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Author Topic: Back pain  (Read 3109 times)

Annie0710

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Back pain
« on: July 06, 2017, 12:33:46 PM »

Have any members been diagnosed with lower facet joint problems?

I was referred by gp as I need stronger pain relief but a previous referral led to physio calling me saying all they can do is send me exercises, which didn't help

I have been examined today and told it's a compressed facet joint and nerve problems causing the lower back pain along with the occasional herniated disc.  I'm being referred to physio for help, have to go back to gp for stronger meds and if that doesn't help I have to go to a pain clinic for injections in the joint

I've read up about it but my symptoms are listed more on herniated disc than facet joint, just wondered if I could compare symptoms with anyone
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CLKD

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2017, 02:29:48 PM »

Your GP should refer you for either a lumbar spine X-ray or a full MRI.  It can't be certain what is the underlying cause of pain without photos.  ::) and no one should do any manipulation without seeing recent films.

How is your foot wear?  It can be the main cause of back pain if the body needs to compensate all the way up  ::).  Bending correctly is important as is lifting which the physio. should address.  It's remembering, for me sciatica begins when I don't put the dogs' leads on properly: when I bend within 2 days I have shooting pains down the legs  >:(.  Bending over the bath to wash my hair can pull the sciatic nerve too.  Some people can iron sitting down but I never managed that. 

Sitting correctly.  Good pillows and a firm, not hard, mattress.  Orthopaedic ones are often too hard, it was Companies 'cashing in'  ::)

Non impact exercise, i.e. swimming or yoga can be useful.  For gardeners there are extra long-handled tools to assist with hoeing, digging etc..  I always have to bend when weeding for example, I simply can't reach that far down. 
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Annie0710

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2017, 03:08:39 PM »

I can't really do anything physical whilst I've not got adequate pain relief, hoovering and cleaning bathroom needs a couple of hours rest after

My situation isn't straightforward, I was born with a disability so correct lifting etc is very difficult for me

He reckons he could feel this facet joint compacted or not right
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CLKD

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2017, 03:10:47 PM »

You may have said previously but if you haven't had a scan/X-ray in the last 18-22 months, I would make that suggestion - maybe the physio. can refer you?  Are there any 'tools' that could assist in household chores, me, I simply ignore most of them most of the time  ;)

Let us know how you get on!
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Annie0710

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2017, 04:03:31 PM »

I'm still shocked I haven't had a scan/X-ray, maybe physio/pain clinic may suggest it

I've looked it up, it's degeneration/arthritis of the joint, any movement triggers the pain which then involves nerve pain

My only solution he said is pain control
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Elizabethrose

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2017, 04:09:40 PM »

Oh Annie I feel your pain!! Back pain is the absolute pits.

It may be entirely different to your condition but I've had three bulging discs for years which I tend to ignore and manage applying heat when all goes t--s up usually from too much gardening but all flared up terribly after hubby broke his leg 7 wks ago. I was in absolute agony and have been lying on the floor with my legs up the walls for some relief. My coccyx was fractured in labour and that seems to have flared up too.

I was forced finally to go to the doc as I couldn't move, or even sit down and she sent me for an MRI. Results show further bulging and evidence of arthritis in the spine. To be honest I asked the question whether every 58 year old woman would show evidence of arthritis in their joints, surely we've all got wear and tear and they agreed that to be the case!

She advised visiting an osteopath and one was recommended. I had my third visit yesterday. It is pretty brutal but it is working. My entire back, hips and buttocks were in complete spasm but slowly he is releasing it all. I have an old hip problem that still exists and he thinks that's compounding the back problem. I swear this has all been aggravated from being in bed so much over the past years, it can't do your joints any good.

I've never previously taken pain relief for it but was forced to over the past month as I could barely breathe through the pain. It took the edge off but not much more. The only thing that worked for me was diclofenac tabs which I had for my migraine.

I'd previously been sent for physio but it was worse than useless and I came away with printed exercises that weren't personalised in any way. I don't know whether you've tried an osteopath but this guy really knows his stuff, I've been grilling his every move!

As I say Annie, I have no idea if our conditions are similar but I would certainly recommend a qualified recommended osteopath.

