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New here - I have Osteoarthritis in my back

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Osteoarthritis
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Posted 4/3/2012 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I'm Laura and I'm new here. I was finally diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my lower back after years of pain and doctors telling me I probably just lifted too much (no x-rays up until a few months ago) I'm actually glad for a diagnosis. Just writing the name of what I have doesn't make it sound like much but it is becoming very debilitating for me which is why I sought out a support forum.

I am getting to the point where it's hard to be comfortable in any position and I'm only 43. I have kids from ages 23 down to age 2 and I want to play but I can hardly get down on the floor with them. I hate that I will have this the rest of my life.

The doctor who diagnosed me was very rushed, said my cartilage and just told me to take a huge amount of ibuprofen and do some stretching exercises (while she had foot in the doorway rushing to the next patient). I'm trying to be my own advocate and find some relief on my own at this point since I haven't had much luck with doctors.

I'd love to hear how others are dealing with this and any tips anyone might have.
Thanks for reading this!
Laura
Posted 4/3/2012 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Please ask for a referral for physical therapy. Back pain is tricky, because there are so many muscles in the back and when you have pain they go into spasm to protect the spine, thereby producing more pain. Gentle exercise which are customized to your situation can help immensely.

Heat will often help with back pain. I swear by the ThermaCare heat wraps, because they stick on and you don't have to think about them for hours.

An anti-spasmodic muscle relaxer might help also. I use Skelaxin, but there are many brands out there. You will need a prescription for this. Naproxin worked better for me than ibuprofen, and only has to be taken twice a day. Now my rheumatologist prescribes Mobic, which works even better for me. Always take your NSAIDs with food to help prevent gastric distress. These are anti-inflammatories, so if you take them routinely they can help prevent inflammation and pain better than trying to relieve it after it starts.

Finally, I'd consider a second opinion, either from an orthopedist or a rheumatologist. Your doctor sounds very uncaring, and this is a complex issue. Rheumy's tend to be more patient in sitting and talking with you than ortho's, and won't try to rush you into surgery. Please try to avoid back surgery if you can, because it can create all sorts of new problems.

Hope you find relief from your pain, Laura.
Posted 4/3/2012 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have Degenerative Disk Disease in my L5-S1 (last joint before the butt). I understand the frustrations you're experincing. I'm 44 and a 1st grade teacher. I can't tie my students' shoes without sitting down in a chair and making them stick their foot up in the air. I haven't sat in the floor with my students in years.

I went to a back specialist when it got so bad I couldn't walk. It took four months of PT and massages to strengthen my back enough to walk around again. I had to learn how to get up and down without pain or throwing my back out. (secret: always get up/down from the edge of the seat, Sit down/stand up using your thigh muscles...don't jut out your butt or stomach). Get you some grabbers to prevent bending over very far.
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