Chronic back pain unable to walk longer than two minutes

I’ve had 3 surgeries on my back. First one at age 30 in 1986. It was a success. Damaged the back again and again throughout the years. Last surgery was 2015, it was a failed surgery. But, I finally took physical therapy seriously. Strengthening the core is most important regardless where your at on the pain scale. You must force yourself to do it. I’ve had every injection available, all failed. Had ablations for 2 years, little to no improvement. I finally received major relief. I had a spinal stimulator implanted last November 5. It was life changing. At minimum I have 80% pain relief. Very little down time for recovery. In addition 2400mg daily of ibuprofen is extra help. Medical marijuana , especially for sleeping was also life changing as I was able to sleep without taking pharmaceuticals like Ambien, opioids and anti anxiety meds.

wincordona, you might want a second opinion on the success of your 2024 surgery.
Whenever a doctor expresses and inability to explain your pain, it's reasonable to ask for a referral to someone who would have the knowledge.
The first thing I would do because it is the fastest is to see a chiropractor. And because they give the absolute best physical exam. I would go for the exam, even if I were determined to decline an adjustment.
It sounds as though you may have spondylolithesis where one vertebra slips forward over the one below, pinching the nerves. When you stand up you are in alignment and after a few steps the vertebra slips forward. But mine is an unqualified guess.

I'm so happy you received pain relief from your stimulator. Which brand did you have implanted? I'm meeting a new pain specialist tomorrow to talk about Nevro. Any input you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Boston Scientific.
All the doctors here preferred it to the other manufacturers. Although they gave me two choices, explained why they liked BS better, so I pulled the trigger

Thank you so much for your reply. My appointment is this afternoon, so I will see if I'm even a candidate. I had the Sprint stimulator, which did absolutely nothing.

I do get occasional back pain but it usually means a reminder that I hve been ignoring the strengthening of my core muscles .. with simple exercised to make the core muscles on my 81 y.o. body back in order to be able to carry my often up to 20 lbs of groceries to/from bus stops and thru subway system navigating sometimes stairs.

But I've had essentially no health problems with joints excepts they are 'aged.' Most of us here have had serious treatments, so all I can think of is a physical therapist who might advise how one could introduce some core strengthening exercises. Of course nutritious food too is important.

I wish u find `the right help.

I agree. Great info. Strengthening core muscles is important for me also. I recently had an epidural on my lower back. It is helping. I walk every day. I would recommend an epidural for lower back pain. I have a great doctor. Dr. Plummer in Charlotte.

@gently

'When you stand up you are in alignment and after a few steps the vertebra slips forward.'

That makes more sense than 99% of what doctors and P.T.s have said to me over many years!
I can't stand, and of course, walk very much without some sort of help for more than a few minutes. Sitting is my relief,

I am in discussions with my PM team about SCS having been through surgery, PT, chiropractic and marijuana; RF ablation. I am 80 y/o and can barely walk. Wish I had never done the surgery. Can you swim; have a massage? Did you experience lead migration? MRI? How long have you had the SCS implanted? if you can spare the time I would love to hear from someone like you who has actually had the implant surgery.

You can swim. You can get a massage, although the masseuse will work around the computer/battery.
No lead migration as of yet, from what my research suggests it’s very rare.
There are no physical limitations after approximately 2 weeks from surgery. I had the permanent implant on Nov. 5, 2024.
MRIs might be a problem but CAT scans are not an issue.
Also, I am a physical therapy maniac. I do an hour 5 days a week. Approximately 30min. concentrating on my core.
A strong core is one of the most important part of your body when suffering with back injuries. Remaining time is for upper body and lower body. I also do GENTLE yoga one day a week. Practicing that more days would be great and I love the results as far as flexibility and the mental health benefits it provides.
A spinal stimulator is pretty much done as a last resort. The health insurance companies have destroyed Americas health care. It’s a very expensive procedure. There is small percentage that it will not provide relief. In that regard they perform a quick minor surgery where they implant the electrodes but the computer/battery is contained in a fanny pack.
You have it 5 days to make sure it’s providing at least 50% relief or the Dr. will not implant the permanent one.
Hope this gives the info you need. I can’t tell you how many people have told me not to have any of my surgeries, injections or ablations. My response is that you telling me that means your pain is not acute enough or you haven’t been in intense pain long enough.
I’ve had pain since I was 25, I’m almost 70. I’m willing to do just about anything for any amount of relief.