severe chronic low back pain/ next step?

hello, I was hospitalized for a week in 2002 with spinal menangitis (meningitis). When the E.R doctor said he needed to do a spinal tap to make sure I did indeed have menangitis (meningitis) at that point I was in so much pain I didn't care what needed to be done, and I had already had 2 spinal blocks in the past for my pregnancy's in 2002&2004. This lumbar puncture was all together different though, same procedure(arch your back like a cat and let them poke at your spine to find exact injection site) but the most painfull experience ever. The doctor had the nurse give me an injection of demerol which did not help at all because I had been laying in the E.R for 7 hours before I recieved any pain medication, so my pain level was out of control so the doctor ordered morphine which just took the edge off at that point. When I was finally prepped for the spinal tap I remember the dr. pressing on my spine to find the injection site and it hurt so badly I gasped and started crying and that was all before that huge needle was even inserted. After recovering for about a month my lower back continued to hurt badly. I went to a chiropractor, I joined curves to exercise, and the pain got worse. I finally called my CNM who ordered an x-ray and then an MRI. I was diagnosed with L5 spondylolysis, Pars defect in left L5 w/ question of healed pars defect on right side, and DDD w/several buldging and desicated disks. So I went to several sessions of PT and to this day stretch and do the exercises I learned, but it all continues to get worse. About a year or so ago I mentioned to one of the dr's I saw that I was having trouble urinating properly I would either have to contort my body or push very hard to try to void my bladder so he just took a urine test to rule out a bladder infection, which of course was not my problem. To this day sometimes I will urinate fairly normal, think im done and go to wipe and pee all over my hand. My pain is UNBEARABLE have had 2 injections for pain & no help.What to do? Tish O.

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

ok 2 problems: urinary problems and low back pain

for urinary system, please consult a urologist because you may need some studies and tell him that you may have cauda equina injury...

about low back pain dont do passive physiotherapy do an active sport, you can put a belt (brace) for pain management and take a minimal dose of cortisol
please do also dynamic views (flexion and extension) lumbar x-ray to see if any listhesis.

Dr Nassim