Lower Back.

Posted by nkotbjoeymcjoeymc @nkotbjoeymcjoeymc, Jul 4, 2025

Hi,

I have arthritis in my lower back and joint pain.

Anything to do about this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

Profile picture for standardrep @standardrep

Similar conditions. Currently using Pain Management Doctor, trigger point injections did help with the muscle spasms but over time results vary, pain in the thorastic and lower part of the back , also use back patches with Lidocaine. Temporary relief with patches. Seems like there are lots of temporay relief. Also exercise. Will try the Voltaren and the Flexeril. What type of medical specialist has worked best ?

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I been getting those but they only last for a few month’s.

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I've had two lumbar spine X-rays recently with excruciating pain in my right side pelvis, lower hip, glute, down the back and side of my leg and all around the ankle area. I've been told about sciatica, compressed discs in my lower back, and I had bulging discs 15 years ago I was able to help with PT. My core is very weak, but I'm working on it with PT. I've had 6 orthopedic leg surgeries in three years (both legs, 2 and 4) and each time the recovery is long, so my core is shot and weak. I have a great PCP who is going to see me tomorrow after I went to the ER for the pain last week, and she mentioned a pain management clinic might be a possibility. Steroids had no effect on the pain. I also have an orthopedic appointment coming up. Fingers . The pain has my posture when standing, bent over a bit with my walker.

I hope all of you get solutions and are relieved of the pain.

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Profile picture for willow5 @willow5

HeyJoe,
How many days a week do you do your core exercises? I joined Club Pilates (it’s a chain business
That teaches Pilates Reformer), along with weight trainer twice a week with a trainer.

I have all that you do, too, and REALLY want to avoid any type of surgery, even a nerve decompression.
Willow

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Hi Willow,

I specifically work on core 3-4x/week. I also spin about 5-6x/week and that engages the core based on how I sit on the bike (handlebars pushed forward, hands rest on handlebars, lumbar spine and cervical spine oriented forward. This also engages the erector spinae - muscles on either side of the spine.

Almost any cardio activity, if done correctly, engages the core. So while I don't use a stair master or treadmill, the correct way to do that while keeping the core engaged is with arms at your side. Most people hang onto the handrails, and that disengages the core muscles and doesn't require any effort to balance.

It surprises me that people who walk outside, where there are no handrails, grab them on a treadmill.

Joe

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Profile picture for nkotbjoeymcjoeymc @nkotbjoeymcjoeymc

So sorry to hear about this.

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Thank you for the kind words. Osteoarthritis is hereditary and I have it in all my joints and in my back. I've had my big toes fused and narrowed, both knees replaced, R hip replaced, and will have L shoulder replaced next month. And in my 30s and 40s I ran about 25 marathons. But it was arthritis, not running, that did the most damage.

No metal in my back though, and I'd like to keep it that way so I work on keeping my core very strong. The other replacements worked wonders. Seems like a number of people put these surgeries off with cortisone injections (they stop working after the first or second shot) or "gel" injections which are no more than band aids.

Joint replacement surgery is very advanced. The patient must adhere to the rehab program, 3x/day, everyday for 6 to 8 weeks. Not easy but beats the alternative. And the results are incredible.

Joe

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Profile picture for nkotbjoeymcjoeymc @nkotbjoeymcjoeymc

Hi,

Yes, I been getting steroid injection’s and I had a few epidural injection’s but this only last’s two month’s.

My Orthopedic want’s to do surgery on me.

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nkotbjoeymcjoeymc, I have never tried this personally, but, have you tried acupuncture? It
would be out of pocket, but, it works great for some folks.

I also keep hearing a lot about red light therapy helping with pain. I have not tried that
yet either.

I am praying for you and I am so sorry you are in so much pain. Bless you.

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Profile picture for sbcarcht @sbcarcht

Try following Gokhale Primal Posture Method.

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I have arthritis in my back too. I tried Gokhale method and it worked really well. Esther Gokhale's book is called "8 Steps to a Pain-free Back".

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Profile picture for covidstinks2023 @covidstinks2023

nkotbjoeymcjoeymc, I have never tried this personally, but, have you tried acupuncture? It
would be out of pocket, but, it works great for some folks.

I also keep hearing a lot about red light therapy helping with pain. I have not tried that
yet either.

I am praying for you and I am so sorry you are in so much pain. Bless you.

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No but I tried chiropractor and that helped tremendously so the one I went too doesn’t take my insurance so I need to find another one.

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Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

Thank you for the kind words. Osteoarthritis is hereditary and I have it in all my joints and in my back. I've had my big toes fused and narrowed, both knees replaced, R hip replaced, and will have L shoulder replaced next month. And in my 30s and 40s I ran about 25 marathons. But it was arthritis, not running, that did the most damage.

No metal in my back though, and I'd like to keep it that way so I work on keeping my core very strong. The other replacements worked wonders. Seems like a number of people put these surgeries off with cortisone injections (they stop working after the first or second shot) or "gel" injections which are no more than band aids.

Joint replacement surgery is very advanced. The patient must adhere to the rehab program, 3x/day, everyday for 6 to 8 weeks. Not easy but beats the alternative. And the results are incredible.

Joe

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Sorry to hear about this.

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Profile picture for genie15 @genie15

I have arthritis in my back too. I tried Gokhale method and it worked really well. Esther Gokhale's book is called "8 Steps to a Pain-free Back".

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I understand a new updated edition is coming out, but the original will still provide the essentials, and used copies from a book reseller will likely be inexpensive. Once understanding the basics a training with Esther or one of her qualified teachers is a worthwhile investment.

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Profile picture for standardrep @standardrep

Similar conditions. Currently using Pain Management Doctor, trigger point injections did help with the muscle spasms but over time results vary, pain in the thorastic and lower part of the back , also use back patches with Lidocaine. Temporary relief with patches. Seems like there are lots of temporay relief. Also exercise. Will try the Voltaren and the Flexeril. What type of medical specialist has worked best ?

Jump to this post

Have you tried Salon Pas roll on instead of patches you can cover more of an area

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