I have been experiencing lower back pain (prob L4/5) for the last 6 months. It first came about in the gym when deallifting.

During the last 6 months i have seen an osteo/chiro and physio with no real luck.

I am very desk bound at work and the longer i sit the worse it gets.

If anybody has any advice on where to go next or how to relieve the pain and get back to my old active lifestyle it would be much appreciated.

Try some nerve blocks. If you live in Ohio there is a great doc in the Cleveland area:

Dr Patrick McIntyre @ University Hospitals

karl have you tried siiting on a doughnut pillow.you can buy one at nay medical supply store.when you sit you curve the coccyx downward and that is very near L4/L5.it puts outward pressure on the injured area.increasing pain.you must change positions frequently.check your posture frequently.make sure that your shoulders are in line with your hips.get up every 30 min and take a short walk.do not lift anything heavy while you are in pain.do please take physical therapy and be consistent with it.i hope this helps. trainwreck

Hi Karl, it's time for you to see a doctor and get an MRI done. This early in the game, it doesn't have to be a spine surgeon, even an regular MD can order it. You need to find out what's going on in there.

Chiro's can be of little good at times, and if physio hasn't helped.. you definitely need to see what's going on in there.

I would cease the weight lifting, and be aware of your spine and avoide excess bending, lifting, twisting until you are seen.

Let us know how you are doing. Tammy:wave:

Karl,

*I am not a professional* but one fact is sure; you have chronic back pain(lasting at least six months). I was involved in a motor vehicle accident late July 2005. I first saw the chiropractor, accupuncturist and massage therapist and medical specialist; who prescribed medication for pain (to make both life and therapy more tolerable) and an MRI.

I noticed that you were very specific (L4-L5). Since this is the case, I totally agree with Justoneofus.

While waiting for the MRI results, the doctor will most likely prescribe something for your "chronic" pain.

In the mean time, try to rest your back, take some Extra Strength Tylenol and explore the use of a heating pad.

Hi Karl

I had a herniated disc at L4 15 months ago an after 4 months of phsyio they got rid of my sciatica but not my back pain.
I sit using a lumbar roll in the small of my back an use a soft cushion under my bottom as i have pain in the buttocks.
I also use alternate hot an cold packs to try an help the pain.

As you have had the pain for 6 months i would say to you'GO AN GET IT CHECKED OUT with a back specialist.
I think 6 weeks is the most you should suffer with a back problem an anything after that you really need to have more specialist treatment.

I hope you get it sorted.

Best wishes

Everyone has replied with such wonderful advice thus far...

My only addition is to suggest those Therma Heating pads that wrap around your waist. I cannot tell you how many times they have saved me.....at work, when I was in a wedding, traveling abroad. And I have a mod to large disc herniation with an annular tear at L3-L4, L4-L5 that I never got fixed. At least you can be mobile. :) In the meantime, get that MRI and investigate. Pain is your body's way of communicating to you that something is wrong.

be well

babs

Thats for all the helpful advice, its much appreciated.

I went to see the docs on thurs, as i predicted they gave me some anti-inflams and said come back if it isnt better in two weeks.

I am based in the UK and whilst the NHS is good, things can take a while to get moving and i am not to hopeful of getting an MRI, to have it done privatly is approx £900!!!1

Both the doc and physio have said they do not thing its damage to the disk, so am a little lost now!

I have stopped weight lifting (about 4 months ago), just go to the gym for light exercise and stretching

Hi there,

I'm glad to hear that you have seen your doctor. Anti inflammatories are good and they may very well be all that you need. If in 2 weeks you are not getting any relief than I would ask for a simple x-ray. I'm sure that's your doctors next step of action anyhow.

Glad to hear that you have layed off of the weight lifting. Be careful at the gym though as well.

Take care and let us know how you make out. Beachgirl. ;)

Thanks for the support, its comforting to know there are others out there who know what its like. Some people just dont seem to understand how painful/discomforting back pain is.:rolleyes:

Dear Karl1981,


Amen to that!:angel:

Take care and God Bless. Love and Peace. For the masses only.