I am probably going to need back surgery, but want to try everything else first and wondering about shots.
is there something other than cortizone, nerve block? is it like an epidural? anyone have them and are they bad for lyme?
Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :
It really depends on what is causing the pain.
If, for example, you have a herniated disk, as my hubby did, surgery can be an excellent option (if you have an excellent surgeon).
If you have something more intractable, Tens units can help with back pain.
Sometimes working with a good physical therapist or massage therapist can help, if what you have is mostly a soft tissue or misalignment problem.
My own chronic back pain resolved completely after I was Rolfed, but my issue was with msaligmet, muscles and fascia, not my spine per se.
Posted by Parisa (Member # 10526) on :
What kind of back surgery? Fusion? Disquectomy?
Posted by roro (Member # 13383) on :
i have spondylothesis at L5, and the disc there is so narrowed its gone and its bone on bone. i need fusion
its very painful and had been bad since it broke at the pars in 2006. now it is a grade 2, over 50% slipped
I have nerve pain down both legs, bladder and bowel issues and having trouble walking.
i am on morphine, vicodin, and lyrica
i know i am going to need surgery, and i trust my surgeon. i am just trying to postpone it due to my job.
he said he will order me a brace, try that for 6 weeks, and then come back and if no progress, i shoudl get the surgery
Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :
There's a good forum about this and discussion by people who have the same dx as you, at Healthboards Back Problems
You might find some specific suggestions for pain management there.
Just my 2 cents -- my husband regretted postponing his surgery. He spent a lot of years in pain when he didn't have to, and had some severe muscle wasting down one leg that will never repair itself.
I totally understand the job issue, though. You do what you gotta. Best of luck.
Posted by Parisa (Member # 10526) on :
Roro,
Sorry to hear you have such horrible back problems. I worked for years as a medical interpreter in orthopedic offices so I saw alot of back surgeries. Fusions are definitely not one of my favorite solutions except when it involves symptoms like yours: walking, bladder problems, etc. Glad to hear you have a good surgeon.