Osteoporosis and lower back pain

One thing to keep in mind is that back problems are very common, and some of them require a MRI to be diagnosed. You could have, for example, both osteoporosis and disc issues. Backs are complicated.

I wonder if you have a disk problem? I found some of my back pain is caused
by degeration of disks that are wearing out. I also have pain from
osteoarthritis in my lower back and hips. That has caused some sciatica.
The first time I had an epidural that helped me for a couple of years. The
second time I went to physical therapy. The pain I got in my weak
osteoporosis spine was more like a tiredness and aching when standing. I
would need to lay down for 15 to 20 minutes to alleviate the pain. Since I
started Evenity, I have been able to stand longer. I will put my results
on this site when I have my next Dexa scan the end of February. The only
side effects I have had is sore arms and a rash at injection sites. That
has been alleviated by taking Claritin and hour prior to my shots.

A simple idea--when was the last time you got a new mattress or mattress topper? If you get the right one, the morning stiffness might be reduced. Some don't give enough, and others might not give enough support. It's a trial and error, but we have found that the right mattress topper makes a difference. This is somewhat like when a running or walking shoe has broken down, one can sometimes feel the need for a new one.

I have severe osteoporosis, too, and will go on Tymlos this year as soon as I finish my next round of oral surgeries (the final stage of two dental implants). I've had pain in both hips (they aternate) and in my lower back for the past year, but my orthopedist couldn't find much wrong based on x-rays. So he sent me to a physical therapist, who suspects spinal compression. She said that the hip pain that alternates from one side to another is a common symptom. Since I'm a full inch shorter now than I was a year ago, that made sense to me. I'm doing lots of stretches, e.g. cat-cow yoga poses, shoulder stands, back bends, etc., which help. If I don't do them, the pain is much worse. All the best to you in your journey!

@pamela1685 I am curious why you are waiting to start Tymlos until after the oral surgeries. I have been told it has no impact on jaw or dental issues, and can help with healing. I don't want to get off topic but wonder if there is advice to avoid Tymlos or Forteo with dental surgeries. I could see it with Prolia, bisphosphonates or Evenity.

Back to the original program of back pain!

I also have this back pain and have been taking Prolia for years. I tried Evenity, but had problems with swelling on my skin. Everyone is different though and you may do better on Evenity. My girlfriend is on Evenity.

hsum4

My endocrinologist, who prescribed the Tymlos, and my two dentists (one oral surgeon and the other a general dentist) advised me to hold off until after the surgeries are completed. Both dentists have seen jaw necrosis (and one showed me photos of it) after Tymlos among their patients, although they both said it's rare. I'd prefer not to take the risk of losing the implants.

I have never heard of Tymlos causing jaw necrosis. My dentist thinks all osteoporosis drugs cause jaw necrosis. I am going to ask my endo about this because if true it affects many of us. (Instead I have heard Tymlos is helpful in healing.)

Wow, that would be great if it helps with healing. I wonder if the data on Tymlos is still evolving, and not all docs are informed?

I rushed these surgeries last December precisely so I could start Tymlos in January, when I switched my insurance to one that would cover the drug. But because my bone wasn't good enough (duh), I need to wait 3 months for the second surgeries.

@pamela1685 I would think that they would want you on Tymlos to strengthen bones. I am not sure dentists know that Forteo and Tymlos are different in this regard, from other meds that do actually have a risk for jaw necrosis. It's not new information!

https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/osteoporosis-medications This article only mentions anti-resorptives as risky for jaw necrosis: bisphosphonates, Prolia and Evenity. Online I cannot find any reference to Tymlos causing this. Jaw necrosis is "rare" even with the anti-resorptives so maybe that word "rare" the dentist used was referring to anti-resoprtives.

Maybe you can ask the dentist to research or talk to your endo.