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Chronic Pain
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Posted 4/5/2015 11:39 AM (GMT 0)
First Time posting for me. I have had lower back pain for about a year. It's the worst when sitting or standing.ive had 3 epidural injections and have had little relief. My MRI shows almost no cartiledge in my lower S1 joint. It is black. I've been in pain management for almost a year. Doing physical therapy with little help.

I lead a very active lifestyle. I have run 6 marathons in the past 6 years. Up until about two years ago I was also very muscular. I stopped running long distances and lifting weights.

My back pain is central with stabbing pain and then radiates out with burning and aching. Doctors say no surgery because it doesn't go down my legs. It's been very frustrating.

I'm a pilot and can't stay on medication constantly. But nothing is helping. Does anybody else have this problem? Central low back pain with no radiating that just won't go away? The degenerative disc obviously isn't going away but what in the world can I do?

My job is sitting and that gets miserable over longer periods. I'm in fear for my career and my quality of life. The doctors pass it off as nothing major. Very frustrating because the pain is constant, just a matter of how bad. I guess I just want to know that I'm not crazy and others suffer from the same thing. I'm 6'1 and 200 lbs. pretty fit. Just doesn't add up. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I have made some paragraphs in your post to make it easier to read. Some of our members have tracking problems when reading. Thanks.

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 4/5/2015 7:09:30 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/5/2015 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Jetpilot.Welcome aboard.

I'd always want a definitive answer from a Doctor and an MRI but it sounds like your pain is coming from a nerve.

Ice,heat,NSAIDs(anti inflam) such as Alleve,..Stretching.....

Could be that your Sciatic Nerve is inflamed around your S1-L5.

May take some down time and a lot of stretching.

Try not to re-injure.

Take care.

Rick
Posted 4/5/2015 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Are you still running? Although you said that you used to run marathons, running at all only continues to irritate degenerative discs, due to the constant impact and compression of your spine.
A good seating cushion can ease some of the pain while sitting for long periods, and regular stretching, non impact exercise and core strengthening also can help.
Over the counter pain creams, ointments and muscle rubs can also help to ease some of the pain.
Since your condition doesn't require surgery ( a really good thing), anti inflammatory medications and perhaps
one of the medications used to treat neuropathic pain might be helpful.
Posted 4/5/2015 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hello JetPilot & welcome to the forum. It's very frustrating for all of us living with chronic pain & even worse when the answers we are given are not all that definitive.

It very much sounds like you have a nerve problem going on when you talking about the burning. Whether or not its the sciatic nerve maybe, maybe not. Eppies are a real hit or miss type of thing & if they don't inject the correct place they are a wash as a rule too. What type of specialists have you seen besides the pain mgt dr? Have you been seen by a neurosurgeon? If not, I would suggest looking on your insurance online & try to find myself a board certified neurosurgeon & get a consult. Just because he is a surgeon do not let that scare you off, they do not do surgery on everyone. However, a neurosurgeon has a lot of training when it comes to dealing with nerve issues especially when surgeon is an option. They have the best hands of any dr out there in my opinion.

Has any of your drs discussed some of this pain being nerve related? There are medications available to treat nerve pain specifically such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, Amitriptiline & Nortriptiline to name a few. But all of these meds come with potential side effects that can last up 2 weeks before they subside. It can also take up to 2 months to get you at the proper dosage. Sure it sounds like a lot of time but if one of them work its every bit worth the time & trouble.

Most everyone on this forum led a very active life at one time. But in time we slowly had to give some things up. I am still pretty active considering it all. I just feel fortunate enough that I can do the things I can. I refuse to give in & let pain rule me, yes I do holler uncle from time to time but I try to limit that, lol.

Don't give up on getting the help or answers you need & yes I do believe there is help for you. It is all about finding the right dr. Keep pushing for it & don't just rely on a couple of drs opinions.

Take care.
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