can explain the pain because it is really wearing on me!! I'll let you know if that's ok.:)

[philnoir]

Happy to help. Many of us chronic pain patients are carrying too much weight because even simple exercise can be painful. (I'm one of these people).

Yes, sometimes steroid injections help a bad disc, but sometimes they don't, depending on the severity of the disease and whether or not disc material or the osteophytes that grow as a result of degenerative disc disease apply pressure to the spinal cord and/or root nerves. Then there are other conditions of the lumbar spine that cause pain but do not respond well to steroid injections. There are however, other treatment options may be available from interventional pain physicians for these conditions. Sometimes surgery can help.

The MRI hopefully will provide enough information for your doctor to make a proper diagnosis and provide treatment options.

Best wishes and good luck.

[Health4good]

Excellent advice!! Thank you!! So good to know that before going in tomorrow! As well as sleeping. I had no idea that pain can effect you that much during sleep? I mean I tend to nit feel as well, and it makes sense looking back.
I'm working on the losing around the waist actually! I have gone Gluten Free, and very little sugar (only use Stevia) , and low dairy. I have lost 15 lbs, and it's been 10 wks. I was really working on my abs and core before this happened. But I'll continue the core work when this passes.
I hate to keep asking you questions, but if you don't mind, would a steroid shot help if it is herniated?
Thank you SO much!!!

[philnoir]

Tell the radiology tech about your pain. They'll provide you with support for your legs, under the knees, which should reduce the stress on your lower back. Work to get comfortable, because you're going to have to lie still for 30 minutes or more in the MRI to get a good reading.

For sleeping at night, I find the best position is on my side, in a half-fetal position, with a pillow between my knees, and another to support my neck and head. A firm mattress is essential. Your spine needs to be straight while you sleep so the ligaments, tendons, and muscles are in a neutral position, and the facet joints are open and not under compression.

This position increases blood flow, and helps muscles relax. It takes pressure off the spine. Only when you are in this neutral position can your back heal during sleep. Even low level, under the threshold  pain while sleeping can effect your overall perception of pain the following day, and exacerbate a chronic pain condition.

Another tip -- loos excess weight around the waist, especially in the belly, and strengthen the abdominal core muscles to relieve the large muscles of the lower back.

Best wishes and good luck tomorrow.