I finally had a MRI of my lower back last week, after 5 years of pain. When I went to see my GP he did an exam, told me I had scoliosis, and sent me for the MRI. I got the results, and he said the MRI confirmed the scoliosis, 3 bulges, degenerative disk disease, and some kind of tear ( I can't remember the name). He prescribed me Lidocane patches before the MRI and they did nothing at all for me. I called him back, and he gave me Relafen, and told me I would have to wait until I see the back specialist on the 18th of Sept. The Relafen does nothing either I went to visit my Mother for the holiday weekend and the 3 hr drive has left me in agonizing pain.. I have tried Ice, heat, the relafen.. is there anything else you could suggest to me??
thanks!
Dee
The following user gives a hug of support to CTdee: workinmom572 (09-03-2012)
I finally had a MRI of my lower back last week, after 5 years of pain. When I went to see my GP he did an exam, told me I had scoliosis, and sent me for the MRI. I got the results, and he said the MRI confirmed the scoliosis, 3 bulges, degenerative disk disease, and some kind of tear ( I can't remember the name). He prescribed me Lidocane patches before the MRI and they did nothing at all for me. I called him back, and he gave me Relafen, and told me I would have to wait until I see the back specialist on the 18th of Sept. The Relafen does nothing either I went to visit my Mother for the holiday weekend and the 3 hr drive has left me in agonizing pain.. I have tried Ice, heat, the relafen.. is there anything else you could suggest to me??
thanks!
Dee
so Sorry you hurt so badly. I had to skip many Long car rides.to not visit my parents over the years due to back pain with driving. I wish you options.for.relief.
Relafen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is given for osteoarthritis and similar conditions that involve inflammation. It is similar to an over the counter NSAID such as advil or aleve.
Luckily you don't have too much longer to wait to see the spine specialist. Ice will usually work just about as well as pain medication, but you have to use it at least several times per day...15-20 minutes per hour, round the clock is OK. Just be careful to protect the skin...and place the ice pack over the lower lumbar area.
Sit as little as possible as it puts 30% more stress on the discs than other positions. If you have to sit, get up about every 30 minutes and walk around for a couple minutes.
One thing you could try is the following: lie on your back on the floor with your body in a straight line, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Place your arms close to your sides, palms facing up toward the ceiling. Relax and breathe from the belly and just lie in this position for about 5 minutes at a time. It should feel relaxing as it gives the discs a chance to unload.
I am post fusion, could not lay on back prior. But now i rotate all night. Either on back, knees bent with a foam.triangle wedge under knees or just use a.foam.or.big pillow. You can even rest the knees down some and it feels.Good for me, and.takes.pressure off lumbar. On the side, you always want a.pillow between your knees. You may not feel.it but it really takes.off lumbar pressure. I also for a.while.found pillows against my back, like if laying on a Couch how.the back of it supports your back if you lay on your side helps. Laying on the floor.scares me.for myself or anyone else as I e had times.where I felt fine Got on floor, did stretches,.but then hurt myself getting up or.could not get up at all, so maybe try your bed instead of.the actual floor.
Relafen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is given for osteoarthritis and similar conditions that involve inflammation. It is similar to an over the counter NSAID such as advil or aleve.
Luckily you don't have too much longer to wait to see the spine specialist. Ice will usually work just about as well as pain medication, but you have to use it at least several times per day...15-20 minutes per hour, round the clock is OK. Just be careful to protect the skin...and place the ice pack over the lower lumbar area.
Sit as little as possible as it puts 30% more stress on the discs than other positions. If you have to sit, get up about every 30 minutes and walk around for a couple minutes.
One thing you could try is the following: lie on your back on the floor with your body in a straight line, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Place your arms close to your sides, palms facing up toward the ceiling. Relax and breathe from the belly and just lie in this position for about 5 minutes at a time. It should feel relaxing as it gives the discs a chance to unload.
When u say unload, does that mean take away the pressure on the discs? Ever since i had my EPI and i lay down i feel alot of pressure on my spine. It hurts!!
First, you said you are seeing a specialist. What type of doctor are you seeing? Neurosurgeon? Orthopedist? Whoever you do see just make sure that they are trained in spine issues and that they treat spines. You need someone specifically in this area.
As to pain management I would leave it in the hands of the specialist as to what the best treatment is as to type of medications that you should or shouldn't be on.
Let us know how you make out at the appointment. Good luck.
Thank you so much for the ideas.. I am trying everything!! sleeping is very hard, i only get a few hrs then I am up from the pain.. I have tried laying on the floor.. but I have all hard wood.. and that hurts too!! This is going to be the longes week ever waiting to see this Dr!! He is a orthopedic, he came highly reccomended by my GP. Thanks again!! you are a wonderful helpful bunch!
I went to visit my Mother for the holiday weekend and the 3 hr drive has left me in agonizing pain.. I have tried Ice, heat, the relafen.. is there anything else you could suggest to me?? 
