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I have severe back pain caused by severe scoliosis. I’m 76
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
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@jenatsky It was not on the narcotic list 10 or so years ago. During all the increased surveillance on narcotics, the powers that be decided to place it on the narcotic list. Perhaps that is causing the confusion.
I could almost have written this. One big difference is that I do have narcotic pain relief although a small dose. I have multiple problems so I really do not think I could make it on simply Tylenol. I hope you find some relief soon. I also recently had a nerve ablation which has been somewhat helpful for some of my issues. Maybe a pain clinic would be helpful for you. Scoliosis pain can be very severe.
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1 ReactionI’ve experienced severe chronic back pain from scoliosis that worsened with age, especially after osteoporosis and a compression fracture. What helped most was working with a scoliosis-focused physical therapist, using supportive cushions and mobility aids, staying as active as I could with gentle exercise, and discussing additional pain-management options with my doctor when injections and standard treatments didn’t help.
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1 Reaction@brenda11 I’m 74 and in the same boat. I have 20 degree curves in my lumbar and thoracic spine with one curve going left and the other going right. I’ve also learned that as our spines curve they also twist and in my situation they can twist differently. My xiphoid bone at the bottom of my rib cage is twisted and no longer points down. I have pains in my left upper back, scapular area and the trap muscles there. I also have pains in my left lower rear ribs due to muscle spasms from my spinal nerve foramin’s on the left. I’ve had the scoliosis from birth but not diagnosed until I was in my 20’s. It does get harder as I age.
@joycelen since Medicine is all about science and doctors are essentially scientists they learned after the drug was in wide use it had addictive potential.
“ Tramadol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance because it is an opioid pain medication with a recognized potential for misuse, physical or psychological dependence, and addiction”.
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1 Reaction@jenatsky Ofcourse, I agree. But I am saying it was not always classified that way. I was given Tramadol many years ago very liberally and it was not scheduled at that time. I found it really inefficient in treating my pain so had not temptation to use it. I am a retired RN (BSN) and also gave this drug to many patients. We had no caution at that time in giving it. But yes, now it is scheduled. However, it is given with automatic renewals unlike scheduled Hydrocodone, etc. I do not think we disagree at all. To clarify for those who do not think it is a narcotic and those who do, both are correct according to the time it was prescribed. No disagreement at all.
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1 ReactionI have been reading some of the posts about scoliosis & pain & I’m there with everyone else! I was diagnosed at age 13 & put in a cast from pelvis to collarbone for over a year. The idea was the cast would “hold” the spine straight until I stopped growing. It didn’t work. Finally, the pain was so bad that at age 62, I had spinal fusion surgery, T10-S1 I believe, 2 rods & 20 screws. I was relatively pain free for 6 months. Then the pain returned. I am now almost 77 & take oxycodone, gabapentin, & muscle relaxers. The pain has been so bad at times that I have considered a permanent end to my pain. The pain Mgmnt doctors know that I have had every procedure available so they can’t make any money off me! They have reduced my pain meds because they are afraid of the government, so my pain is now worse. For me there is no hope. I do take cannabis gummies at night to help with sleep. So, my dear companions, as we navigate this pain journey, let’s hope someday someone will care enough to help those that follow us.
@shoegal I'm so sorry for you! I have scoliosis and sciatica, although it never bothered me until I was about 60. The pain became so debilitating that I had to quit my job (FedEx courier) after 22 1/2 years. Today I am 76 and can barely stand or walk anymore the pain is so severe. I figured that I made it this long I can make it to the end (and perfection)! Hang in there!