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back pain

I'm having a difficult time finding an answer about back pain. My Chiari Malformation was severe. I was thankful to have the surgery a year and half ago which took away nearly all my symptoms.  For a few months all my symptoms were gone.  I thought I was cured!  But for the last 6 months I have amazingly horrible back pain, it is a burning and stiff pain. Occasionally, there is a sharp all stop pain which cause me to become incapable of movement. I had back pain for years before the surgery but it wasn't all day everyday. It only lasted for about an hour after I woke up, you know the pain from sleeping...  Somedays i use a cane to help with walking.  So, I've a few things anti-flam over the counter pills, pillows to support my back & knees during sleep, heat and cold. Is there something specific that anyone has done to help this pain.  I lost a lot of weight after my surgery and now since I can't workout I'm slowly gaining it back. :(
I
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  I do have back pain, but I do have tethered cord and EDS and they as well as Chiari can have a part in it....but since the related conditions are present for me, I attribute my back pain to them and not Chiari.

Do u know what area or malformation ur Dr was talking about, as I too was told I would need more surgery and I have put it off....

My surgery was not until I was 49....we are born with this, so...if u had perm damage ur Dr should have told u post op what they found during surgery.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the response, this back pain is definitely from the Chiari. It is the same pain I had before the operation. The pain left for about six months. For the most it is the only symptom I have left. I responded quite well to the surgery. My Dr. did warn me that I might need another surgery to correct another area that is malformed and that symptoms may reappear. I would rather not have another surgery so learning new coping skills or available treatments are key.  I ask because a lot post are about headaches, balance, overall pain but not too much on back pain. I have it hard to believe they haven't figured out a way to stimulate the spinal fluid better. I didn't have the surgery until I was 37 so maybe the damage has been done.
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome back !!

So sorry u r having the back pain....May I ask, did they rule out other related conditions b4 ur surgery or since?

Surgery is not a cure...only  a means to slow progression and restore CSF flow.

  Have ur Dr do testing for related conditions and non related conditions....as they can be the issue and not ur Chiari.
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