chronic back pain

I have 3 confirmed back problems.  Degenerative disc L/4 and L/5 since 1980's; bulging discs; stenosis;
I just had x-rays because I had sudden pain in a different spot.  The report states there is significant
degenerative changes of the lumbar spine - severe disc narrowing at L2/3 with degenerative changes.
Facet joint hypertrophy is present at L4/5 and L5/S1. About 3 years ago I went through the DRX9000
program and felt great for a long period of time but did not continue with maintenance.  I am 71 years
old and tend to be very active inspite of the back pain.  I take a medication  (375mg acetylsalicacid
acid, 15mg caffeine, and 8mg codeine).  I take 2 in a.m. and 2 late afternoon and never increase dosage.
The medication has not been helping as much with the present pain.  I am unable to take medications
such as tylenol, loratab, percacet, etc.  I found out 7 years ago after breast cancer surgery that I
have hepatitis C which I got from a blood transfusion at the birth of my second daughter 42 years ago.
I am also suffering from some of the symptoms from this and cannot take the interfuron treatments
at this late stage in life.  I have been to back doctors, had many shots (none in 3 years because a
doctor tried to burn a nerve and did more damage then cure).  Is there anything I can do to solve my
back problems.  I am told surgery would only solve one of the problems.  Thank you.


This discussion is related to Degenerative Discs L3 through L5 and rupture of L5S1.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. I do sympathize with your health concern. Degeneration of spinal disc occurs as age progresses and this can occur at any level of spine. Therefore, this makes disc more fragile and slight pressure may lead to disc prolapse. As a result of prolapse or injury, nerve impingement may cause intermittent low back pain, leg or thigh pain, numbness or tingling of the buttocks and loss on bowel/bladder control(if severe disc degeneration). The pain originates due to degenerative disc disease is usually treated with heat compression, rest, rehabilitative exercises and pain killer medications. In addition, surgical treatment like discectomy, spinal fusion, and spinal laminectomy may be the last resort in most of the non-resolving cases. . I would recommend you to see a neurologist who can evaluate the details of your case and could better determine the insight of your situation.