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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Pain In Lower Back
Question: I am very tired of the chronic pain in my lower back and glutes following a spinal fusion in 2012. The operation was successful but my quality of life has not improved, in fact, I now do less than before. The reason my cartlidge wore down was an inherant problem with my hips. In particular my left knee points inward quite a lot, not in alignment with my foot. I have been doing pilates for many years, have a top teacher who understands my problem. I do everything I can do to make it easy and feel that I am not winning. I have just spent a lot of money on massage, chiropractor and another group of pilate lessons. My footwear is expensive and as supportive as possible, preferable with strong ankle support. To add to it I have thin feet and ankles. Chores at home are being delegated to my husband. I really feel that I am doing as much as I can. I take tangine (5mg) and endep tablets at night which gives me a good night's sleep. I try doing without these occasionally, but a restless sleep just makes it worse. Is it possible that I can turn to surgery again - can some please align my hip. My hip movement I have learnt through pilates is perfect and I have a lot of movement with the joint. I am 66, too young to be following a sedantry life and personality wise, I do love being physically active. I am feeling fed up with it running my life and just want someone to do whatever it takes. I know I should adapt and get on with it, but it is hard.
Brief Answer:
then obviously functionality is the issue
Detailed Answer:
Obviously functionality is the issue in quite a lot of medicine and doesn't get the attention it should.
Physical therapy, BUT, I've found that even the identical physical therapy has quite extremely different responses in the same individual depending on the relationship with the physical therapist. One should give it a week or two, but be willing to try different physical therapy centers until one works best for you.
I also find that people adapt their movement/position/lifestyle to back pain to minimize discomfort.
Connected with that body awareness is extremely important and gets no attention at all. Modalities that increase the coordination of movement and awareness of where you body is positioned. Tai chi and yoga are quite good. BUT they probably cannot be done AFTER back pain is pretty severe. Ballroom dancing however can still likely be done and works on this quite well. the physical therapy people can also suggest other activities. The other dimension that is important is that ballroom gets someone outside of the house.
One also should at least consider if psychological factors are at work and consider an antidepressant with nerve inhibiting functions (amitryptiline or cymbalta... the former is better at pain the latter is better at depression BOTH are quite dangerous compared to all the SSRI's).
then obviously functionality is the issue
Detailed Answer:
Obviously functionality is the issue in quite a lot of medicine and doesn't get the attention it should.
Physical therapy, BUT, I've found that even the identical physical therapy has quite extremely different responses in the same individual depending on the relationship with the physical therapist. One should give it a week or two, but be willing to try different physical therapy centers until one works best for you.
I also find that people adapt their movement/position/lifestyle to back pain to minimize discomfort.
Connected with that body awareness is extremely important and gets no attention at all. Modalities that increase the coordination of movement and awareness of where you body is positioned. Tai chi and yoga are quite good. BUT they probably cannot be done AFTER back pain is pretty severe. Ballroom dancing however can still likely be done and works on this quite well. the physical therapy people can also suggest other activities. The other dimension that is important is that ballroom gets someone outside of the house.
One also should at least consider if psychological factors are at work and consider an antidepressant with nerve inhibiting functions (amitryptiline or cymbalta... the former is better at pain the latter is better at depression BOTH are quite dangerous compared to all the SSRI's).
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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