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Any recommendations for a back brace?
Twenty years ago I had a laminotomy for a herniated disk at L4-L5 but then for over a decade had no problems at all. As I have aged I have developed foraminal and some central canal stenosis in various places in my lower spine as well as facet arthritis, have had a compression fracture at L1 after a bad fall (I do have osteoporosis), and have multilevel degenerative disk disease.
My physiatrist tried radiofrequency ablation of the facet joints at L3-and L-4 but that didn't help at all. I'm at a point where there really isn't anything to try except to manage the pain, which occurs when I'm on my feet for more than 15 or 20 mins; am fine sitting or lying down.
One of the things he suggested was a back brace. Does anyone have any experience with these (and maybe a recommendation for one to try or to avoid)? Also can try a tens machine, although I'm doubtful that' this is for me, and also arnica cream.
Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.
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Over 50 years experience struggling w/DDD, multiple surgeries, pain control ad infinitum I will just say I believe anything for pain control may work temporarily. Eventually our bodies acclimate to shots,pills, braces, tens units and those remedies become less effective. I have no suggestions but common sense solutions don’t hurt: everything in moderation including a little weight loss, some exercise, less heavily processed food intake, a good body pillow for sleeping,can make some difference. Not earth-shattering results but some relief. Best wishes.
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2 Reactions@westwoman3698 I think you're right that many solutions are in reality just short-term fixes that ultimately give way before what is usually a progressive problems. I don't know how much time I've spent in PT; at this point I do exercises at home and try to walk fairly briskly for anywhere between 30 and 50 minutes a day, as much as the pain will allow. My weight is well within normal limits, I have my old-lady tools like a grabber for getting things that are too high to reach or on the floor. In short, I'm doing everything right, and nothing seems to help.
I live in New York City and am followed at the Hospital for Special Surgery, supposedly one of the best orthopedic facilities anywhere. But I find the doctors there very impressed with themselves and not particularly good at hearing what I'm saying about how I function.
All very frustrating. Thanks for your good wishes, and the same to you!
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2 ReactionsI have tried a few different back braces. So far I like the Sparthos back brace on Amazon. Adjustable and very supportive. Best of luck.
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2 Reactions@phxratt1 Thanks for that. I asked my HSS doctor, and he said just look on Amazon and read the reviews. So I did, and Sparthos was one of the braces I picked out. Good to have a real person's opinion.
May I ask what condition gives you pain? We're all so different that I do wonder whether what's right for person A is right for person B.
@anewyorker I've had 2 microdiscectomies (L4-5, L5-S1) and a lumbar fusion at L4-5. I still have low back pain, probably caused by scar tissue that has formed after the surgeries. It's called Failed back surgery syndrome, I think. I also have a spinal cord stimulator to help deaden the pain. Good luck to you.
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1 Reaction@anewyorker Sounds like we both are doing what we can. My last surgeon(in Sacramento,CA 1991) was an arrogant, self absorbed person and an excellent, highly recommended doctor. he basically rebuilt my spine including removal of all scar tissue, new hardware, re-fusions, et al. After recovery I’ve had comparatively mild pain and now only deal w/ MS and couple of other immune system problems. Besides being quite old 😀. And a couple of strokes recently. Not great but could be so much worse! Good luck to you and always best wishes.
@anewyorker Here is a comprehensive piece about Bruce’s to help your decision making.
https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/alternative-care/when-consider-back-brace
@jenatsky Thanks. This is helpful. I appreciate the link.
I have many degenerative disc's but worst issue is L5 S1 which back surgeon tells me is basically bone on bone. I have not had surgery and have had pain for about 30 years. I agree with the Sparthos brace user but also use a portable tens unit I've gotten at Walgreens. Just wear it under clothing the buttons are on the unit itself it helps me greatly. I do a series of exercises and stetches 3 times a week which I learned from the last physical therapist I saw and always start my morning with a hot water bottle on my back while I sit and have my coffee. I've been to physical therapy many times and none helped but the last one I saw about 3 years ago. I've had numerous injections that haven't really done much.
@valarino thanks. I'm especially interested in your comment about the TENS machine. I've been thinking about getting one. My physiatrist said I could certainly try it, but he's always agnostic about making predictions about whether something will actually help.
Your history looks a bit like mine--lots of problems that show up on an MRI but no clear definition of why you're in so much pain. PT and exercises maybe help, maybe don't.
It's all very frustrating, as I have said about a million times.