I have bilateral L4 and L5 disc protrusion that is pinching the nerve in my lower back. Right now I am having cortisone shots but they do not seem to be helping. I was going to physical therapy but the doctor wants me to hold off right now because the pain was getting worse. I also have torn cartilage in my hip that may be adding to the pain. I am able to take a break from work right now since I am a sub. teacher so that is good.
The one problem is I am in the car ALOT! I have a daughter away at college that I go see every two weeks or so. I try to take the train when possible. It is a 6 hour car ride and I do stop and get out and walk a couple times during the drive. I cannot stop going to see her at this time. Plus, I am helping care for my father in-law who has cancer.
So my question is has anyone found relief from this? If so how? Do you have a doctor you use and like? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thank-you!
Chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, Ice, ibuprofen, and lidocaine/marcaine injections (NOT cortisone!). Took a year to fix and still occasionally causes problems, but usually fixed with one adjustment or the other therapies listed.
I feel your pain, literally, that's were my discs are out too. My neighbor is the head Physical Therapist at a major clinic. He has me ice for 15 minutes and stretch for 3-5 minutes. When it's real bad I do this every hour. Shots don't help me at all. Accupuncture is so painful for me that now my Dr wants to talk to me about fibromyalgia, I'm avoiding her.
There is a machine at 2nd swing, it's $500. I cannot remember the name of it right now but it works great, I feel so good after I do stretches on it. I'm hoping to save up to buy this in the near future. I highly recommend you try this machine. Go to 2nd swing, have them show you how to use it. Go there for a week straight and see if you like it.
Since you are in the car a lot, get one of those seat covers that has beads all over. Also get a lumbar pillow to put across your lower back. When my back goes out I have to sleep on my daughters very firm bed and that really helps too. I wear very good gym shoes with support around the house cause it's too painful to stand on hard surfaces. Walking is better than standing in one spot too.
Hope you find relief. If you want me to get the name of the machine, PM me.
When I was 19 I had a herniated disc that was pinching my siatic nerve...God the pain was unbearable at times! I was in college and playing softball at the time, so I was stupid and played thru the pain...big mistake! They tried the cortisone shot first...didn't do anything. Next was a round of steroids...again, didn't do anything. Next option was surgery. The relief I had after having that surgery was awesome! That might be the next thing for you! I know surgery sucks...but it was a pretty quick recovery for me.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!
Ice packs, freezer packs use them on your back to get the inflammation down..
I use Ziplocs filled with ice..
Do not sit in soft chairs or sofas. Use a rolled up towel to support your lower back IF you absolutely have to get in a car..I suggest you purchase a back pillow to even ride with on the train.
Your back needs help with supporting you.. Also if you can sit with your knees slightly higher than your waist that will also help. Yes, every 30 minutes get up and walk around.
If your car is not automatic. Quit driving it for now.. Call on friends or call a cab.. You could even place an ad on Craigslist and hire someone to drive you to and from work.
Have you ever attended a "Back School" or class? I was sent to one and boy, they answered a lot of questions and told me all about what I could do, should not do and absolutely never do..
Things like . cleaning a tub, I should not do.. Bending over to reach into a washing machine is a no no..
Standing on a hard surface for too long, cooking, washing dishes.. etc..
They also gave me exercises to strengthen my back.. I did get the cortisone shots a few times and I did get relief.. If it had not worked.. Surgery was the next step..
Sports Therapy massage helped, as did acupuncture.
I know surgery sounds awful and scary, but there were times, I thought I would faint from the pain.. and thought , if this cannot be fixed or helped.. I will get the surgery.
I know my limits. I Hate it!!! I used to be able to do anything all day all night. Now I have to think about how I lift, turn, sit, travel. But it becomes natural with practice.
Hang in there.
I feel your pain, as I frequently have issues with slipped discs in my lower back. (the worst time was when my back went out when I was 8 mo preg. I cracked a tooth in half when I was gritting my teeth from the pain. That didn't help the situation! ) It is very hard to live with and it sounds like you have a full plate on top of it all.
lots of good advice below. I have not heard anyone mention Muscle Relaxers. I typically take ibuprofen, prescription muscle relaxers and lay on the floor (knees bend with pillow under them) with a heating pad for a day or two.
Also, I have a seat support that I feel is essential for the car. Search for McCarty's Sacroease: http://www.relaxtheback.com/mccartys-premium-sacroease-wi...
It is pricey, but SO worth it. I don't have the one in the link above with the wedge, but there are several version to pick from. Unlike lumbar pillows, the Sacroease has the seat part too, which is equally important to support your hips, thereby supporting your lower back.
