Back pain, how to you threat it?

[DMR]

Looking for some other old timers methods of dealing with back injuries. I have done the various PT routines and various meds to attempt to bring down the problems, but they persist.

The problem, herniated disk at T-6/7 with a bone spur. I can reach up and touch it 24/7 to show were the problem is. Meds that allow me to function as a member of sociaty don't touch it. Also, the prime reason I retired.

History, 20 years in the Infantry, mostly with the 10th MTN. 1 Fast Roping fall that had me recovering for a few months, and the usual grunt problems. Surgury was not recommended by either of the specialists I have seen.

I spend 8 hours a day sitting at a computer or in meetings at work, another hour on the road, then second job and chasing two very active kids. In the summer I coach soccer and my wife has recently needled me into a yoga class with her.

With that in mind I'm looking forward to some feedback on things that have worked for you.

[Derek_Connor]

I work in the field of Spine Surgery.

Having a HNP/Bone Spur combo at T6-7 is nothing to be ignored. There isn't much PT/chiropractors/pain meds can do for impingement/cord compression in the thoracic level.

Most surgeons do not want to touch this area of the spine for multiple reasons. Being thoracic, close to the Artery of Adamkiewicz, and so on. On top of the obvious risks..

I have personally scene micro-endoscopic decompressions done at levels such as these. The surgeons you saw probably have never done them, and its probably why they didn't recommend surgery.

Depending on the location and size of the herniation, you could be a high risk for beginning stages of Myelopathy (cord edema, paralysis, etc). Not to scare you, just throwing it out there.

I'd recommend seeing ANOTHER doctor. Ensure he/she is a Neurosurgeon, has a fellowship in Spine Surgery, and try to find one that specializes in Endoscopic Decompressions/Discectomies.

[geminidglocker]

I use a TENS unit on my back. It helps, but I wish I could get one that ran on 120v AC, it might work better.

[DMR]

I need the 220v DC one myself, the 9v just takes the edge off.

Derek_Connor,

We only have Orthopaedic Surgery localy. Their spine specialist seems to have retired since I was last seen and I have not checked the VA in Syracuse, although they did do the disablity exam. Maybe I do need to get it relooked. It "went out" for the first time two years ago which was the last time I had it looked at. It took half the pharmacy for them to get me to a sitting position, but that was low back.

The problems have been worse for the last two months, including a period that it felt like there was swelling in that area.

[Derek_Connor]

I need the 220v DC one myself, the 9v just takes the edge off.

Derek_Connor,

We only have Orthopaedic Surgery localy. Their spine specialist seems to have retired since I was last seen and I have not checked the VA in Syracuse, although they did do the disablity exam. Maybe I do need to get it relooked. It "went out" for the first time two years ago which was the last time I had it looked at. It took half the pharmacy for them to get me to a sitting position, but that was low back.

The problems have been worse for the last two months, including a period that it felt like there was swelling in that area.

DMR, understood.

I mean this in the most sincere way, take the time and go into a large city close to you, and try to get an appointment asap.

Being a T6-7, if you find the right doc, you will more than likely be put as priority.

MEDs have a very high success rate for immediate pain relief from what Ive seen.

If it has been progressing or the last 2 months faster than it has before, I'd venture a guess without looking at your scans, that more cord is being pinched..

[Derek_Connor]

DMR,

If you want, PM me your location, I might be able to recommend a doc, if that would help.

[trappernana]

This topic has dominated my entire life for the last three years. My advice would be to take it extremely serious and see as many speciallists as you can. I would also say that regardless of what the doctors say X-rays and MRI's are not perfect. They completely missed the fact that I had 3 vertabra that were totaly smashed. How in the HELL do you miss that? I'm 40 and they say I'll never work again.It's BULLSHIT!!!Any way I'm sorry to vent, but back to you,All I can say is PLEASE don't blow this off as something that will pass. take it seriously and take care of yourself. I'm sure there are many loved ones around you that want you fit and happy. Best of luck and you are more than welcome to PM me if you want to.

[geminidglocker]

This topic has dominated my entire life for the last three years. My advice would be to take it extremely serious and see as many speciallists as you can. I would also say that regardless of what the doctors say X-rays and MRI's are not perfect. They completely missed the fact that I had 3 vertabra that were totaly smashed. How in the HELL do you miss that? I'm 40 and they say I'll never work again.It's BULLSHIT!!!Any way I'm sorry to vent, but back to you,All I can say is PLEASE don't blow this off as something that will pass. take it seriously and take care of yourself. I'm sure there are many loved ones around you that want you fit and happy. Best of luck and you are more than welcome to PM me if you want to.

Well said, and I add to that, don't trust the VA, when it comes to my back they have been essentialy useless.

[d90king]

Have had back problems for 27 years, ever since getting hit by a car on my bike. I refuse to go under the knife and simply use meds as needed. Sucks but sometimes its the only way to get relief. I do as much back PT as I can endure....

[Derek_Connor]

DMR - got your PM. Will take me a business day or so to grab a reference for up-state new york..

They completely missed the fact that I had 3 vertabra that were totaly smashed. How in the HELL do you miss that?

Negligence, on either the MRI/CT Tech that took your scan, the Radiologist, and/or the surgeon? If you really had 3 fractured vertebral bodies...wow.

I dont want to come across as a cutter advocate, or surgery is the only fix. Definitely isn't. But when you have gross abnormality in the thoracic spine, that are becoming acute over 2 months, its time to seek surgical intervention. People work and function just fine with lumbar herniations all day everyday, but thoracic cord is a whole new animal.

The probably with waiting on things like these, is the older you get, the more calcified/hardened your discs become, you lose bone density, you lose disc height, and the chances of them re-fusing you and preserving any remaining mobility decreases with age. And of course all of the internal considerations, complications with anesthesia, recovery time, etc.

I wish everyone the best..back pain truly sucks.