Chronic lower back pain

[ssputnik77]

I am 30 years old, and I have pain in my lower back very often.  Lately it hurts really bad when I am trying to sleep, and when I get out of bed.  I was diagnosed with Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) several years back. I have seen doctors for my back pain, but they don't do anything to try to help.  They just tell me to take pain killers.  I am afraid to go to a chiropractor, since I've heard some horror stories.  Does anyone know if a doctor can do anything for me other than offer pain killers for the rest of my life?  Thanks!

[Cheryl01]

I agree with Shelly.  I have been using a chiropractor for years.  I have degen disc disease and finally had to have a neck fusion to relieve the headaches, numbness, etc.  I was about to have a lower lumbar fusion prior to the neck fusion.  My neuro suggested I wait as long as possible before doing the lumbar fusion.  I am able to manage my discomfort through the aid of the chiropractor, excercise, and celebrex, occaisionally I will take a stronger pain med.  The disc disease has left my lower lumbar with two discs nearly fused together...the discs are pretty compressed and the nuero said they may fuse on their own.  With the discs compressed, I have limited mobility as far as bending..it can be a real pain getting up off the floor.    I have managed to hang in there with the aid of all the above.  Good luck.  By the way I just changed to a chiropractor that does a little more than my previous one and have been able to go much longer before feeling the need to have a weekly adjustment.  I go to him once a month.

Cheryl  

[Jaypem]

ssputnik77, I am 35 and have had pain in my lower (lumbar region) and upper back (middle trapeziums through upper neck). since my exit of the military at age 22. I have put on a lot of weight as a result and this certainly makes it worse. I went to a chiropractor for a few years and he really seemed to help with my upper back. it still comes back to varying degrees, and I have found that I can control it (mostly) through stretching out the muscles all around the problem areas.
I have tried Yoga and that works great, if you cant do that just some mild stretching and heat and cold therapy help me too. I have also been doing some more research and I believe another problem I am experience comes from years of improper muscle recruitment during exercise and weight training. As a result I have, comparatively speaking, over developed some muscles (larger groups) and under developed others (smaller supporting groups) muscles. The lack of strength in the neglected groups causes poor posture and improper support of the spine. I am in no way a doctor or expert of any kind, but after years of dealing with this, these are the best I can come up with.
Oh yeah, I have bought a long triangular shaped pillow to place under my thighs when I sleep (lying on back). This raises the knees and flattens out the lower back. I feel much better in the morning. I am sure stacking a few regular pillows would work as well.

Yoga/stretching
heat/ice therapy
chiropractor
anti-inflammatory
develop the supporting muscles in your back
proper sleep positions (no sway back)

[Shelly268]

I have news I would like to share with you ssputnik77, especially in light of your fears. Some of my disks at my first xray, were so compressed, there appeared to be almost no disk! I wasn't shocked because it felt like bone on bone. Over the past several weeks, the back pain subsided although there was still intense (and sometimes still is) nerve pain running down my leg. Especially if I sit, or sneeze. That is getting better!! But, after several weeks with my chiropractor, (going almost daily), drinking 8 glasses of water a day, taking a good Omega 3, ( I highly recommend Innate Choice - Omega Sufficiency) and eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties, and avoiding foods that can cause inflammation...Not only do I feel better, but I had new xrays done today. I can see disks again where before...it looked like bone on bone! The nasty curves (started to go backwards..looking like I was about to become a hunchback) are really beginning to look more normal. It is not all about the chiropractor..he is the key to removing interferences..so you can heal yourself through proper hydration, and foods and even spices can help..like Cayenne pepper and Turmeric..you can buy them in capsule form and they are wonderful for healing the nerves. I have more confidence today that the advice I gave before is right, ...just seek a Chiropractor with a good reputation, make sure he treats everyone according to their circumstances..and that he is not just a "cracker". It's so worth it!! You can achieve more than just pain relief, you health can be optimized. By the way, some of those anti-inflammatory foods are red grapes, berries in general, olive oil..(throw out the old cooking oil and lard) walnuts, almonds..just to name a few. You can do an internet search for anti-inflammatory foods, and foods that can cause inflammation. I highly recommend spending the time to do this, if you can't do it, get someone to do it for you. The water is probably the single most important thing you can do for yourself. The chiropractor is almost useless if you aren't drinking enough water. LUBRICATE THOSE JOINTS AND DISKS! Best wishes..and God bless you in your fight to recover!

[Shelly268]

Cheryl,
I realize your post was to ssputnikm, but I want you to know, I was encouraged by what you have shared, although, I am working hard at my recovery, and making progress, sometimes it's just slow enough that I get a bit blue. To read that ou are down to once a month..is great to me! Thank you for your post!! God bless you and keep you safe.

Shelly

[Shelly268]

If there was a way to talk to you by phone, I would. Can messages be sent privately on this forum? I do believe a good chiropractor ( and good is the key word here ) can help you. However you need to be careful about choosing one. NEVER let a chiropractor touch you before having xrays and an examination. And seek referrals. I know that without my chiropractor I would not be making the progress I am. A good chriropractor will treat you according to where you are..You need to know the cause of your pain in order to correct your pain. Most doctors resort to pain medication. Short of surgery, there isn't much else they can do. There is a lot I have learned as the direct result of my own pain. I would be glad to share that info with you! Feel free to email me at ***@****. Best of luck to you!!
Shelly