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Posted 5/8/2009 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have been having alot of pain after walking for about 20 to 30 minutes.  My lower back gets stiff and burns and when I sit, I fell like my back is going to break in two.  I had an MRI this week and today I got the news.  I have severe osteoarthritis in my spine.  The info was given to me by his nurse.  What do you guys do for the pain? 
Posted 5/8/2009 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
I take pain medication, have used heat therapy, ice therapy, done physical therapy. I have a TENS unit that helps. Learning proper exercises to build the muscles that support the spine was done through Physical Therapy. Doing the exercises paid off by greatly reducing my need for pain meds. I was also shown proper techniques for many movements I typically do in the course of the day.
Posted 5/8/2009 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the information.  Before the back problem started in March, on the weekends, we loved to go hiking for hours.  Will I be able to do this again?

Posted 5/8/2009 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
It totally depends on the severity of the problem. If your problem came on suddenly as the result of a fall, or doing something you were not used to doing, I'd say so with proper treatment. Degeneration of the spine occurs in everyone as they age. Have you had a bone density test recently? It's important to know the status of your bone density. If you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, it's important to treat it to prevent further bone degeneration. Since you are used to being active, I'd ask the doctor to prescribe physical therapy if appropriate. It really helped me get back on feet.
Posted 5/9/2009 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
I have severe Osteoporosis with Osteoarthritis.When I hurt I get in as warm as water as i can & that helps me.I take tylenol extra strength as needed which isn't often..I have a very high tolerance for pain so I make do....My lower bach,knees elbows hips are full of arthritis......
Posted 5/9/2009 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
I was told about three years ago that I had some arthritis in my back. I had no pain except some minimal stiffness in the morning.  We were away for a weekend in March in NYC for my birthday and the first day there after about 30 minutes my back hurt so bad.  The next day we had paid for a 3 hour walking tour and I was determined to go with my family.  Again, my back started hurting and I loaded up with Alleve to get me through.  Back then, when I would sit the pain would go away.  That is not the case anymore.  Up until January, I would go to the gym and walk for 60 minutes.  I started having abdominal pains pretty bad, still do not know the cause.  But when my abdomen stopped hurting that is when my back really started acting up. I am going to the gym next week and try riding the incumbent bike.  I just had a bone density test and I do have low bone mass, osteopina.  I am taking Evista and the new Rhuematologist just about had a fit over that.  He told me that Evista does not help replace bone loss?  I was put on this because I had gerd.  He also told me that I was fat and out of shape.  I do need to lose about 40 lbs, would that help?  I did not like this doctor and my iternist referred me to Capital Spine and Pain. When my back is really hurting is it ok to push it and keep going?  I did not know if I am making the arthritis worse.  The new doctor at CS&P was talking about facet syndrome and that he wanted to give me a shot under exray.  I have Lyme disease and I can not take steriods.  Are these shots helpful, they just sound so painful?  Sorry for being so long winded and thanks for listening. Any info would be much appreciated.
Posted 5/9/2009 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
OA is usually from over usage of that joint and from what I understand, in order to keep from stiffening up and becoming more painful that excersize should be done but only with the proper way from a physical therapist or under the direction of your doctor. Because you don't want to make it worse by doing things the wrong way. Did that make sense? lol But yes, losing weight will help because it will put less pressure on your spine.

I've had some cortesteroid injections in my SI joint and I won't lie, yes they hurt! But I've also had a few in my cervical spine and those don't hurt at all.
Posted 5/9/2009 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Did the injections make much of a difference?  Thanks.

