Low Back Pain Going into Hip and Leg

That has happened to me recently. I have a lot of pain with fibromyalgia and arthritis but this was breath taking, can't move pain. I had stood in a lineup in government office for 2 hours and then couldn't move because of this pain. Rheumatologist told me sciatica. I had put heat on and had found out first 2 days it should be ice, after that heat. but gentle stretch pulling knee up when lying down only until you feel the stretch. Stop when there is pain. After 5 days or so it is better enough so I am able walk a bit.

I am 65 and feeling stressed and alone in my head with terable panic attacts, about my Thoraco Lumbar SURGERY! Please positive responses only. Mine are Lumbar ( the small of my back) L4 and L5.

@1kay2 So did you ever think of surgery.

I have had chronic pain in the middle back, have any of you have thought about surgery?

yes. We can offer ideas. I have had several spine surgeries from top to bottom. Find an MFR therapist - try a few. It is WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!! I will be seeing one for the rest of my life. A lot of your pain can be coming from the nerves along the route of your spine. You need attention to stay in alignment. You also need to help yourself. You CAN exercise through the pain! There are other things which can be helpful like figuring out if you have complications from what appears unrelated. I had gout and insulin resistance. Getting on medication for both reduced my pain and inflammation by 75% AFTER 30 years of being on this degeneration ride. Learn to LOVE your pain. Accepting that you can't do anything about it at a particular moment is critical. I have been on low-dose Percocet for 25 years. It is a lifesaver! Figuring out what triggers my pain - INDISPENSABLE! Having doctors who are supportive - CRITICAL! Realizing that EVERYONE struggles in this life is important too. Its maybe your cross to bear and helps you in some way which you have to figure out.

@kstewart01 I am getting closer and closer to pulling out my L234 with my own tools--lol. I am trying everything to avoid surgery --I researched all the methods spoke about and none seem enticicing--what surgery are you considering?

@loriesco Thanks for your post loriesco!Most positive one Ive read!!!

Tyrone

I, too, suffer with chronic nerve pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, & hEDS, & have for over 25 years. In high-school I wore a full torso body brace for 2 years for scoliosis, thankfully, or I'd be much worse off. Still my leg length discrepancy has caused deterioration of my spine & chronic nerve pain. I have regular steroid injections, both lumbar & cervical. Sometimes they help for a while, sometimes they do not. I have oftentimes allowed the pain to age me, to burden me ... but this year I vow to move forward with better physical therapy discipline of stretching, strengthening, & losing 15 pounds. Weight & weak core, etc does make a difference. We must be our own advocates & take control ... while also letting God take control ... in giving us His peace that surpasses all understanding of this life's trials. As Charles Spurgeon, known as the "prince of preachers" , who suffered great depression & painful gout, yet glorified God in his trust & faithful obedience, said- "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages ". God's grace is sufficient in our suffering, & He will provide when we confide & trust in Him ... reverently & faithfully. Doesn't mean He will heal us this side of eternity ... but He will ultimately.

For some people (I’m one) pain is a part of life and mitigation to a tolerable level is my goal. I have accepted I will never be pain free and refuse to live my life in a zombie state due to over medication ( which is where I would be if I took everything the doc put me on). There is a familial component to pain: oa is responsible for most of mine as well as fibromyalgia. I get some relief through gentle stretching exercises, massage,water exercise, relaxation protocols but most important prayer.

how about Sciatica from the nerves in your lower back. My physiotherapist gave me a couple of gentle stretches which help very much. It is unbelievable disabling pain but is getting better. Also slow short walks help. God bless the pain does relent at times. Heating pad also helps me.