I have severe back pain caused by severe scoliosis. I’m 76

Posted by brenda11 @brenda11, 1 day ago

Has anyone experienced severe chronic back pain caused by scoliosis which has worsened over time? I was 14 when I was diagnosed and the only option was a spinal fusion and a body cast for 9-12 months and living in a special hospital for that time. Or I could do special exercises which didn’t do much. I wasn’t in any pain for years but as I reached my mid 60s I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis and then it was still a few years after that that I had Kyphoplasty for a compression fracture of my L3.
Felt better for a few months, then the pain got worse and it felt muscular. The worse it got the more sedentary I became because standing up straight just to do light kitchen work or sitting without a couple of pillows on my lap is excruciating. I’ve missed so many important family moments and events. I did PT two different times but the last time I did feel like the therapist was really listening to me. I’ve had target injections by one “pain therapist “, which did nothing. And a second “ pain doctor “ sent me to a scoliosis specialist who basically said surgery or a very cumbersome and expensive brace which would be tight across my stomach, which I couldn’t tolerate due to other G I problems. Currently, I take 2 extra strength Tylenol twice a day 8 hours apart. I was taking ibuprofen 800 mg every 6 hours which caused me to have a bleeding ulcer. I do take Gabapentin 300 mg 3x day and 600 mg at bedtime but that was ordered for peripheral neuropathy in my feet and lower legs. I used to be so active and I want to be at least able to walk , stand and sit without this pain. It just drains me. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Brenda

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

I too have scoliosis but it is just now at 65 starting to be bothersom.I was also taking the exact doesage of gabepentin for my poly neuropathy developed in my lower l1- l5 spine.My legs and feet are basically numb or dead below my knees with 0 stability while trying to walk.I after much thought decided to get off gab period as it only made me feel very lathargic .As of today they say grin an bear it, but I cannot except that.I have found at nite time my legs tend to like alot of heat and a good rub down with voltaren

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.