Have spondylosis & degenerative arthritis of spine. What helps?

One thing that helped me a lot was trying to stay flexible. I know many take yoga. I did lots of stretching at home (and in the garden). Ice or heat can help with pain. Your MD may suggest various NSAIDs and/or acetaminophen. I personally found getting a good massage monthly made a big difference! Keeps things flexible/supple. Unfortunately arthritis does not get better — not to sound like a bummer. So you need to keep on moving!

Thanks. Sometimes pain is just unbearable !! UGH. Everyday activities is a challenge anymore. Work, Social Life etc. I move allot , but it's to the point I'm just exhausted because of the consistent pain. Hopefully the Pain Management Doctor can help .

I hope so also! Constantly having pain is just exhausting both physically and mentally. Plus if it’s something that others cannot see, you at times get folks wondering “if it’s really that bad”. As a friend said to me, at least now with modern imaging like MRIs and CTs so it IS provable that we aren’t crazy, not hysterical (female) patients, etc.

@faithann64, having constant pain sucks. I'm glad that your consulting with pain management specialist. While you are active, I think @wisco50 is on to something with regards to specific exercises, like yoga, to stay flexible. I'd also like to bring in fellow members like @rensacb @annac3 @owieann and @lioness who can share how they manage spondylosis and pain.

Faith, is your pain in the cervical area, thoracic or lumbar? What exercises do you do to help, if any?

It's in thoracic & lumbar ! Stretching and walking. Used to jog but not lately due to the pain. Have appt coming up with pain management doctor.

@faithann64 Welcome to connect I also have spondylosis and arthritis in the spine . It is a difficult one to find relieve from. I have gone to the pain management Dr several times for injections but only 3 times a year is all he,ll do . Stretching and exercise is so important to I cant run anymore as the bouncing is hard on my back. I rest when I need to ,I use muscle rubs ,heat / ice alternate 20 min each that helps a lot . I also have a TENS unit I use on my back I go to a chiropractor which I cant now due to this covid virus but that helps . One of the ladies here goes to a accupunture for her back she says she get a lot of relief so am going to try this later on when we are done with this staying home from the virus . Good luck

Has anyone had the Medial Branch Nerve Block in spine?? And if so does it help and for how long ?? ( Spondylosis & Arthritis of spine )

@faithann64, you might be interested in this discussion:
- I'm having a medial branch block, does it hurt? If so how? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/im-having-a-medical-branch-blockplease-help-does-it-hurt-if-so-how/

I'm tagging @hosta @karolyn and @2011panc on this discussion in case they can share their experiences with medial branch nerve block, if it helped them and if yes, for how long.

Faith, was medial branch nerve block recommended for you?

Yes, My Pain Management Doctor recommended it . ( Medial Nerve Block )

@faithann64 A medial branch block was discussed, but they did a trial injection that did not work, so I did not go ahead with the block. In my case the arthritis in my spine had closed off the spinal canal and I had spinal surgery to remove a part of the vertebrae that was at fault. I am so relieved and grateful to have been able to have that surgery. I would caution you to be sure to use physical therapy following the surgery to keep scar tissue from causing everything to seize up. Additionally I had dry needling for the post-surgical pain, which was every bit as intense as the pre-surgical pain. Good luck to you.