bad back/back paiin

[krazykop1299]

Since 2006, I have had 3 back surgeries, two in the last year. Anyway, my back has been hurting for the last few months, so, I sucke it up and went to urgent care, who said there was nothing wrong. I didn't buy that and went to my family dt, who sent me in for an mri.

The mri showed 2 herniated discs, at L-1 / L-2 & L-4 / L-5. ZL 4 / L-5 is where the 3 prior surgeries were done. Right nowe, it feels like I have some swelling and a lot of stiffness.

My question to those geezers with bad backs is what to do you to to cut down on the stiffness and pain ? The pain down the back of my legs and unsteadiness when I stand up after sitting is driving me up the wall !!!

[Fidget]

Lyrica has seemed to help dull the pain a little without being "heavy pain medicine". So that has been positive for me.
But I don't go anywhere without advil, but that is more for the anti-inflamatory aspect than pain management.

Beyond that I can only recommend a quality bourbon.

[Jameyt (founder)]

My bad back turned out to be kidney stones. I wish you luck. My buddy has had consistent bad back pain issues. He has a Rx for medical marijuana.

[ZDadGeezer]

Check out therapeutic massage from a licensed reputable practitioner. If you have not yet done so Consult your personal physician and discuss a pain management regimen.Also a good Zero G chair might be worth investigating to take the strain off the spine. I also agree with everyone else to go the numbing route(within reason).

Hmm.. I wonder if the pharma folks I work for would stake me on a medical marijuana farm???

[Furgus (mod)]

I've had cortisone shots a few times, and physical therapy. My last 2 discs (can't remember what the numbers are) are all out of Jelly. I have been pretty good for a few years, but I have put one a few pounds and I definitely notice my back acting up if I put on weight.

EDIT-I know you've had surgery but check out this TED talk on Chronic Pain, it is pretty cool, but not sure it relates...ahh who cares, watch it anyways
http://www.ted.com/talks/elliot_kran...onic_pain.html

[Ironwolf {council}]

I use electro-stim acupuncture. it helped me with a compressed sacrum as well as a grade 2 tear of my ACL. It helps promote healing by delivering blood to hard to reach places. It can also help with some of the pain. I also have a bulging disc that causes Sciatica. It has helped with that in the past. Of course it won't fix your herniated discs, but it could help with the stiffness and pain.

[Artillery Angel]

... Medical Marijuana... What is that ??? OOOoooo That is illegal in any form in Ohio! Ha Ha ! All fun aside .. I herniated a disk years back . For the most part it does not trouble me , but when it feels like nagging I use the method that I used to heal it initially. I sleep on the floor. After the first eve I feel a bit better . After the second I am ready to go . I lift cases of beer at work(and occasionally FORCE myself to drink one...) , so yes it takes it's toll on an old back injury. Best of luck to you !! Feel better!

[mtnbkscul]

I lift cases of beer at work(and occasionally FORCE myself to drink one...)

Oh the horror!

[Artillery Angel]

Oh the horror!

Even WORSE .... sometimes (to lighten the load of course) I am forced to drink..... 2!!!!

[mtnbkscul]

Even WORSE .... sometimes (to lighten the load of course) I am forced to drink..... 2!!!!

"LALALALALALALALALALA... I can't hear you!"