Back Pain Support Group

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain includes pain affecting the neck, midback and low back. Acute back pain may begin suddenly with intense pain but typically lasts fewer than three months. Usually, chronic back pain is persistent, steady, and...

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sohurt62 03/20/2011

I am new to this site. I had an MRI that showed at the L5-S1 level where a broad-based protrusion eccentric to the right indents the thecal sac resulting in borderline mild central canal stenosis with effacement of the descending S1 nerve roots, right greater than left, with posterior displacement of the descending right S1 nerve root. Don't know exactly what that means, but I am in pain down that right leg and numbness. Anyone else have this or similiar? I have had 3 nerve root blocks - first one lasted about 2 weeks, 2nd one, not hardly at all and the third one was so horrible, I screamed in pain when the medication entered down my leg. Any advice, suggestions is so appreciated. I am thinking on going to pain management. I take some hydrocodone for pain and also Tylenol ER pills. Help, help!

jennafur 03/21/2011

what's a nerve root block? I have had cortisone injections, is that the same thing? I ask only because I have the same issue as yourself (pain in/herniated discs in same location and mine is pressing on the same nerve whereas yours is compressing the nerve.) I just had my first series of cortisone shots two weeks apart and the second one hurt like something gawd awful. It helps with my range of motion but it still hurts in there, and I can't sit for more than 30 mins, if that sometimes, & can really only lie down. I am still heat packing it all the time.
My last injection was on March 8th, and I guess I'll see how long it lasts but they won't do another for 3 mos.
I'm on Cymbalta & Lyrica for my fibromyalgia and its related pain.

deleted_user 03/21/2011

Hi ~ You might ask for physical therapy. Many times this can be handled by PT. Gentle stretches and mild exercise can sometimes take care of this, but not always. It's worth the try. Also, if they have a pool at physical therapy, that would be beneficial too. Walking in the pool, and some pool exercises are good. In the meantime, use ICE for 20 minutes every 2 hours to ease the pain. NEVER use HEAT. Heat draws blood to the heated area and causes more inflammation and swelling, thus more pain. Ice reduces swelling & inflammation and reduces pain. My Neurosurgeon taught me this, and it really works!! I tried heat once just to see if he knew what he was talking about -- AND OH BROTHER --- I was in bed for a day and a half!! I never did that again.

If your doc doesn't like the therapy idea, then pain management is the best route to go. Stay away from surgery at ALL COSTS. You will be worse off after surgery than you were before. Ask anyone who has had spinal surgery. There are very few who will tell you they are satisfied after perhaps a year's time. Most often you have to have more surgery after the first one.

Best of luck and I hope & pray you are able to find relief. God bless. Hugs, Lee

deleted_user 03/21/2011

I have to agree with leeall. I've had 1 surgery and I'm not fine.At times the pain is worse.

deleted_user 03/21/2011

Yep,,,,,sounds like mine,,,,,,my herneated disc is crushing my S1 nerve,,,,,,I haven't felt my leg or foot since December. They're doing a spinal epidural to try and shrink the swelling.

I've had tremendous luck with Cymbalta for the pain though,,,,I'm a new person,,,,,,

now if I could just FEEL MY FOOT!

deleted_user 03/26/2011

I was having the same problem. I tried everything...therapy...epidurals...etc. I has surgery...anterior lumbar fusion on s1 and the one above. Immediately after surgery the leg pain was gone! Haven't felt it since. I am only three weeks post op but even my back doesn't hurt as bad. Matter of fact I am barely taking mess as I was always taking them before surgery. Some people have bad experience and some great...you will have to decide what avenue to take is best for you. I am soo happy I had the surgery! God bless you and I pray that what ever treatment you take works for you.

deleted_user 03/26/2011

I meant meds...not mess...darn this auto word correction..lol

Maika 03/29/2011

accupuncture and massage helps me. I have had cortisone injects etc...sometimes my legs get so sore and wonky that I can not walk or my knees buckle and down I go. I do not have herniated discs though, just scoliosis and a back injury that causes my nerves to get pinched now and then.
Pain management is probably a good idea for you, they will find the right meds for a long term solution for you as well as perhaps physical therapy.
Gentle stretches I have to do everyday to prevent my hip joints for locking and I am going to get back into swimming to keep my muscles from freaking out so much.
There are a multitude of treatments and medications that can help you, I think your first step is to get into a pain management program so the can best cater to your specific need and find out what works for you. Be patient it took a long time for me as I had no tolerance to pain meds and allergies to the rest. I am now on a low dose of morphine and it is helping as my prior meds were about as useful as a tic tac for helping with the pain.

Voltaire64 03/29/2011

try yoga or stretching on a regular basis. That's helped me some. I have numbness down my left leg and sciatic pain that threatens to blow my knee cap out everytime I use the toilet. This despite the lumbar surgery. There are medications out there, percocet is one and trust me, stay away from it as it's so addicting. You may want to try gabapentin if you already haven't.

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