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What can help with constant pain in back, hips and legs?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: May 28 8:15pm | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
Very good advice Lorie. Getting older isn't for sissies!
For now, I'm avoiding any lumbar fusion. I don't have any sciatica symptoms (and I know exactly what they feel like!). I'm in the gym everyday and do a lot of exercises for my core muscles, which my spinal surgeon says support the L spine.
I have heard a number of people say they are avoiding surgery because they live alone. I understand that concern but it should not prevent someone from getting a needed surgery. It may take some calls and even involving the Dr's office, but support can be found in most cases.
I know a guy at the gym, same age as me, 71, with an inoperable rotator cuff tear. He's had this for 2-3 years - at least. He can't do pushups, pull-ups, chest presses, or bicep curls and his upper body is atrophied. He tries to do these exercises and is very limited by the pain, and is probably doing more damage. I told him I thought he should get the reverse total shoulder replacement to fix this, and I believe he is just afraid of the surgery. I have stopped talking to hm abut this. We are all responsible for our own health, after all - and it's not my place to be making/suggesting decisions for anyone but me.
I had my left shoulder replaced last year (my rotator cuff was intact so the replacement was anatomically correct). I knew it had to be replaced and I did it. Along with both knees replaced in 2022 and my right hip and left shoulder in 2026, I'm a veteran of these surgeries! And my wife was extremely helpful in all of these surgeries and I' certainly grateful. The pain relief after the surgeries was such a joy…….
You rightly point out that if orthopedic surgery is delayed, permanent structural/skeletal damage is possible, most notably in the shoulder if a rotator cuff is beyond repair. IMO this guy is just afraid of the surgery (reverse total shoulder replacement). He'll likely be worse off in a few years. Again, not my decision.
Anyway thanks for pointing that out Lorie. A good surgeon will explain all options - and if they don't 1) ask or 2) find a new surgeon.
Joe
Replies to "Very good advice Lorie. Getting older isn't for sissies! For now, I'm avoiding any lumbar fusion...."
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@heyjoe415
Wow, it's funny how we run across information that relates to us on this site! "Getting older isn't for sissies" is my new moto! Your comments are right on point.
I've had two rotator cuff surgeries. In 2017, the right rotator cuff had 3 torn tendons (1 off the bone) and 2 torn muscles. A year of being undiagnosed led to the one off the bone. Moved & got an amazing Orthopedist Surgeon. Will never forget his words after surgery: "I did the best I could!" He was only able to repair the "off the bone" tendon. But I recovered & did therapy. Was then off work for a year & a half, not because of the surgery. In hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened because that right shoulder NEVER gave me trouble until I injured both rotator cuffs in October of 2025. Meanwhile though, I injured my left rotator cuff using extreme force to turn a wheel in November of 2024. Knew immediately it was my rotator cuff and had surgery & therapy and returned to work in about 10 months total. In October of 2025, I injured both rotator cuffs and both hands using extreme force turning a wheel. Here it is May and I am still having "red flag" pain. Because it was on the job, it has taken me this long to be able to see my surgeon. Will be seeing him in two days to get a diagnosis and hopefully a recommendation.
For me, I have known for years that carefully strengthening my core muscles will help my now osteoporosis ridden and severely degenerated spine, keep me mobile, and keep pain at bay! Personally, I am fearful of ANYTHING that just masks your pain. The injury is still there, and if you're not careful, you run the risk of damaging yourself further.
I'm 75. Took Gabapentin after my last surgery. Almost immediately suffered SEVERE memory loss, realized it was the problem, and quit immediately. Memory went back to normal. As far as meds after surgery, I was taking a humongous amount of pain pills. I have a note pad totally full of every pain pill I took and the time so I wouldn't lose track and take too many.
Other than a ride to and from surgery, I took care of myself at home. However, not all surgeries are the same. For instance, knee replacement would be more difficult, but your insurance should be able to provide some needed necessities like a beside commode and check in on you. Most insurances have some benefits for at home care visits and for Nursing/Rehabilitation Facilities. I totally agree, we do all have to be responsible for our own health. Otherwise, we may not enjoy the consequences!