I wish you well sweetie, it's so horrible to try to manage with back pain xxx

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ellie

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2017, 04:14:14 PM »

Annie, I am a very long term back sufferer, and please can I say don't let anyone do anything to your back until you have had a MRI scan. You need to see a back specialist, who will send you for a scan.
  I have had many injections and two major surgeries on my spine, so if you want to PM me and ask anything, I will be happy to help.....
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CLKD

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2017, 04:25:28 PM »

I agree ellie - no one should consider 'treating' back problems until a recent scan/X-ray has been viewed along with the Report. 

We evolved upright which is the worst thing for the spinal column.  Pressure plus movement will impact on all the column, often this 'runs' in families.  Grandad called it lumbago  ::) ........

Years ago back pain was treated with patients laying prone for hours sometimes in Hospital on traction to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.  Now I understand gentle exercise is recommended which I find works 4 me: I take 2 Nurofen and walk on flat ground.  My Dad was stretched, his fingers over the top of the lounge door and someone pulled his legs so that there was elongation of the hip area .......

What exactly is the osteopath 'releasing'  :-\ and have you had recent scans ER that he has viewed?  Hopefully whatever will ease symptoms as taking medication can cause stomach problems ........ Valium is used to relax tight muscles too to give relief.

 :bighug:  chronic pain is so tiring  :sigh:
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Elizabethrose

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2017, 04:38:03 PM »

I agree too ellie, I wouldn't have let any one near mine without them seeing the results of the MRI. It felt like my spine had snapped in half!

You and I discussed this CLKD didn't we? My doc knows and really rates this chap. He studied the MRI and written report. He is releasing the muscle spasms which have caused so much pain. Whilst he has fingers like weapons they seem to be doing the job but oh how I ache afterwards. Feel like I've done ten rounds with Frank Bruno!! xx
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Annie0710

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2017, 04:42:09 PM »

I saw a chiropractor last year or year before for my shoulder then he started working on my lower back, I wasn't comfortable so once shoulder was better I stopped going

He explained the facet joints are at each vertebrae with the discs, their job is to allow movement which this particular one isn't allowing, that's why I'm relatively pain free slouching on one bum cheek.  As soon as I sit upright or stand or bend any direction the nerve pain starts, he's referred me to physio to help with core muscles but he said it's all happened because of my pelvis being on quite a tilt and the discs were probably the start of it all, I'm just so needing pain relief so I can be mobile through the pain, when I drop grandchildren off after babysitting I can hardly get in the car to drive.  This has been going on about 2 years now but getting worse, even getting dressed can cause the pain
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Elizabethrose

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2017, 04:55:24 PM »

Oh Annie, you poor thing, trouble is little ones don't exactly make easy companions when you have a bad back or are in pain.

I've never seen either an osteopath or chiropractor before now. My chap seemed a bit sniffy about the differences between the two! Interestingly, without knowing, he recognised that I'd had a trochanteric bursitis as the muscles were still in the spasms years later. I've been very impressed with his treatment and knowledge and I've questioned his every movement. Seems happy enough to explain what he's doing.

I hope ellie is able to offer some useful advice as I know of her struggle. Hope you find a solution xxx
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ellie

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #11 on: July 06, 2017, 05:22:44 PM »

               This is copied from internet.............
The facet joints are the joints in your spine that make your back flexible and enable you to bend and twist. Nerves exit your spinal cord through these joints on their way to other parts of your body. Healthy facet joints have cartilage, which allows your vertebrae to move smoothly against each other without grinding.............
......Annie, have you tried walking with a walker?     I know it's not nice and I felt totally embarrassed when I first used one, but I have got over that and use mine whenever I am out walking now. Because it makes you bend your back over a bit, and this opens up your joints, thus allowing the nerves to pass through more freely and not be pinched. 
You may find a facet joint injection very helpful, also tablets like Gabapentin are good for nerve pain.
   Who have you seen today? Was it for results of a scan maybe?......
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Annie0710

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #12 on: July 06, 2017, 06:02:14 PM »

I haven't had a scan, it was a MSK dr I saw, he mentioned gabapentin, and said the usual process is: physio/pain relief, only after and if these don't work I get referred to a pain clinic where they decide steroid injection in facet joint or epidural

I do have crutches, but I only use them if my disc goes, walking is actually my easiest activity with this facet thing problem
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CLKD

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Re: Back pain
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2017, 10:59:28 AM »

ER - we may have discussed but I've slept since then  ::)  ;D - my memory is like putty  :-\

How are we all this morning?
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