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November 22, 2009
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Patient Discussions: Lower Back Pain - Effective Treatments

Lower Back Pain - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your lower back pain?

Comment submissions for this question have ended. Patient Discussions FAQs


Related Article: Lower Back Pain

The following Patient Discussions have not been medically reviewed. See additional information.



Comment from: johnboy365, 55-64 Male (Patient)

I'm a 57-year-old male. I have terrible lower back pain mostly related to a head injury in 2004. The doctor had to do a four-layer fusion in my neck and block L-4. From that point, my lower back has gotten out of control. I take Vicodin 10, four to five times a day, plus I wear a Duragesic pain patch. The problem is mostly L-5, S-1. They want to do surgery; maybe it's my only hope. Published: April 22 ::

Comment from: PJWoods, 45-54 Female (Patient)

I was in a car accident in April. I told the doctors that my pain was in my lower back, right side, and down my right leg. Finally, in September, they did another MRI and found a bulging disc in my L5.S1 area. I have had 3 ESI's done, and no relief. They are ordering a back brace next, and I am asking for a Nerve Block. The pain is getting so severe, that even with my pain medication (Lorcet plus 7.5/650) every 6 - 8 hours, and a soma 350 at night, I am still at a level 6-8. I am having spasms, and it runs down my right leg. I am in tears at work, where I sit for 2 hours at a time. (I work in Accounting) I am 45 years old. Is there any hope for me to get back to a normal life? Where I can load my dishwasher, do my grocery shopping, or even just drive to see my family 3 1/2 hours away? And do my job, without tears? Please someone tell me there is hope. I am so upset to be hurting for so long and it is only getting worse. Published: January 22 ::

I recently had a total disc replacement, Pro-Disc L5-S1. I felt relief after the surgery, but 8 days later I was hospitalized for a blood clot in the leg. I also had knots in both calves and the gluteal area. Spent a total of 17 days in the hospital, on and off. After my release the pain in my back was gone. I could sit and drive without that horrible pain. It was great! I was placed on Coumadin for the clots. A week or so later, I started experiencing pain in my pelvic area, buttocks and lower back. Very intense. My PT count was 4.7 and should have been 2.0. I don't know what has happened. I now have horrible burning in my gluts and lower back. Did I pull a muscle or could this be related to bleeding from the rat poison, Coumadin? Published: July 25 ::

Look, I'm 37 yrs. old and have had chronic LBP for 8 yrs now because I fractured my L-4. Anyway treat your LBP with a combination of Drugs and Physical Therapy. After you feel like you can, start doing light to moderate exercise, try and do some that your doctor recommends. I have been symptom free for a year with the odd pain from a long day notwithstanding. The main reason so many people keep getting hit with LBP is being lazy or too busy for exercise. I have been in the military for 17+ yrs and I can’t set the right example for my soldiers if I can’t train with them. Just try it, I promise your quality of life will take a turn for the better! Published: July 22 ::

Comment from: Rachel B, 25-34 Female (Caregiver)

Massage Therapy is a great, non-invasive method of treating chronic back pain. It increases circulation to the muscles which helps speed recovery from injuries. Medical Massage can help to alleviate tension and break up adhesions, or knots, which may contribute to discomfort and pain. Published: October 28 ::

Comment from: Rodster, 55-64 Male (Patient)

I am a 64 year old male and have suffered from severe lower back pain for at least 30 years. The pain is not constant - or I would go crazy. I find relief from the pain by doing stretching and strengthening exercises. After about 2 weeks of exercises the pain diminishes or ceases all together. I should keep up the exercises constantly but, being human, when the pain disappears, I stop the exercises. Published: October 28 ::

Comment from: vglamour21, 65-74 Female (Patient)

The only relief I have had for my lower back pain that lasted for only a few days is cortisone epidural. Published: October 08 ::

Comment from: 45-54 Male (Patient)

Norflex works well for the healing of my lower back pain. Published: October 08 ::

Comment from: dr Wanda, 65-74 Female (Patient)

I had a disectomy at L4 L6 May 7. The herniation was vertical instead of horizontal. I had a wash out on June 14, and have done fairly well, sometimes of intense pain on two weekends. Last Friday I had physical therapy felt fine, went to work, I am a psychotherapist so I sat all day, About ten o clock I experienced severe pain, locked up back. This continued through Saturday, when I was unable to move without intense, intense pain. I scheduled an acupuncture treatment, with little relief. Movement of any kind is excruciating. I take hydrocodeine and muscle relaxants and use heat. Published: August 18 ::


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