What can help with constant pain in back, hips and legs?

I am with you on the constant pain!! I have DDD and advanced arthrosis of the facets, a titanium plate in my neck. No fun at all. Acupuncture, hot tubs, cbd/thc creams and edibles help some what. I was on Gabapentin as well and stopped because I didn't like the side effects. I started LDN a month ago and that seems to help some with very few side effects for me. Low dose Naltrexone is worth checking into in my opinion. Hope this helps you some.

I have constant pain level of an 8-9 in my lower back, buttocks, and back of legs. My pain meds don't seem to be helping. Three years of a pain pump hasn't helped. Recently, what has helped is a small line of THC extract on a piece of chocolate. It takes one to two hours for it to kick in, but my pain is greatly reduced. The main side effect is my feeling like I am am in a disconnected reality. I am still weighing the pros and cons.

Have you tried Lyrica? It has helped me somehow in my nervepains on the back. Power to you💚

@heisenberg34 pain meds didnt seem to help me much after so long and i didn't like asking for them all the time. The Doctors always made me feel bad for asking, like I was doing something wrong so I talked to my primary about thc and it helped me sleep at least. The disconnected feeling is not super fun but for me it seems like a good option. Natural cant be as bad as synthetic prescriptions but I'm no Dr!!! If I can help in any way let me know. You are not alone in the battle. This place is great for others listening and sharing their experiences. Best of luck to you!!

@livininthestix
I will check into Naltrexone. Thank you.

@marja27
Haven't tried Lyrical. No doc has ever mentioned it. I have an appointment with my primary soon. I will ask her about it. After being treated like a junkie, I stopped trying to get help.

Don’t mind how they treat you - your health is more important than their behaving. I always change the doctor if it is possible. It is I who pay.

Hi gwj,

You're lumbar spine sounds like mine - scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, degenerated discs, osteoarthritis pretty much everywhere.

Because of osteoarthritis, I've had both knees, left shoulder, and right hip replaced.

My spine surgeon tells me that all that is holding my lumbar spine together is a very strong set of core muscles (I'm 71 and in the gym everyday.)

I suggest asking your Dr if he would refer you to a physical therapist for core strengthening and possibly stretching, to protect your lower back.

I also had laminotomies at S1/L5/L4 about 12 years ago. Very simple surgery where the surgeon drills holes in the back of the vertebrae. This creates more room for the lumbar spine and maintains the physical integrity of the vertebrae. Recovery is fast - a bit uncomfortable, but fast.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best.

Joe

@heyjoe415
Hi Joe,
I also have spinal stenosis. I tried PT a few years ago. The second session left me in so much pain that I couldn't walk for two days. Didn't go back. Since things are so much worse I wonder if it would help. I've never been one to exercise so I'm not really physically fit.

I haven't heard too many good things about the surgery that they want to do. A friend that had it told me not to do it. It's such a major decision.

Thanks for advice.
Gwen

@livininthestix Have you tried medicines like Lyrica (to the nerves) or asked ab them at doctors? It is their duty to help you. And there are different type of doctors. Some of them are just waiting for the next patient because they are so much in a hurry. Then change the doctor and keep on fighthing.