BACK & NECK COMMUNITY
back pain multilevel HNP

back pain multilevel HNP

I have chronic back pain. I had an MRI and they said I have multiple herniated discs. This does not sound good to me.
I have been prescribed Celebrex but it really does not help and I am concerned about the other associated health risks. Vicoden works but I understand it can be pretty addictive as well as cause liver damage. I do not sleep well and I am confused as to how to make it go away.  
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Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the spine.  Advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences.

Multiple herniated discs according to your MRI -- are they all in your lumbar spine?
In addition to the chronic back pain are you experiencing any radiation of the pain in your extremities (leg or arm).  Any changes in sensation such as tingling and/or numbness?  
The intervertebral discs are the cushions between the bones of the spinal column.
Wear and tear on the spine as we age can lead to the discs drying out and becoming more hard and brittle. When they tear the annulus (protective covering) the disc material protrudes and can cause pressure on the spinal nerves.  Depending on the amount and extent of the herniation, you may experience pain and the other symptoms mentioned above.
Other related causes of low back pain are degenerative disc disease which can cause bone spurs and loss of disc height.  Narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal (through which the spinal cord travels) can also produce these symptoms.
Conservative treatment would include anti-inflammatory meds, pain meds, physical therapy and possible epidural injections.
If conservative treatment does not produce adequate relief, surgical intervention may be indicated.  The types and extent of surgery vary depending on how many levels are involved and the extent of degeneration.
A web site that could help you with more detailed information can be found at:
     www.mayoclinic.com/health/herniated-disc
It is important to discuss all symptoms with your doctor and explore the treatment options available to you.  A home exercise program to strengthen the back muscles can be helpful.
Since you state your pain is chronic, it would appear that the discs have been damaged for some time.  Progression of the disc herniation can produce increased compression of the spinal nerves and/or the spinal cord itself.  The goal is to try and reduce the compression of the nerves.
After reviewing the material presented on the web site noted, please post again with your progress and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ---


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