Lower back pain +++worse in morning

[curlygirl2]

Good Morning:
If anyone has some suggestions on how to copie with the morning pain i am experiencing.  When I get up, I can barely straighten up to walk, and to bend over to even sit on the toilet causes excruciatng pain.  Even simple things like go to sit down on the chair, picking up my slippers, etc. causes pain that is intolerable.  Within a few hours, it isnt quite as bad, but I have to take pain medication.   I am going to see my doctor today as this pain is severe.  I have MS but nothing compares to this pain in my lower back.
I have heated up a hot pack right now so I can sit here to type this......
Look forward to any suggestions or ideas to help with this pain.
Thanks so much, Jewel

[femmy29]

Have you considered trying a steroid epidural injection?  I have had 6 of these thus far for the degenerative disc disease in my lower back and they help A LOT for about 6 weeks.  It is important that you have had a MRI scan so that the doctors know where to inject the medicine so that it is the most benefit for you.  

Along with marycarmel suggestions, you may want to try Voltaren gel which is an anti-inflammatory gel that you rub right where it hurts and it reduces inflammation and thus reduces pain and it may relieve some of the stiffness you are experiencing as well.  Also, you could try lidoderm patches - they are non narcotic patches that contain lidocaine (a local anesthetic) which will numb the affected area.  The patches work for some but not for all but it is worth trying it to find out what medications work best for your pain.  I hope you feel better soon, please keep us updated if you can.  Take care.

femmy

[curlygirl2]

Thanks for your help.  I have disc degeneration and not sure if ifs this or muscular.  The back support might help, I never even thought of that.....and I will try swimming....Thanks again
have a nice day

[marycarmel]

Do you know what the exact cause of the back pain is?  Is it related to the MS?  I have a herniated disk from 25 years ago and it kicks up bad every couple of years but generally I have a lot of achiness.  I find the heat better and use the ThermaCare back supports.  The doctor did tell me to do ice at night, though.  I have found swimming to be helpful or sitting in a hot tub/jacuzzi.  Wish I had more.