Coping with retrolisthesis and sciatica pain

[Susie54]

I just recently found out I have retrolisthesis and have excrutiating sciatica pain as a consequence.  Any ideas as to how I can cope with the pain without pain meds.  

[Susie54]

Thank you so much for your reply.  It helps to know that there are people out there who care about how  I feel.  Nick if you can tell me the name of the book I may be able to get it for myself.  If not, I'll have to figure out a way that you can sent it to me.  

Tuck, I'm taking a lot of Ibuprofen and the occasional vicodin, but I'm terrified of the narcotics, that's why I'm looking for an alternative way to cope.  And, yes, I know that the final treatment is surgery, which I'm not ready for yet.  

Thank you, both, so much!

Susie

[nick30]

there are many websites with alternative (to narcotics) treatments. try looking at these for ideas. have you considered a pain clinic? If you run out of ideas I have a book I could send you that may be helpful (manage your pain). It was written by a bunch of dr's from a pain clinic. I wouldn't mind sending it to you so long as you would pass it on to someone else after you've read it. good luck, good to see you trying the non-drug way, try to stay on top of it from the beginning.

nick.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Susie,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us but sorry to hear about your sciatic pain . I too have sciatica and to say it is painful would be putting it mildly. I can relate to your pain.

I know that retrolisthesis is the posterior displacement on one vertebrae on the one below it. And I know that it usually occurs in the locations in your spine that move the most the cervical or lumbar area. I assume yours must be in the low lumbar based of your sciatica.

I have found little to relieve my pain beside manipulation by a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy)  and narcotics. I do not know if a DO would be wise for you due to the possible mobility of your spine but it might be worth investigating. Without treatment from my DO I doubt I would be as ambulatory as I am. Other treatments options that may bring some relief are injections of steroids or physical therapy.

Have you seen a neurosurgeon? Some of what I have read states that the final treatment for your condition is surgery. However I am sure you would want this to be the last resort.

Others will post with their suggestions and opinions. We are here for you in you need support or just to chat. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.
Take Care, Tuck