back/neck pain

[tetley3]

ever since i had my son 20 yrs ago, i had an epidural, which was horribly painful, since then i get shooting pains in my spine, i can sneeze, breath, bend, turn, etc. anything can make it seize.  Then about 7 yrs ago, my daughter was laying down, i bent forward to give her a hug, she wrapped her arms around my neck and then when i went to stand up, she forgot to let go and i heard a sound in my neck which made me unable to move it.  Then 4 yrs ago, while walking my daughter to school during the winter, the custodian hadnt salted the walkway on school property, i slipped and landed flat on my back my glasses flew off my head, how i made it home i dont know, but now i cannot sit or sleep without a "bean pillow" behind my neck i still have limited movement, i did have an xray it didnt show anything, i finally got booked to get an mri on my neck and top half of my spine in Dec. but i just dont know why the pain in my neck and back have never got better or how to deal with the pain.  pls. help.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again!

Disc bulge refers to an early stage of Degenerative disc disease. These may be associated with inflammation of the surrounding tissues and cause symptoms like backache etc. Management is early stages is usually conservative with rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications etc. With appropriate care, this should hopefully get better. You may like to discuss the situation and the management plan in detail with your doctor.
Hope this helps.

Take care!

[tetley3]

Hi Dr. Kaul,

I just my Drs. secretary call me about my MRI results for my back/ neck., all she was able to tell me over the phone was that they found that i had 2 bulging discs, im not sure if its in my neck or back, but as she could not tell me more over the phone, i was just wondering if you can tell me what does that mean, and, what can i do about it.  Im not able to see the Dr. for another 2 wks., so any advice you can provide me with for when i do go, would be much appreciate, like seeing that ive had this pain for several yrs, can it be healed, or is it a pain i am to live with permanently.  thank you for your help.

Tetley3

[tetley3]

Dr. Kaul,

Thank you taking time to read and respond to my question. The MRI that was booked for Dec., had been changed, from a cancelation, so i just had it done acouple of days ago, the tech said it will take 5 days or so for the results.  Because im a severe migraine sufferer for 25 yrs, my neurologist had to put me on strong meds as over the yrs, ive tried topamax, imitrex, etc.  So with his management for the last 10 yrs, ive been on demerol, butorphanol(Stadol), amyitriptiline and sleeping pills, the meds i take do help my migraines, but they never helped my back/neck.  i go for massage therapy also.  I hope its ok to give an update once i get the results.
Thank you again for your help.
Tetley3

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your discomfort. Possible causes include injuries/ trauma, degenerations, inflammations, hormonal/ endocrine/ metabolic issues, micronutrient deficiencies etc. It would be best to get this evaluated by an orthopedician with the MRI for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Meanwhile you could try rest, warm compresses and OTC NSAIDS for relief.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!