Posted 5/9/2009 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
I used to get steroid injections in both shoulders,wow instant reliefe for me......I also have COPD so alot of exercises is out......
Posted 5/9/2009 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
The injections I had in my SI didn't work that well for me and normally they do a series of 3 injections. They stopped after 2 because it didn't work that great. But the ones I have had in the cervical area did wonders. I am currently in the process of getting them and I have my 3rd one next week. But everyone is different on how they will respond to the injections. I'm curious though, are you having cortisteroids injected? If so, if you can't have steroids then this may not be the best course of action. Even though only a small percent of mg's of the cortisteroids are systemic, you are still getting some into you. You may have to discuss this with your doctor.
Posted 5/9/2009 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
The doctor talked about a cortisone injection under exray.  From what I was told by my Lyme doctor any type of steroid will make the Lyme symptoms worse.  I am ruling out the injection for now.  Has anyone tried lidocain patches and do they seem to work?  I am assuming that muscle relaxers do not work either because it is the bone not the muscle, right?  Thanks.
Posted 5/9/2009 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
This is what my Neurologist told me: He said that when something is wrong with the structure of our skeleton our muscles will compensate by contracting - to help protect the bone. This can cause the muscles to be in a constant state of tenseness which can cause many muscle related pain. So even though a muscle relaxer may help ease the muscle tension, it won't help with the pain of OA. There are many avenues to persue with OA pain; injections, anti-inflammatories, surgery (usually last resort), heat therapy, P/T etc. I am having a lot of issues with OA pain in my hands and my med usage is limited due to me having UC and allergic reaction to codeine. But so far I am managing with an anti-inflammatory gel called Volatren and Celebrex. These meds do affect my UC (Ulcerative Colitis) but I have to pick my battles. Have you tried any prescription anti-inflammatories yet?
Posted 5/9/2009 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
No, I was just diagnosed with severe OA yesterday.  I was told before that I had it, but no pain.  It must have progressed.  My doctors nurse call with the MRI results.  He is out of the office until Tuesday.

Posted 5/9/2009 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
momtothree:

Your posts sound just like me! I could have written them.

I'll talk to your Tuesday about your MRI. I just had one.

Pamela
Posted 5/11/2009 9:37 AM (GMT 0)
Ides,

What can one do about Osteopenia and calcium? I try to eat right.is there more?

Thank you.

Pamela Neckpain is soooo sleepy.
Posted 5/14/2009 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Pamela and others with osteopenia. To stop the progression of osteopenia take 3,000 mgs of Vitamin D a day for one year. Repeat your bone density test and be shocked that it has not progressed and some instances its gone. After the first year drop down to 1,000 mg of Vitamin D a day to prevent osteoporosis. My best friends OB-GYN has all his patients doing this and has for years, these ladies are not developing osteoporosis. I learned about this way, way too late and have lost two inches in height thanks to osteoporosis, however, I am on rx medication for it and I am taking Vitamin D daily to keep the progression down. Her dr says the rx medications for this disease are not good on our bodies and he will not put any of his patients on rx meds for it....Susie
Posted 5/14/2009 5:45 PM (GMT 0)

Momtothree

I read your posts and noticed your dr mentioned facet syndrome. There are many different types of injections out there available without the use of steroids. I cannot tolerate steroids and they are out for me also.

I have problems with my facet joints too and know how miserable the pain can make you. I had an injection done called Radio Frequency under Fluoroscopy. I had this done on my neck and back. This was done under light sedation in his office. They basically burn the nerve ending to get rid of the pain. I had no problem having this procedure done-however, I understand some drs do not offer light sedation and no, I would not do it without light sedation.This procedure helped me for quite awhile but its temporary as most procedures are. I have had more trigger point injections than I can count-these helped and were not too bad either. Red told explained the Epidural Steroid Injections to you. Alot depends on how bad a person hurts as to what they are willing to do try and get rid of the pain. Everyone is different so what may work for one may not work for another.

Since you are use to being active, I would do as Ides suggested and get with my dr and get in some type of physical therapy, you need to keep those muscles moving for sure. Good luck to you. Susie

Posted 5/23/2009 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
I was given exercises by my doctor. They really help quite a bit. My grandmother Has sever arthritis and has been using a wonderful cream that really relieves her pain. I use it myself on my back pain.

Please do not attempt to sell this "wonderful cream" on this site. Your multiple posts seem to indicate something other than a caring attitude.

Post Edited By Moderator (Jeannie143) : 5/23/2009 8:06:13 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/15/2009 11:36 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Mom,

I have severe osteo in my thumb joint, had as many injections as I can as they no longer work and my only option now is surgery. I have been putting it off as it is my right thumb......argh, and I am 100% righthanded.  :) For my hand I see a hand surgeon.

I also have a disk herniation that I maintain a weight restriction to keep from aggrevating it.

I just found out I have early osteo in my right hip.

I have had surgery on my great toe in the past.

The Arthritis Foundation and some medical centers have classes for people with osteoarthritis or chronic pain. Ask your doctor about classes in your area or check with the Arthritis Foundation. These classes teach skills that help you manage your osteoarthritis pain. And you'll meet other people with osteoarthritis and learn their tips for reducing joint pain or coping with your pain.

Take care and do learn to know your limitations as well as make sure you have a well planned exercise program.

Gentle Hugs to you

Kitt

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